Airtags can help you keep track of your most valuable items. But, others can also use them to keep track of you without your consent. The voice and data solutions professionals at Constructure Technologies explain how to know if an airtag is tracking you and what to do about it:

6 Ways to Know if an AirTag is Tracking You

1: You receive an alert

One of the first indications that an AirTag may be tracking you is receiving an alert on your Apple device. If your phone detects an unknown AirTag moving with you over time, you’ll get a notification like: “Unknown AirTag Detected Near You.”

2: Turn on tracking notifications

To ensure you receive alerts for this, enable tracking notifications in your device’s settings. For iPhone users, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and turn on System Services.

Within the “Find My” settings, you’ll see options for tracking notifications that can alert you when unknown AirTags are nearby.

3: Check “Find My”

The “Find My” app on iOS provides a direct way to see any nearby devices connected to the Apple Find My network. This includes AirTags.

Open the app, go to the Items tab, and look for any unfamiliar devices or AirTags that may be moving with you. If there is an AirTag in your vicinity that seems separated from its owner, it will appear here.

4: Play a sound

If you suspect an AirTag is tracking you, you can use the “Find My” app to play a sound on the AirTag. This makes it easier to locate if it’s hidden on you or your belongings.

This feature is especially useful if the AirTag is somewhere discreet, like in a bag or car. Simply select the suspicious AirTag and choose Play Sound. The AirTag will emit a noise, allowing you to locate it.

5: Check the AirTag details if you find one

If you locate an AirTag that you believe may be tracking you, hold your phone near it. The AirTag will display details like the device serial number and, if available, the owner’s phone number. This can be useful if you need to contact law enforcement or report the incident.

6: Disabling the AirTag

Once you’ve identified an unwanted AirTag, it’s essential to disable it to stop tracking. To do this, twist off the back cover of the AirTag to remove its battery. This action immediately cuts off the AirTag from tracking you.

Advice for Android Users:

Android users are still protected against unknown AirTag tracking thanks to Google’s “unknown tracker alerts”. This works on Android 6.0 and newer. The feature automatically scans for AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers that might be moving with you. It will notify you if one is detected nearby.

With this built-in security feature, you don’t need to download a separate app from the Google Play Store. Just ensure that your Android phone’s location and Bluetooth settings are active so the alerts can work effectively. Constructure Technologies offers cybersecurity solutions to small-to-medium sized businesses. Follow our blog to learn more about cybersecurity, voice and data network solutions, and more.