Is Someone Using AirTags to Spy on You? Here’s How to Find Out
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For many, AirTags are a great way to help them find things that they often misplace.
These coin-sized devices can be attached to your keys, wallet, or similar items, and allow their location to be tracked using another Apple device such as an iPhone or a Mac.
However, some people use AirTags for more sinister purposes.
There are numerous reports of people using them to spy on their partners, or of people finding AirTags in their bags with no idea how they got there.
According to data cited by ITV News, the use of GPS trackers in coercive control and stalking cases rose by 317% between 2018 and 2023. Many victims are never aware they were tracked at all.
At best, this is an unlawful invasion of privacy—at worst, it could put someone in serious danger.
In this article, we explain how AirTags can be used for surveillance, and what to do if you find an unknown AirTag tracking you.
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How Do AirTags Work?
AirTags are Bluetooth tracking devices that can be recognized by other Apple devices in the Find My network, such as iPhones.
The iPhone then sends information about the location of the AirTag to Apple’s servers, and a map showing its location can be viewed in the Find My app.
To help you find it, you can also instruct it to play a sound. If you have an iPhone 11 or a later model, you can also use Precision Finding, which directs you to the AirTag using a compass-style interface.
How Can AirTags Be Used to Spy on You?
If someone has planted an AirTag on you they will be able to track your location using Find My.
You may think it’s unlikely that this could happen to you, but there are numerous cases of AirTags being used to track people without their consent.
For example, in 2023 British reality TV star Montana Brown found an AirTag in her handbag after receiving a notification on her iPhone alerting her to its presence.
Other cases involve AirTags being planted in people’s cars, either by someone known to the victim or by criminals who later use the location information to help them steal the car.
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How to Tell if an AirTag Is Tracking You
In response to reports of some people using AirTags to track people without their consent, Apple and Google introduced additional safety features to alert people if an unknown AirTag is moving with them. We’ll discuss them briefly below:
iOS “AirTag Found Moving With You” notification
If Apple detects that an AirTag is moving with you and is not near its owner, you will receive a notification on your iPhone that reads “AirTag Found Moving With You.”
AirTags that are separated from their owner for too long and are found to be moving with someone else will also play a sound each time they move. This helps the person being tracked to quickly locate the AirTag.
Fig 1. AirTag Found Moving With You notification Source: Apple
iOS “Unknown Accessory Detected Near You” notification
This message is similar to the “AirTag Found Moving With You” notification, except that it is not specific to AirTags.
This notification appears if your iPhone detects an item moving with you that is within its Bluetooth range and compatible with the Find My network—for example, AirPods.
Like AirTags, most AirPods or other Apple devices are able to play a sound to help you locate them. This can be activated from within the Find My app.
What If You Have an Android Phone?
AirTag tracking isn’t just an iPhone issue. If you’re an Android user, you can still detect nearby AirTags — it just works slightly differently.
Since mid-2023, Android devices include a built-in “Unknown tracker alerts” feature. To check it manually: go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Unknown tracker alerts.
Fig 2. Enabling Unown Tracker Alerts on Android.
You can also download Apple’s Tracker Detect app from the Google Play Store to scan your surroundings for AirTags at any time.
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What to Do If You Receive One of the Above Notifications
If you get one of these alerts on your phone, the first thing you should do is try to locate the item.
On many devices, you can make any nearby AirTags play a sound to locate them. Just tap the notification about the device and choose “Play Sound”.
If you recognize the device
In some cases, the reason for the notification could be innocent. For example, an AirTag alert might be triggered by a familiar item, such as your partner’s AirPods.
If you have an iPhone you can choose to silence the notification temporarily.
- Open the Find My app.
- Go to the Items tab.
- Select the AirTag you want to disable notifications for.
- Tap Pause Tracking Notifications.
- Tap Pause for Today.
You may also have the option to “Pause Indefinitely”, which will stop any future notifications about that specific device. However, please note that you must have Family Sharing set up with the person who owns the AirTag/AirPods to do this.
If you don’t recognize the device
If you find an AirTag or similar device that seems to be tracking you without your consent, there are steps you can take to disable it.
Hold the white side of the AirTag next to the top of your phone.
A notification will appear, with information about the AirTag. This may include the device’s serial number and the last four digits of its owner’s phone number.
Tap “Instructions to Disable” for guidance on how to remove the AirTag’s battery and stop it from tracking you. Or visit this page for more information: https://found.apple.com/airtag/disable
Before disabling the AirTag, take a moment to document it. Photograph the device in the location where you found it and note down its serial number.
