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AirTags are designed to help people keep track of personal belongings like keys, wallets, and bags. However, some have also raised concerns about privacy and unauthorised tracking. If you’re wondering how to know if an AirTag is tracking you, and how to block it, Apple has built-in safety features to help. There are also other methods you can use outside of Apple’s own processes.
If you suspect that someone has placed an AirTag near you without your permission, whether in your car, bag, or personal space, this guide will walk you through how to find, detect, and disable an unknown AirTag to keep your privacy intact.
What You’ll Learn in This Article
- How to find an AirTag on an iPhone if one is tracking you.
- How to check for AirTags manually or with Apple’s tracking alerts.
- How to detect an AirTag on an iPhone using Bluetooth scanners.
- How to disable an AirTag if it is tracking you.
- What to do if you find a suspicious AirTag and how to report it.
- Best practices to protect your privacy from unwanted tracking.
The Basics
How AirTags Work
AirTags use Apple’s Find My network, allowing owners to track their lost items. They send Bluetooth signals to nearby Apple devices, which relay the location back to the owner. You can pop one in a rucksack or other valuable possession, and you’ll be able to see where it goes if it is stolen or lost. While this technology is useful, it can also be exploited for unauthorised tracking.
Why You Should Check for Unwanted AirTags
Apple has introduced security measures to prevent AirTags from being used maliciously, but they are not foolproof. Some common reasons to check for hidden AirTags include:
- Unexpected notifications from Find My about an AirTag moving with you.
- Hearing unfamiliar beeping sounds coming from an unknown location.
- Suspicious behaviour from someone who may have placed an AirTag near you.
How to Find an AirTag on iPhone
If an unknown AirTag is detected near you, your iPhone will alert you with a “Found Moving With You” notification. Here’s how to check:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Items.
- Look for Unknown AirTag Detected.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to locate and disable it.
How to Check for AirTags Using Apple’s Tracking Alerts
Apple has built-in alerts that notify users of unknown AirTags. If you receive an alert:
- Tap on the notification.
- Select Play Sound to make the AirTag emit a noise.
3. Follow the sound to locate the AirTag.
4. If the AirTag is found, check for its serial number and report it if necessary.
How to Find an AirTag Near Me
To locate nearby AirTags:
- Open Find My on your iPhone.
- Tap Items.
- Select Identify Found Item to scan for nearby AirTags.
- Follow the instructions to locate the AirTag.
How to Detect an AirTag on iPhone
iPhones automatically detect AirTags, but you can also manually check:
- Open Find My.
- Tap Items.
- Check for any unfamiliar AirTags in the list.
How to Find a Hidden AirTag with Bluetooth Scanners
If you suspect an AirTag is hidden but your iPhone hasn’t detected it, or you don’t have an iPhone, you can use a Bluetooth scanner:
Recommended Bluetooth Scanner Apps:
- LightBlue
- BLE Scanner
Steps to Use a Bluetooth Scanner:
- Download and open the scanner app and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Look for devices labelled “AirTag” or unfamiliar Bluetooth IDs.
- Move around to see which device signal is strongest.
- Locate and remove the AirTag.
How to Disable an Unknown AirTag
Once you’ve found an unknown AirTag, you should disable it to stop tracking:
Steps to Disable an AirTag:
- Press down on the stainless steel back of the AirTag.
- Twist counterclockwise until the back cover comes off.
- Remove the battery to disable the AirTag.
This is easier if you place the tag on the palm of your hand with the stainless steel section facing up. Press on either side of the Apple logo with two fingers and twist anti-clockwise. It should pop off.
What to Do If You Find a Suspicious AirTag
If you find an AirTag that is not yours:
- Scan it with your iPhone by tapping it against the AirTag.
- Check if it’s lost – some AirTags are misplaced rather than used for tracking.
- Report it to law enforcement if you suspect malicious use.
- Disable the AirTag by removing the battery.
Final Thoughts: Stay Aware and Protect Your Privacy
Apple’s safety alerts help detect unknown AirTags, but if you ever suspect that you’re being tracked, take immediate action by checking your iPhone alerts, scanning for unknown devices, and disabling any unauthorised AirTags.
