How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you
AirTag tracking refers to the use of Apple’s AirTag device to monitor the location of items such as keys, bags, wallets, or other belongings. AirTags utilize a combination of Bluetooth and the Find My network to help users locate lost or misplaced items. The owner can use the Find My app to locate the item with the AirTag attached to it on a map, play a sound to help locate it if it’s nearby, or put it into Lost Mode, which notifies the owner when the item is found by another Apple user.
AirTag tracking is designed to be secure and private, with built-in measures to protect user privacy. For example, AirTags are designed to emit encrypted signals that only Apple devices can decipher, and they also incorporate privacy features to prevent them from being used for unauthorized tracking purposes.
How to know if an AirTag is tracking you
An AirTag is a small, coin-sized device that utilizes Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My network to help users keep track of their belongings. While AirTags serve a practical purpose in helping locate lost items, there is a legitimate concern about their potential misuse for tracking people. In this guide, we’ll explore how to identify if an AirTag is being used to track you without your consent. There are a few steps you can take to check:
- You may receive an alert on your iPhone
- Check that your Tracking Notifications are on
- Check the Find My app
- Play a sound on AirTag
- If you found an AirTag, check its information
- Disable the AirTag
You may receive an alert on your iPhone
If an AirTag that isn’t with its owner is detected by your iPhone and your iPhone is awake, it may notify you that the AirTag is nearby. This is another feature designed to help prevent unwanted tracking and to protect your privacy and safety. It’s part of Apple’s efforts to ensure that AirTags are used responsibly and ethically.
Apple’s Find My network extends beyond AirTags to include other accessories like AirPods, Pro, and AirPods Max. If any of these items are moved while separated from their owners, they can play a sound to help locate them. It’s a convenient feature to help users quickly find their belongings if they’ve been misplaced or lost.
Check that your Tracking Notifications are on
You’re not receiving alerts for unknown AirTags nearby, you might want to check if your tracking notifications are turned on. Here’s how you can do that:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Privacy.”
- Tap on “Location Services.”
- Go to System Services.
- Scroll down and turn on “Find My” and “Significant Locations”.
- Go to settings and then turn on “Bluetooth”.
- Below that, ensure that the toggle next to “Find My iPhone” is turned on.
- Scroll down and under “Notifications,” make sure the toggle next to “Notify When Found” is turned on.
Following these steps should ensure that your iPhone will alert you if it detects an unknown AirTag or other Find My network accessory nearby.
Check the Find My app
“Check the Find My app” refers to the action of opening the Find My app on an Apple device, such as an iPhone or iPad, to review the location of various Apple devices and accessories associated with the user’s Apple ID. It allows users to track the location of their devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirPods, as well as any other items linked through the Find My network, such as AirTags. By checking the Find My app, users can ensure security and locate the whereabouts of their devices and accessories.
To check the Find My app:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the “Items” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- You should see a list of items associated with your Apple ID, including any AirTags or other Find My network accessories.
- If any unknown items are listed, it could indicate that they are nearby and not with their owner.
By regularly checking the Find My app, you can stay informed about the location of your devices and accessories and take appropriate action if any unauthorized or unknown items are detected.
Play a sound on AirTag
Play a sound on AirTag refers to the feature available through the Find My app that allows users to trigger their AirTag to emit a sound. This feature is helpful when trying to locate an AirTag that is nearby but may be out of sight, such as when it’s hidden under cushions or in a bag. By playing a sound on the AirTag, users can follow the sound to quickly locate the item to which the AirTag is attached. It’s a convenient way to find misplaced items within Bluetooth range.
To play a sound on an AirTag using the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
- Locate and open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on the “Items” tab.
- Locate the AirTag in the list of items and tap on it to view its details.
- Within the details screen of the AirTag, there should be an option labeled “Play Sound.” Tap on this option.
- Then AirTag will emit a sound to help you locate it.
Keep in mind that the Play Sound feature works best when the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of your device. If the AirTag is out of range, it may not respond to the sound command. Also, make sure your device’s volume is turned up so you can hear the sound emitted by the AirTag.
