A tracking error detecting circuit is used in a magnetic reproducing apparatus for reproducing an information signal from tracks which are formed on a magnetic tape obliquely in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape. The tracks have selectively recorded thereon a pilot signal multiplexed with the information signal. The tracking error detecting circuit comprises: a rotating magnetic head scanning the tracks for reproducing the information signal on which the pilot signal is selectively multiplexed to obtain a reproduced signal; a comparator for comparing a level of the reproduced signal with a specified level and for issuing a binary signal representing a comparison result; and a level detecting circuit for detecting a level of the pilot signal contained in the reproduced signal from an output of the comparator.
