How to Know if an AirTag Is Tracking You
How to Know if an AirTag Is Tracking You: Under Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and toggle Location Services on. Scroll to the bottom of that page, tap on System Services, and activate Find My iPhone. Also, search for the Find My app, visit Me in the bottom right corner, then tap Customize Tracking Notifications to double-check that notifications are enabled.
An Apple AirTag proves to be a valuable gadget designed to assist in monitoring essential items such as keys, wallets, remotes, and even bicycles. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen as reports reveal instances of AirTags being exploited for tracking individuals without their approval, raising doubts about their ethical use and practicality.
To address these concerns, Apple has proactively introduced substantial modifications to the permissible applications of AirTags. These alterations underscore the intended purpose of these trackers: aiding in the retrieval of personal possessions and expressly prohibiting their misuse for unauthorized monitoring of individuals.
Apple has also introduced an innovative feature enabling users to identify instances when an AirTag appears to be in motion alongside them, enhancing user awareness and control.
AirTags can be a major convenience, but they can also secretly transmit your location. In this article, we will be going into detail.
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What Is an AirTag?
Apple launched AirTag in April 2021. This small Bluetooth tracker can help you find lost items on your iPhone, Mac, and iPad through Apple’s Find My service.
AirTag communicates with Apple devices such as iPhones or iPads via Bluetooth. AirTag also helps locate lost items by anonymously receiving signals from other nearby Apple users’ devices. With this feature, you can find your items faster by creating a wide net.
In the event that you suspect unauthorized tracking and perceive potential risks to your safety, it is advisable to reach out to law enforcement for assistance. They can provide you with guidance on how to obtain further details about AirTag’s proprietor from Apple. Your safety and security are of utmost importance, and taking appropriate actions is crucial to address any potential concerns.
How Do You Know if an AirTag Is Tracking You?
1. Alert notification on your iPhone
If you possess an iPhone and there’s an AirTag monitoring your movements, your phone could notify you of an “AirTag found moving with you” This notification will trigger under these circumstances:
- The AirTag is no longer in proximity to its owner.
- Your iPhone is active and operational.
- The AirTag produces an audible sound when in motion.
A similar scenario can occur with other devices connected to the Find My network, such as AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. These items will all emit a sound if they’re shifted while being distanced from their rightful owners.
For a similar piece, read our comprehensive article on How to tell if an iPhone is charging while it is off
2. Play a sound on the AirTag
I apologize if my previous attempts did not meet your expectations. Let me provide another version, keeping in mind your requirements:
When you open the Find My app due to an alert indicating the presence of an AirTag moving alongside you, you have the option to tap “Play Sound” directly on the device. This action simplifies the process of locating the AirTag.
Similar to the way you track your own AirTag, accessing the Find My app involves tapping the alert on your iPhone. Then, proceed by tapping “Continue” and selecting “Find Nearby.” As you navigate your space, ensure you follow the step-by-step instructions displayed on the screen.
The “Play a Sound” feature becomes accessible exclusively when the AirTag’s owner isn’t in your vicinity and their Apple device is beyond the range. Notably, the precision finding feature is compatible only with iPhones 11, 12, 13, and 14, all equipped with ultra-wideband technology.
For a similar piece, read our comprehensive article on How to Find A Lost or Stolen iPhone That’s Turned Off Or Offline.
3. Ensure your tracking notifications are on
If you don’t receive an alert of an unknown AirTag nearby, you may need to follow these steps to ensure your tracking notifications are turned on:
- Go to Settings and select Privacy.
- Tap on Location Services and turn on Location Services.
- Go to System Services.
- Turn on both Find My iPhone and Significant Locations.
- Go back to Settings and select Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth.
- Finally, go to the Find My app and tap on yourself.
- Turn on Tracking Notifications.
How to check the information of an AirTag
If you’ve found a random AirTag, it’s very easy to get the details. Whip out your iPhone or any other smartphone that’s NFC-enabled, then gently hover the top of your phone close to the AirTag’s white side. Give it a moment, and your device will grasp its presence.
Behold! A notification pops up as soon as the NFC scan does its thing. Give it a tap, and voilà, you’re led to a website. Over there, you’ll find the AirTag’s serial number dancing alongside the last four digits of the owner’s phone number.
Imagine this: A lost AirTag. Think the owner might’ve tossed in their contact details, just in case it decided to go on an adventure without them. It’s all about bridging that gap between finders and seekers.
How do I know if an AirTag is tracking me on Android?
For Android devices, there exists an app named Tracker Detect in place of the Find My app. The objective of this app is to explore and establish communication with devices that are compatible with Find My.
In simpler terms, imagine it as a Bluetooth scanner tailored for AirTag usage. By utilizing the Tracker Detect app, you can determine whether an unfamiliar AirTag is nearby.
Besides utilizing this app, there are additional precautions you can take.
- Verify Bluetooth Connection: AirTag relies on Bluetooth technology for tracking. Hence, it’s vital to inspect the Bluetooth settings on your Android device. If you notice persistent connection attempts even when your Android device’s Bluetooth is off, exercising caution is recommended.
- Identify Established Device Connections: Certain Android devices can issue notifications to the user upon connecting with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. If you receive such notifications unexpectedly, it’s imperative to investigate whether you possess an AirTag. Unanticipated and continuous connection attempts might indicate an AirTag endeavouring to track your location.
- NFC Tag Inspection: If you come across an AirTag equipped with an NFC tag, your Android device can be employed to read the tag. This facilitates contacting the tag’s owner to ascertain whether it serves tracking purposes.
