Have you ever seen something you wanted to buy, only to hesitate, wondering if the price would drop soon? It could be a cool gadget or maybe a gift that’s been on your mind. Instead of checking the website daily—who has that kind of time?—there’s actually a feature on your phone that can help with that.
For iPhone users, Apple’s Safari offers a way to monitor changes on webpages. And if you’re using a Google device, its shopping tools allow for price tracking on various products. This means you can focus your energy on figuring out if a deal is genuinely good, rather than constantly refreshing pages. I’ll guide you through how to set up alerts on an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, and a Google Pixel.
How to Get Price-Drop Alerts on iPhone Running iOS 27
With iOS 27, Apple’s Safari launched a feature called “Notify Me.” This allows you to ask Safari to keep an eye on certain products. For instance, you could set it up to alert you when a pair of headphones drops below a certain price, like $150. It can even notify you when an out-of-stock item becomes available again. Pretty handy, right?
Keep in mind, though, that it’s not a foolproof system—if Safari doesn’t detect the change, you won’t get an alert. Also, “Notify Me” requires Apple Intelligence, so it will only work on compatible models like the iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Steps to Set Up Safari Notify Me
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Go to the product’s webpage you want to track.
- Tap the Page Menu (it looks like a puzzle piece).
- Select “Notify Me.”
- Choose a suggested request or type in what you’d like Safari to monitor.
- To adjust how frequently Safari checks the page, hit “Edit” and choose your interval.
- Tap the checkmark to finalize.
- If prompted, allow notifications on your iPhone.
Safari then checks the page according to your selected interval and will notify you of any changes. You could even monitor things like event tickets, but remember, the updates might not be instant.
Can You Track Prices on an iPhone Without Apple Intelligence?
Sure! If you have a standard iPhone 15 or another model that isn’t compatible with “Notify Me,” you can still track prices using Google Chrome. Chrome provides price tracking for iPhones on iOS 15 and up, and you do need to be signed in to your Google account for it to work.
Steps to Track Prices Using Chrome on iPhone
- Open Google Chrome.
- Go to the product page you want to monitor.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the corner.
- Select “Track Price,” if that option is available.
- Scroll to choose the product you want to track.
- Hit “Track,” then “Done.”
- Allow Chrome to send notifications if asked.
You can manage which products you’re tracking through the same three-dot menu in Chrome. But if “Track Price” isn’t showing up, it could be that it’s not available for that product or account. You might want to try searching the product in the Google app and look for tracking options there.
How to Get Price-Drop Alerts on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel
For those with Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel devices, you can use Google’s shopping tools. It’s usually easiest to start with the Google app, which is similar on both devices. Chrome can also indicate price drops if you’ve left relevant shopping tabs open.
How to Track a Product Using the Google App
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Tap the search bar and enter the product name you’re interested in.
- Look for a product image showing its name and price in the search results.
- Tap the image or name for more details.
- If available, find and tap “Track price” or the bell icon for tracking.
- Select any additional options like size or color.
- If prompted, choose your desired price and confirm.
You’ll receive notifications when the product reaches your selected price point, but ensure you’re signed into your Google account and notifications are enabled.
How to Track Prices Directly in Chrome on Android
Another useful choice is using Chrome, as it can actively track prices on supported product pages and alert you to any drops without leaving the tab open.
Here’s how to start:
- Open Chrome on your device.
- Visit the product page.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right.
- Select “Track prices” if it’s available.
- If prompted, follow the instructions to enable tracking.
You can find your tracked items under Chrome’s menu in “Bookmarks.” For setting up alerts, check the Google services section in Chrome settings to manage notifications.
Google’s New Universal Cart
Google recently introduced the Universal Cart in the U.S., which lets you track products from multiple retailers in one place. After saving items, Google will monitor their prices and alert you when they change. This is particularly useful if you’re looking at various retailers for the same item, like a TV.
Why You Might Not See Price-Tracking Options
If you can’t find “Notify Me” or “Track price,” it might be due to your phone model, account settings, or because the website doesn’t support tracking. To get things working, ensure your apps and browsers are up to date. For Apple’s “Notify Me,” a compatible device is required, while Google’s tracking features also need you to be logged into your account.
Some products simply don’t have tracking options available. If that’s the case, check another retailer’s listing for the same item, as what’s offered can vary significantly.
Things to Double-Check After a Price Alert
A lower price can be tempting, especially when you get a notification. But, before rushing to buy, here are a few things to quickly consider:
- Check price history. Look at the historical pricing for perspective on whether the current deal is exceptional.
- Consider total costs. Remember that final prices can include shipping, taxes, and extras.
- Verify the product version. Make sure you’re getting the right model or features that fit your needs.
A price alert indicates something has changed, but it doesn’t guarantee the lowest price.
A Quick Note on Privacy
Using price tracking can come with a privacy trade-off. Google’s tools require your account to manage alerts, and some Chrome features may need additional settings to work effectively. You might want to consider whether the convenience is worth it given the information being shared.
A Shopping Safety Reminder
Be cautious with clicking on price-drop alerts or links from unknown sources as they could lead to scams. Having good antivirus protection can help detect dangerous links and other online threats.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how often I’ve stared at something online, told myself I’d wait, and then completely forgot to check back. That’s why I appreciate having my phone do some of the monitoring. With features like Safari’s “Notify Me” and Google’s tracking capabilities, it can really save you a bit of money without spending all your free time scrolling through websites.
Have you encountered a situation where you bought something, only for it to drop in price shortly after? Would you consider letting your phone do the price tracking, or do you enjoy hunting for those deals yourself? Share your thoughts with us.
