How To Know if an AirTag Is Tracking You (And What To Do About It)

Bluetooth trackers like AirTags are common tools for keeping tabs on people and belongings. In fact, our survey found that around one in five parents use a tracking device to monitor their child's location. 

If you’re wondering how to know if an AirTag is tracking you, you’re not alone. These small physical trackers have made headlines for being misused to track others without their knowledge.

The good news is that Apple and Google have built safeguards into their devices to help you detect unwanted tracking. This guide will walk you through exactly what to look for, how to find a hidden AirTag, and what to do next. By the end, you’ll know how to tell if an AirTag is tracking you and how to quickly disable Bluetooth trackers.

How to find a hidden AirTag

If you suspect you’re being tracked by an AirTag, your phone is your best tool for confirming it. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use an iPhone or an Android. Before getting started, make sure your Bluetooth is turned on and Location Services are enabled. AirTag detection relies on nearby device signals to work properly.

On iPhone

If you have an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later, you already have built-in protection.

1. Watch for a notification that reads AirTag Found Moving With You.
2. Tap the alert to open a map showing where the AirTag has been detected near you.
3. Tap Play Sound to make the AirTag beep.
4. Follow the sound to locate it.

Apple designed this system specifically to prevent unwanted tracking. These alerts appear when an unknown AirTag has been moving with you for a period. If you don’t see an alert right away, it may be because the AirTag hasn’t been separated from its owner long enough yet.

You can also proactively search for AirTags using "Items Detected Near You." Go to Find My app and manually check for unknown trackers at any time, not just when you receive an alert: Find My > Items tab > Items Detected Near You.

On Android

Android users can still detect AirTags, but it takes an extra step.

1. Download Apple’s Tracker Detect app from the Google Play store.
2. Open the app and tap Scan.
3. Wait while it searches for nearby trackers.
4. If a device is found, follow the instructions to make it play a sound.

Unlike iPhones, Android devices may not automatically alert you in the background, so you’ll need to run scans manually in some cases. Running a scan periodically, especially if you feel unsure, can help you catch nearby trackers that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Using third-party apps

While this guide focuses on AirTag, other Bluetooth trackers, such as Tile, Samsung SmartTag, and Chipolo, can be used for non-consensual tracking. For iOS and Android, you can also use a third-party anti-stalking app like AirGuard to run automatic scans for tracking devices. The AirGuard app was designed by TU Darmstadt (Technische Universität Darmstadt) as part of scientific research, so it's free.

Signs an AirTag may be tracking you

Most people don’t need to go looking for an AirTag. Your phone or the device itself will usually give you clues. In many cases, these alerts are designed to appear early, giving you time to act before any prolonged tracking occurs.

Here are the most common signs of AirTag tracking:

• You receive an “AirTag Found Moving With You” alert on your iPhone.
• You hear a beeping sound from an unknown device after several hours.
• Your Android app detects an unknown tracker nearby.
• You find a small, white disc-shaped device in your bag, car, or belongings. It would be about the size of a quarter, using a CR2032 battery.

You may also notice repeated alerts over time, especially if the same unknown AirTag appears to be traveling with you across multiple locations. AirTags are designed to alert you in exactly these situations.

For example, they will emit a sound after being separated from their owner for a period of time to help prevent misuse.

If you’re worried that this goes beyond a physical tracker, you might also want to check if someone is spying on your phone, since digital and physical tracking can sometimes overlap. Being aware of both possibilities can help you rule out false alarms and focus on what’s actually happening.

How to disable or remove an AirTag

If you find an AirTag, you can stop it from tracking you in just a few minutes. The process is straightforward and does not require any special tools or technical knowledge, making it accessible to most users.

Disable it physically

Physically removing the battery works for most Bluetooth trackers, including AirTag, Tile, Samsung SmartTag, and Chipolo.

1. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing down.
2. Press down and twist the back cover counterclockwise.
3. Remove the battery.

This immediately stops the device from sending location updates. Once the battery is removed, the AirTag can no longer share its location or communicate with nearby devices.

Use your phone

If you received an alert on your iPhone:

1. Tap the notification.
2. Follow the prompts to disable tracking and view details about the AirTag.

You may also see limited information about the owner, such as a partially masked phone number, which can help identify where the device came from.

For Android users, you can still physically remove the battery with an app prompt.

When to contact law enforcement

If you feel unsafe or suspect the Bluetooth tracker was placed intentionally, do not throw it away. Instead:

1. Keep the AirTag (or any tracker) as evidence.
2. Contact local law enforcement.

Apple logs AirTag serial numbers and ownership details. Providing the device to law enforcement can make it easier to trace ownership and support any necessary investigation.

Bottom line

Unwanted AirTag tracking can feel unsettling, but it’s designed to be detectable and stoppable. Apple and Google have built systems that alert you, help you locate the device, and guide you through disabling it. These safeguards are continually improving, making it harder for unwanted tracking to go unnoticed for long periods.

If you’re trying to figure out how to know if an AirTag is tracking you, the key is to pay attention to alerts, run scans if needed, and act quickly if something seems off. Staying aware of your device notifications and surroundings can make a meaningful difference in spotting potential issues early.

If you continue receiving alerts or feel unsafe, trust your instincts and contact local authorities.

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