Apple AirTags are an easy way to track important things like keys, wallets, remote controls, and even bicycles. Compact design, as well as compatibility with wide by the Find My network from Apple making them a practical choice for finding lost items. However, these benefits are overshadowed by a worrisome issue: the potential for abuse by individuals who intend to track others without their knowledge. To reduce this risk, Apple has implemented robust measures to ensure that AirTags are used positively while limiting unwanted tracking.
This guide will help you detect and eliminate unwanted tracking with AirTag for your security and peace of mind.
Apple has taken significant steps to prevent misuse of the technology Apple Air Tag. During the setup process, users receive clear warnings that these devices are intended solely for tracking personal belongings and not for stalking other people. In addition, iOS and Android devices can alert users if they encounter an unknown Bluetooth tracker (such as Apple's AirTag) moving near them, helping to quickly identify potential unwanted tracking scenarios.
How to determine what Apple AirTag is tracking you
iPhone and Android users can identify and locate an unwanted AirTag device. Here are the steps to take if you are concerned about being tracked:
1. Notifications on your iPhone
If you use an iPhone, your device will notify you if an Apple AirTag is detected tracking you under certain conditions:
- The AirTag is not with the owner.
- Your iPhone screen is on.
You may receive a notification that reads: “AirTag detected moving with you” Similar notifications may also appear for other Find My network devices, such as AirPods or compatible third-party products. These devices, including Apple's AirTag, can emit sound to help locate them when they are away from their owners.
2. Enabling tracking notifications
If you don't see notifications about unknown Apple AirTags, but think they might be nearby, make sure tracking notifications are turned on:
- Open it Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to “Privacy and security”>“Services location determination” and turn it on.
- Go to System services and activate the features "Find my iPhone”And“Important places".
- Return to “Settings”> Bluetoothto make sure it is enabled.
- Open the program "find me", go to the tab "Я” and turn it on tracking notifications.
- Make sure airplane mode is turned off for these features to work.
3. Using the “Find My” program
If you hear an AirTag or suspect it's nearby, use the Find My app on your Apple device to locate it. Open the app and look for notifications about unknown AirTags. Thoroughly search your belongings, including pockets, bags, jackets and other personal items.
4. Turn on the sound on the AirTag
To make it easier to find your AirTag, tap the notification in the Find Me app, then select Continue and use the Find Nearby feature. Follow the on-screen prompts to locate the device. If the owner of the AirTag is not nearby, you can use the "Play sound" function to find them. Note that this feature is only available on iPhone models equipped with ultra-broadband technology (iPhone 11 and later).
If you cannot play sound, the AirTag is most likely out of range.
5. Review AirTag information
Once you've found an AirTag, you can use an NFC-compatible smartphone (including an iPhone) to access its data. Hold the device up to the white side of the AirTag to go to a website with its serial number and the last four digits of the owner's phone number. If an AirTag is marked as lost, the owner could provide contact information to help locate it.
6. Disabling AirTag
To prevent your AirTag from being tracked in the future, simply remove the battery from it:
- Press and turn the AirTag cover counterclockwise.
- Remove the battery.
By turning off AirTag, you ensure that the owner can no longer receive updates about your location. If you feel threatened or suspect malicious activity, document the AirTag serial number and any owner information, then contact local law enforcement. Submit the non-working AirTag to the authorities for further inspection.
Android users: Detect unwanted AirTags
Android devices also provide protection against unwanted tracking with AirTag. Google's "Unknown Tracker Alert" feature, available in Android 6.0 and later, notifies users when an unknown tracker is moving near them. This system allows users to scan trackers and beep to determine their location without notifying the tracker owner.
A brief overview of AirTag technology
Do AirTags contain GPS?
No, AirTags do not have built-in GPS functionality. Instead, they use Apple's Find My network, which covers about 2 billion Apple devices worldwide. When the Apple AirTag sends a Bluetooth signal, nearby Apple devices transmit its location to iCloud, allowing the owner to view it in the Find My app. This decentralized method makes tracking very reliable, negating the need for GPS.
How long does the AirTag battery last?
AirTags are powered by CR2032 lithium coin batteries, which typically last more than a year. Owners receive notifications on their iPhones when it's time to replace the battery.
Other tracking devices and unwanted monitoring
While Apple's AirTags are a prime example, other Bluetooth trackers such as Samsung SmartTags and devices compatible with Google's Find My network can also be misused. Both Apple and Google have introduced features to notify users when an unknown tracker is detected moving near them, increasing user safety.
How to prevent unwanted tracking
If you find yourself being tracked by an Apple AirTag or similar device, remove the battery to disable it. This will prevent the owner from receiving location updates. However, it can still view the last known location before disconnecting. With the huge number of Apple devices around the world, it can be difficult to stay out of the Find My network all the time.
Are AirTags safe?
Apple created AirTags with user privacy in mind. Devices regularly change their unique Bluetooth identifiers, and the Find My network uses end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only the owner has access to location data. Others can't track your Apple AirTag, but they can hear it if it's separated from you or access your contact details if they use NFC.
Apple AirTags are a valuable tool for organizations, but their potential for abuse is a real concern. By staying vigilant and using available features from Apple and Google, you can protect yourself from unwanted tracking. Read these steps and share this information to help raise awareness and safety in today's interconnected world.