If you found an AirTag, check its information
If you have an iPhone or an NFC-enabled device, like an iPhone, scans an AirTag, it triggers a notification that prompts the user to tap the notification. Tapping the notification opens Safari and directs the user to a website associated with Apple’s Find My network. On this website, the AirTag’s serial number and potentially the last four digits of the owner’s phone number are displayed. This allows the person who found the AirTag to contact the owner or return the item with the help of the contact information provided.
This system is designed to facilitate the return of lost items while preserving the privacy of both the finder and the owner.
Disable the AirTag
To disable an AirTag that you found and believe is being used inappropriately, you can follow these steps:
- Use an iPhone or an NFC-enabled smartphone to scan the AirTag. This will bring up a notification with information about the owner and the option to disable the AirTag.
- On the website, there should be an option to disable the AirTag. Select this option to prevent the AirTag from tracking its location or sending notifications to the owner.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that the AirTag is no longer being used to track someone without their consent.
How do I know if an AirTag is tracking me on Android?
AirTags are designed to emit a sound if they are separated from their owner for an extended period. If you hear a beeping sound coming from an unfamiliar object, it could be an AirTag. Some Android devices have NFC capabilities that allow them to read AirTags. You can use your device to scan the AirTag and check if there’s any contact information associated with it. If you suspect you’re being tracked, look for any unfamiliar objects nearby. Air tags are small and can be attached to items like keys, bags, or even hidden in objects.
However, it’s essential to note that Android devices do not have the same level of integration with AirTags as iOS devices. Therefore, detecting and disabling AirTags may be more challenging on Android.
Do AirTags have GPS?
AirTags do not have built-in GPS functionality. Instead, they rely on a combination of Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), and Apple’s Find My network to help users locate lost items. When an AirTag is within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, it can communicate its location to the owner’s device, which is then relayed to Apple’s servers via the Find My network. This information is then made available to the owner through the Find My app on their iOS device.
Additionally, if an AirTag is out of Bluetooth range, other iOS devices in the Find My network can anonymously relay its location back to the owner’s device, further aiding in the recovery process.
How do I stop an AirTag from tracking me?
Stopping an AirTag from tracking you involves a few steps to ensure your privacy and safety. AirTags are small, coin-sized devices designed by Apple to help users locate their belongings. However, if you suspect that someone is using an AirTag to track you without your consent, it’s important to take action. In this guide, I’ll outline methods you can use to prevent an AirTag from tracking you and protect your personal information.
Identify the AirTag
First, make sure you know for certain that you’re being tracked by an AirTag. Look for the small, circular device attached to your belongings or within your vicinity. AirTags are typically attached to items like keys, bags, or wallets.
Disable Precision Finding
If you’re using an iPhone 11 or later and someone is trying to locate the AirTag using Precision Finding, you can disable this feature to make it harder to track you. You can do this by turning off Bluetooth on your device or disabling Precision Finding in the Find My app settings.
Remove the AirTag
If you find an AirTag that isn’t yours, you can physically remove it to stop it from tracking you. AirTags have a replaceable battery, and you can access it by twisting the back cover counterclockwise and removing the battery.
Contact Authorities
If you suspect that someone is using an AirTag to track you unlawfully, consider contacting authorities for assistance. They can help you address the situation and take appropriate action.
Can anyone track my Apple AirTag?
No, not just anyone can track your Apple AirTag. AirTags are designed to be paired with the Find My app on Apple devices and are linked to the Apple ID of the owner. This means that only the owner of the AirTag, who has access to their Apple ID and associated devices, can track its location.
Additionally, Apple has implemented privacy features to prevent misuse of AirTags. For example, if an AirTag is separated from its owner for an extended period, it will emit an audible alert, and the owner’s iPhone will receive a notification. This helps prevent AirTags from being used for tracking without the owner’s knowledge.
AirTags can be used to track items, they are designed with privacy in mind, and only the rightful owner can track their AirTag through the Find My app.
