How to detect AirTag tracking you and how to disable it

Apple AirTag useful for everyday life but also easy to be exploited by bad guys. Here it is How to detect AirTag tracking you and remove it immediately.

The Apple AirTag is useful for tracking everyday essentials like wallets, remotes, and keys. However, this feature can be used by bad guys to silently spy on you.

To prevent this situation, Apple has made important changes in the way AirTag is used. “Apple” clearly states the intended use for AirTag owners, asserting that this device is only for managing personal belongings, absolutely not used to track or monitor others without their permission. Additionally, as an additional layer of protection, both iOS and Android devices can send alerts to users if they detect an unfamiliar Bluetooth device moving with them.

As mentioned from the beginning, if you suspect someone is tracking your journey without permission via AirTag or a tracking device using Bluetooth technology, your iOS or Android phone will automatically send an alert. However, contact law enforcement if you feel you are in danger.

Get notified if an AirTag is tracking you

iPhone users:

If your iPhone detects an AirTag tracking you, it may send you a notification that says: “Detects AirTag moving with you” (AirTag found moving with you). This message appears only when the following conditions are met:

• That AirTag has separated from its owner.
• Your iPhone is in active state (screen is bright).

This message may also appear for other accessories that are part of the Find My Network, such as AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and other devices. AirTag, second-generation AirPods Pro, and other devices in the network can emit sounds as they move while separated from their owners, helping you locate them.

Android users:

Devices running the Android 6.0 operating system or higher have a built-in feature to warn of unknown trackers (unknown tracker alerts). This feature will sound a notification when it detects an AirTag or similar tracking device moving with you. For users of older Android devices, you can download Apple’s free Tracker Detect app from the Play Store to scan for AirTags and trigger a sound to determine their location.

Make sure you can receive tracking notifications

iPhone users:

If you know there’s an unusual AirTag nearby but aren’t receiving notifications, follow these steps to make sure tracking notifications are enabled on your iPhone:

1. Access Settings > select Privacy & Security (Privacy & Security).
2. Click Location Services and turn this feature on.
3. Access the item System Services.
4. Enable both options Find My iPhone (Find My iPhone) and Significant Locations.
5. Come back Settings > select Bluetooth.
6. Turn on Bluetooth.
7. Finally, open the application Find (Find My) and select tabs I (Me).
8. Turn on the feature Tracking Notifications.

Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off; otherwise, you will not receive notifications.

Android users:

On devices running Android 6.0 or higher, feature Unknown Tracker Alerts must be enabled so you can receive notifications about strange tracking devices near you. To make sure this feature is enabled on your Android phone:

1. Access Settings.
2. Click on the item Safety & Emergency (Safety & Emergency). Look for warnings about strange tracking devices (Unknown Tracker Alerts).
3. Turn on the option Allow Alerts (Allow Alerts).
4. Enable AirTag tracking.

Scan for nearby tracking devices and check personal belongings

For iPhone users:

When an AirTag is separated from its owner, it can make a sound to make it easier for others to detect. If you hear an AirTag chirp — or a strange sound — open the Find My app to do a quick scan to see if the app detects any AirTags nearby. At the same time, carefully check your personal belongings yourself. You should carefully check your coats, handbags, pockets, wallets, and purses to see if there are any AirTags hidden inside.

The Find My app will display a map showing where AirTags, AirPods, or strange Bluetooth tracking devices have been detected near your iPhone. Red dots represent detection points, while dashed lines show migration sequences. Notifications like “AirTag detected” (AirTag Detected) or the specific name of the device will appear if the devices are separated from their owners and are traveling with you.

For Android users:

Android users can scan for tracked devices through the feature Unknown Tracker Alerts by Google.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Safety & emergency (Safety & emergency).
3. Select Unknown tracker alerts.
4. Select Scan Now.

Android users can also use Apple’s free Tracker Detect app to scan for AirTags that have been separated from their owners for at least 15 minutes. Just turn on Bluetooth, open the app and press Scan to detect nearby tracking devices. They will show up as Unknown AirTag.

Play a sound to locate the AirTag

For iPhone users:

If you’re using Find My after receiving an alert that an AirTag is traveling with you, tap Play Sound on that device to make searching easier via sound.

1. Tap the notification that appears on the screen, then select Continue.
2. Click Find Nearby to locate the AirTag through the feature Precision Finding (Exact Search) — this feature is available on iPhone 11 and later models equipped with Ultra-Wideband technology.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions as you move around your space.
4. Click Play Sound to locate the AirTag more easily. This feature will be available if the AirTag owner is not nearby or their Apple device is out of range.
5. If you can’t play sound from Find My, it’s very likely that the strange AirTag is no longer near you and the iPhone you’re using can’t find it in the vicinity.

For Android users:

Android users can play sounds on detected tracking devices through the feature Unknown Tracker Alerts by Google.

1. Please visit Settings > Safety & emergency > Unknown tracker alertsthen tap Scan Now.
2. If a tracking device is detected, tap Play sounds Let that strange device make noise.

Check the information of AirTag

For iPhone and Android users:

If you find an AirTag, you can use your iPhone or any NFC-enabled smartphone to view its details:

1. Place the top of the phone near the white side of the AirTag.
2. Tap the notification that appears on the screen to access a website that displays the AirTag’s serial number and the last 4 digits of the owner’s phone number.

If your AirTag has been marked as lost, you may also see a notification with the owner’s contact information.

Disable strange AirTags

You can disable AirTag to prevent the owner from receiving updates about its location. Here’s how:

1. Press down on the AirTag.
2. Turn the lid counterclockwise.
3. Remove the CR2032 battery inside.

Disabling AirTag will prevent tracking, but owners can still see the last location recorded before the device was disabled. Take a screenshot of your AirTag’s details, including the serial number and any owner information displayed on it, as proof. If you feel your safety is threatened, contact local law enforcement and provide the disabled AirTag to them.