Apple’s AirTag is a brilliant little gadget when used as intended — helping you find lost keys, bags, or even your pet’s collar. But in the wrong hands, its discreet size and precise geolocation can turn it into something more sinister: a tool for unwanted tracking. The good news? Both iOS and Android now have built-in ways to spot if an AirTag is secretly following you.
If you’re on iOS, make sure your iPhone is running at least iOS 14.5 — that’s when Apple introduced protections against unwanted tracking. From there, a few settings need to be switched on:
- Location services (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services)
- Bluetooth (Settings > Bluetooth)
- Tracking notifications (Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications > Allow)
Once these are enabled, your iPhone will automatically alert you if an unknown AirTag is traveling with you. Tap the notification, and you’ll get options such as making the tracker play a sound or using “Precision Finding” to locate it nearby. That way, you can confirm whether it’s genuinely yours or something more worrying.
How it works on Android
For Android users, things are a little different. Devices running Android 6.0 or later can automatically detect AirTags nearby. If your phone doesn’t support that feature, Apple has released a free app called Tracker Detect, available on the Google Play Store.
Open the app and tap “Scan.” Your phone will sweep the area for Apple trackers. If one stays close to you for more than 10 minutes, the app will flag it as suspicious. From there, you can trigger the device to emit a sound, making it easier to locate.
Staying safe with smart habits
AirTags were designed to help, not to harm — but awareness is essential. If your phone notifies you of an unknown tracker, don’t ignore it. Apple advises that if you feel unsafe, you should contact local authorities. In the meantime, disabling the AirTag by removing its battery is a straightforward step anyone can take.
The bottom line
The line between convenience and intrusion is sometimes thin when it comes to technology. While AirTags remain excellent for finding misplaced belongings, both Apple and Google have taken steps to prevent them from being misused. A few settings on your phone, a bit of vigilance, and you can enjoy the perks of smart trackers without the hidden risks.