NIAIS - latest insights trends in information and technology

Tech Info , Tech Hub

Are You Being Tracked by an AirTag? Here’s How to Find Outent

AirTags use Bluetooth LE to connect to Apple’s Find My community. Here’s how they function:

05 Apr, 2025

Stay Connected

Introduction
AirTags are small monitoring gadgets designed by Apple to help users locate their lost gadgets. They are distinctly useful for maintaining music, keys, wallets, baggage, and even pets. However, those same devices can be exploited for unlawful monitoring.
If an AirTag has been slipped into your bag, automobile, or private property without your knowledge, a person can be following your every move. Apple has carried out security measures to prevent this, however, it’s nevertheless critical to realize the way to find and get rid of an unknown AirTag.
This article will guide you through the signs of being tracked, a way to find a hidden AirTag, and the steps to take in case you locate one.
How Air Tags Work
AirTags use Bluetooth LE to connect to Apple’s Find My community. Here’s how they function:
Each AirTag emits a Bluetooth signal that nearby Apple devices can discover.
These devices relay the AirTag’s vicinity back to the owner through iCloud, allowing them to track it on a map.
Apple has privacy protections, such as notifying iPhone customers if an unknown AirTag is transferring with them.
While Apple has built-in safeguards, those features don’t constantly work flawlessly, and Android users have fewer protections. That’s why it’s vital to take more precautions.
Signs You Might Be Tracked by an AirTag
How are you able to know if someone is using an AirTag to track you? Here are some caution symptoms:

1) Unexpected Notifications on Your iPhone

If you have an iPhone, you might get an alert announcing:

“AirTag Found Moving With You.”

This means an AirTag that doesn’t belong to you is visiting with you.

2) Strange Beeping Sounds

Apple designed AirTags to emit a sound if they are separated from their owner for too long. If you hear a high-pitched beeping noise that you don’t understand, it might be an AirTag seeking to alert you.

3) Finding an Unknown AirTag in Your Belongings

If you find a small, coin-sized tool in your bag, coat pocket, or vehicle, which you don’t understand, it can be an AirTag planted there without your knowledge.

How to Detect an Unwanted AirTag

If you suspect an AirTag is monitoring you, here’s how you may check:

1) Using an iPhone:

Open the Find My app.
Tap Items and look for “Unknown AirTag Detected.”
If an AirTag is located, you can play a sound to assist in discovering it.

2) Using an Android Phone:

Apple launched a free Android app called Tracker Detect, which can test for AirTags. However, Android users won’t receive computerized alerts like iPhone customers.

3) Manually Checking for AirTags:

Look in your bags, wallet, and underneath your car seats.
Use a Bluetooth scanner app (like LightBlue or BLE Scanner) to discover unknown Bluetooth indicators.

What to Do If You Find an Unknown AirTag

If you confirm that an AirTag is tracking you, comply with these steps:

1) Disable the AirTag

Hold the AirTag’s white side towards your iPhone.
Tap the notification that appears.
Follow the instructions to do away with its battery.

2) Report to Authorities

If you trust you're being stalked, contact nearby law enforcement. You can provide them with the AirTag’s serial number, which may also assist in becoming aware of the owner.

3) Prevent Future Tracking

Regularly take a look at your assets.
Be cautious in public locations where someone may want to slip an AirTag onto you.

Apple’s Anti-Stalking Features

Apple has taken steps to prevent unwanted monitoring, such as:

iPhone notifications while an unknown AirTag follows you.
Play the Sound function to help find hidden AirTags.
Limited tracking time before an AirTag alerts close by users.

However, Android users do not get hold of automatic alerts, making it crucial to scan manually in case you suspect monitoring.

How to Prevent Being Tracked Using an AirTag

While Apple has brought security functions to limit AirTag misuse, it’s nevertheless critical to take proactive measures to protect yourself. Here’s how:

1) Regularly Check Your Belongings

Before leaving public places, take a look at your baggage, coat, wallet, and car for any unusual gadgets.
If you frequently use shared spaces like public transportation or rideshare offerings, be extra vigilant.

2) Keep Your Phone Updated

Apple frequently updates iOS with improved AirTag safety functions.
Ensure your Find My settings are enabled to acquire indicators.

3) Use a Bluetooth Scanner

For both iPhone and Android users, third-party Bluetooth scanner apps can assist in discovering unknown monitoring devices nearby. Apps like BLE Scanner or AirGuard (Android) can discover hidden AirTags.

4) Consider an Anti-Tracking Device

Some RF detectors and signal blockers can help detect AirTags. However, these are more advanced and might not be practical for normal use.

What Happens When You Disable an AirTag?

If you find an unknown AirTag, you may be surprised what happens when you disable it. Here’s what to expect:

1) Can the Owner Still Track You?

No, as soon as the battery is removed, the AirTag stops transmitting location information to the owner.

2) Will the Owner Be Notified?

Yes, if an AirTag stops updating its location, the owner will see the area it was in vicinity, but they won’t recognise who determined it or where it turned into disabled.

3) How to Permanently Disable an AirTag

To fully disable an AirTag:

Press down on the acowl again and twist it counterclockwise.
Remove the battery.
If necessary, file it to the police with the serial number located within the AirTag.

Legal Consequences of AirTag Stalking

Tracking someone without their consent is unlawful in many nations. Here’s what you want to realize:

1) Laws Against Unauthorized Tracking

In America, numerous states have legal guidelines against digital monitoring without consent.
In Europe, GDPR and privacy laws restrict unauthorized area monitoring.
In other areas, stalking legal guidelines may additionally practice to AirTag misuse.

2) What to Do If You Are Being Stalked

Contact the police right now if you believe you're in danger.
Document any incidents, such as notifications and suspicious behavior.
Provide the AirTag’s serial number to the government—it can help trace the owner.

3) How to File a Report

Go to your local police station.
Provide evidence (screenshots, notifications, and the AirTag itself).
If possible, show patterns of monitoring behavior.

Many regulation enforcement groups take tracking device misuse severely, so it’s well worth reporting.

Final Thoughts

AirTags are a beneficial device for locating lost objects, but they also can be misused for stalking and monitoring human beings without consent. While Apple has introduced security features, it’s nevertheless important to stay conscious and proactive in detecting undesirable monitoring.

1) Key Takeaways:

Be alert for abnormal sounds or notifications.
Use your cellphone (iPhone or Android) to scan for unknown AirTags.
If you discover an AirTag, disable it by way of getting rid of the battery.
Report any incidents of unwanted tracking to authorities.

By staying informed and taking precautions, you may guard yourself from undesirable AirTag tracking.

FAQs

Can an AirTag play music to me if my cell phone is off?

No, AirTags require a nearby device with Bluetooth enabled to relay their location. If your cellphone is off, you won’t receive alerts, but the AirTag can nevertheless be tracked by other Apple gadgets.

How long does it take for an AirTag to notify me if I’m being tracked?

If you have an iPhone, you must receive an “Unknown AirTag Moving With You” alert within some hours of continuous monitoring. On Android, you have to manually test for AirTags.