AirTag Stalking: How to Detect Unwanted Trackers

Apple's AirTags offer a convenient way to locate personal belongings, but they can also be exploited for unwanted tracking. These small devices utilize built-in sensors and Apple's expansive Find My network to monitor valuables. However, malicious actors may place an AirTag on a person or their property to track their movements covertly.

To combat this, Apple and Google have developed a cross-platform industry standard. This initiative ensures that Android users can also receive alerts if an AirTag is being used to track them unknowingly. Apple has also enhanced its own detection features for AirTags.

The newest AirTag model is reportedly 50% louder than its predecessor, making it more noticeable if it’s being used maliciously. Furthermore, Apple has made the speaker on the second-generation model more difficult to remove. Users can enable "unwanted tracking notifications" on iOS devices to receive audible and visual alerts.

If an alert is received, users can tap the notification to play a sound or use the "Find Nearby" feature to locate the suspicious AirTag. If an unwanted tracker is found, holding an iPhone near it can reveal information about its owner, including a serial number and contact details if the AirTag is marked as lost. Disabling the tracker involves removing its cover and battery.