Courts have used this type of evidence in stalking cases to help establish intent, so preserving it before removing the battery could be important if you later decide to involve law enforcement.
Safety advice: If you’re worried about your safety, stay in a public place and contact local law enforcement. They will investigate, and Apple may work with them to get more information about the tracking device used.
You can also check out our resources page, which provides links to organizations that can provide support to victims of stalking or tech abuse.
AirTags Aren’t the Only Way You Can Be Tracked
As unsettling as it is, AirTags are not the only tool someone could use to monitor your activity. Hidden spyware on your phone can also compromise your privacy, allowing others to access sensitive information without your knowledge.
These covert apps can be installed in just a few minutes by anyone who has physical access to your device.
Once installed, they can track your location, monitor your calls and messages, and even access your photos or other personal data. This information could then be misused for stalking, blackmail, or fraud.
According to Certo’s 2025 Mobile Security Roundup, which analyzed data from nearly 600,000 device scans, the share of devices showing medium or high security threats rose to 6.87%.
How to Protect Your Privacy
Luckily there are a number of ways to protect yourself against unwanted tracking. Follow our tips below to safeguard yourself from hackers.
1. Make sure you have the right settings enabled
To receive alerts about unknown tracking devices moving with you, ensure the following settings are enabled on your phone:
Tracking Notifications (iPhone)
In the Find My app, tap the Me tab, select Customize Tracking Notifications, and make sure notifications are allowed.
Unknown Tracker Alerts (Android)
Go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Unknown tracker alerts and make sure “Allow alerts” is toggled on.
Bluetooth
On iPhone or Android: Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure it’s turned on.
By enabling these settings, your phone will actively scan for nearby AirTags or Find My network accessories that might be tracking you without your knowledge.
2. Update your phone’s software regularly
Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in older versions of iOS and Android to gain access to devices without the owner’s consent.
By keeping your operating system updated with the latest releases, you can make your phone less vulnerable to attacks.
Pro Tip: Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 18 or later to benefit from the latest AirTag detection improvements, including enhanced precision finding and more responsive unknown tracker alerts.
3. Run a deep spyware scan
The best way to protect yourself against unwanted tracking is by scanning your phone with Certo AntiSpy.
This award-winning app will scan your phone for spyware and other threats to your security. If any malicious software is found, you’ll be provided with clear instructions on how to remove it.
Fig 3. Scanning an Android phone for spyware with Certo AntiSpy.
Wrapping Up
Increasingly sophisticated technology means there are more ways for people to track your location and monitor your activity.
AirTags, while useful for locating misplaced items, can be used for unauthorized tracking, leading to privacy invasion and potential danger.
To address this, Apple and Google have implemented safety features, to alert users of potential unauthorized tracking.
If you receive such notifications, it’s important to locate the device and disable it if you don’t recognize it.
However, it’s crucial to remember that AirTags aren’t the only way to be tracked; spyware can also compromise your privacy.
To protect yourself, ensure your settings are configured properly, install Certo AntiSpy, and keep your phone updated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where are AirTags commonly hidden?
AirTags are small and lightweight, which makes them easy to hide in places you might not think to check. Common hiding spots include inside a bag’s lining or a zipped pocket, tucked into a coat pocket, taped underneath a car’s bumper, inside a wheel arch, or slipped under a seat.
If you’re concerned about being tracked, it’s worth physically checking these areas in addition to following the steps outlined above.
How long does an AirTag battery last?
An AirTag’s battery typically lasts around one year with normal use. The device uses a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. Battery life may vary depending on usage and environmental factors.
How can I disable an AirTag tracking me?
If you’ve found an AirTag tracking your location, the easiest way to disable tracking is by removing the battery. Press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover of the AirTag and rotate anticlockwise until the cover stops rotating. Remove the cover and battery.
Can someone track me with an AirTag?
Yes, it is possible for someone to track you using an Apple AirTag, but there are several safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized tracking. These include unwanted tracking alerts on your phone and audible alerts from the AirTag itself.
While these features make it more difficult for someone to track you using an AirTag without your knowledge, it is still important to be aware of the risks and remain vigilant about your personal privacy and security.
Sophia is a Senior Cybersecurity Writer at Certo, with over five years of experience writing about digital security, privacy, and emerging threats. Drawing on a background in IT and technology, she specializes in translating complex cybersecurity topics into clear, practical guidance that helps everyday users stay protected online.