How To Disable AirPod Tracking

By Simon Lewis
Published:

Imagine realizing that the device you use to listen to music or take calls could also be used to track your location. It’s a scary thought, especially if you’re worried about someone misusing this technology—whether it’s an ex-partner, a stalker, or anyone with bad intentions.
But don’t worry—you’re not powerless. In this guide, we’ll explain how AirPod tracking works, why it might happen, and, most importantly, how to stop it. With simple, clear steps, you can take charge of your privacy and feel secure again. Let’s get started.

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Can Someone Track You with AirPods?
AirPods can indeed be tracked using Apple’s Find My app, and on newer models, this tracking functionality extends up to 24 hours after they last connected to the owner’s device.
This tracking works through Apple’s Find My network, which uses Bluetooth signals to anonymously relay the AirPods’ location to nearby Apple devices, allowing the owner to see their last known location—even if the AirPods aren’t currently near their device.
While this feature is intended to help owners find misplaced AirPods, it could also be misused if someone plants a pair of AirPods on you to track your location. For up to 24 hours, the AirPods could periodically update their location in the Find My app, potentially allowing someone to follow your movements.
It’s important to note that AirPods are not designed as full-fledged tracking devices like AirTags. They don’t have GPS or Wi-Fi capabilities, and their location updates rely on being within Bluetooth range of other Apple devices in the Find My network. After the 24-hour window or once the AirPods’ battery dies, they stop transmitting their location.
AirPods can also be misused in other ways, such as using the Live Listen feature to eavesdrop on conversations.
What is Live Listen?
Live Listen is an accessibility feature from Apple that transforms your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch into a remote microphone for your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aids.
When Live Listen is activated, your iPhone picks up sounds from its built-in microphone and sends them to your connected AirPods or compatible hearing device in real-time. This makes it useful for scenarios like:
- Hearing someone speaking in a crowded room.
- Listening to conversations across a table.
- Catching sounds from a speaker or TV when you’re seated farther away.
While Live Listen isn’t designed for spying, it can be exploited if someone intentionally activates the feature and leaves their iPhone near you to overhear private conversations without your consent.
For example, a person could connect AirPods to their device, enable Live Listen, and discreetly position their phone where it can pick up your conversations, effectively turning it into a surveillance tool.
How to Know If AirPods Are Being Used to Track You

Image by Freepik
Apple devices are designed to help protect your privacy, even when someone tries to misuse AirPods to track your location.
If your iOS device detects unfamiliar AirPods moving with you, it will alert you via AirPods tracking notifications. This notification says, “AirPods Found Moving With You.” This is a clear sign that someone else’s AirPods might be traveling with you:
Source: Apple
If you’re worried you may have missed this notification, you can manually check for any unfamiliar devices through the Find My app:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to the Items Detected With You section. Here, you’ll find any unauthorized devices near you, including AirPods.
The app will also show a map of where the unknown AirPods have traveled with you. This can help you locate the AirPods if hidden in your bag, car, or personal space. If you suspect they’re nearby, you may even be able to send a sound to the AirPods, making them easier to find.
Source: Apple Support
How to Disable AirPods Tracking
If you suspect someone is tracking you through your AirPods, it’s essential to disable tracking. Follow these steps to remove AirPods from your Apple Account, reset them, and secure your account.
Step 1: Remove AirPods from the FindMy app
The first step to stopping unwanted tracking is removing the AirPods from the Find My app. Here’s how:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Go to the Devices tab and select the AirPods from the list.
- Tap Remove This Device and confirm the action.
Step 2: Reset your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods removes any previous pairing information, essentially starting fresh. Here’s how:
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
- Wait for about 30 seconds, then open the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case (or the Digital Crown and noise control button for AirPods Max) until the status light flashes amber and then white.
Step 3: Reconnect your AirPods safely
Once your AirPods are reset, you can reconnect them to your device:
- Bring your AirPods close to your iPhone and open the case.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to pair them with a new device.
- Double-check your Find My app to ensure that only trusted devices are connected to your Apple Account.
Step 4: Secure your Apple Account
Securing your Apple Account is crucial to prevent unauthorized access in the future. Follow these steps:
➡️ Change Your Apple Account Password
Here’s how to change your Apple Account password on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top to access your Apple Account settings.
- Select Sign-In & Security.
- Tap Change Password.
- Enter your current password (or answer your security questions if prompted).
- Type in your new password and confirm it. Make sure it meets Apple’s password requirements.
- Tap Change or Save to update your password.
Apple password requirements
All passwords need to be:
- At least eight characters long.
- Include a number, an uppercase letter, and a lowercase letter.
➡️ Check Logged In Devices
It’s essential to know which devices are signed into your Apple Account to ensure no unauthorized devices are accessing your data.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Scroll down to the section that lists devices connected to your Apple Account.
- Review the list carefully. Tap any device you don’t recognize and select Remove from Account to log it out remotely.
- Confirm the action if prompted
➡️ Enable Two-Factor Authentication
The next step in securing your Apple Account and preventing location tracking is by setting up Two-Factor Authentication. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Select Sign-In & Security.
- Look for Two-Factor Authentication, tap Turn On and follow the instructions.
Best practices for managing Two-Factor Authentication
- Add multiple trusted phone numbers: If you lose access to your primary phone, consider adding a backup number (like a family member’s).
- Keep your trusted devices logged in: Ensure devices like your iPhone or Mac are signed in with your Apple Account to receive verification codes.
- Beware of phishing scams: Apple will never ask for your 2FA code via email or phone.
By completing these steps, you’ve effectively disabled AirPod tracking. If you’re still concerned about other tracking methods, the next section will explore how to protect your device from spyware and other threats.
AirPods Aren’t the Only Risk
While disabling AirPod tracking is essential, it’s crucial to recognize that AirPods aren’t the only means through which someone can monitor your location.
Spyware installed on your iPhone can provide more comprehensive tracking capabilities, including access to your location, messages, and other personal data.
To safeguard your device against spyware:
- Use anti-spyware tools: Consider using reputable anti-spyware software like Certo AntiSpy for iPhone. This tool scans your device for malicious software and helps ensure your privacy remains intact.
- Regularly update your device: Keep your iPhone’s software up to date to benefit from the latest security patches and features.
- Be cautious with app permissions: Review the permissions granted to apps on your device and revoke any that seem unnecessary or intrusive.
Final Thoughts
Your privacy is important; the good news is that you have the tools and knowledge to protect it. By taking a few simple steps, you can regain control and ensure that your devices are being used for your benefit—not as a means for someone else to track or monitor you.
Disabling location tracking on AirPods is straightforward: remove the AirPods from your Apple Account, reset them, and secure your account with a strong password and two-factor authentication.
But don’t stop there—remember that spyware on your phone can pose a more significant threat. Spyware can monitor your location, calls, messages, and more without your consent, making it essential to take proactive measures to secure your device.
Take back control of your digital security today. Whether it’s stopping AirPod tracking or scanning your phone for spyware, the steps you take now can make a difference. Download Certo AntiSpy and ensure your phone—and your life—stays private.
Cover Image by Freepik