Apple's AirTags are electronic tracking devices you can use to tack on to and track things like luggage, wallets, keys, and other easily misplaced items. Small and easy to use, they go virtually undetected unless a nearby Apple device alerts you to their presence. Therefore, these devices are susceptible to being used for stalking, stealth tracking, and other nefarious purposes.

And though Apple has safeguards in place, you need peace of mind; it's always good to know if you're the target of such tracking and what to do in case you are. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to detect and disable Apple AirTags on iOS.

Find Listed Devices Detected on "Find My" Alerts

AirTags Safety Featured

If an AirTag not belonging to you, or one that gets separated from its owner, starts following you, the Find My app will send you a time-sensitive alert stating "AirTag found moving with you."

If you're not in the habit of checking these alerts, open the Find My app, click on Items, scroll to the bottom, and click on Items Detected With You to see a list of all such previous alerts.

If you don't own an Apple device but suspect AirTags tracking, you can use Apple's Tracker Detect Android app that protects you from AirTag stalkers.

Use the "Play Sound" Feature to Detect AirTags

How can you find a rogue AirTag? After all, they could be anywhere nearby—criminals are even using them to steal cars. But you know how people used to call a lost phone so it could be tracked down using its ringtone? You can use a similar method with AirTags.

  1. Click on the AirTag Found Moving with You or AirTag Detected Near You alert.
  2. Click on Continue.
  3. Now click on Play Sound.
  4. Follow the source of the sound to find the rogue AirTag. You can play the sound multiple times until you find the unwanted accessory.

Sometimes, you'll not be able to play the sound due to a change in its Bluetooth identifier or when the owner is nearby.

The AirTag safety alert on iPhone
Image credit: Apple

If you cannot detect the AirTags electronically, conduct a manual search of the surrounding area. Click on the AirTag Alert and open the Tracking Map. A series of red dots connected by a dotted red line indicate all the previous locations these AirTags were detected with you. Thoroughly search items in the vicinity of the last location on the map in the alert.

If you've only just got in your car but the AirTag was detected before that, then you know, for instance, that it's not been hidden inside your vehicle. Use the process of elimination to track it down.

If you find the AirTag, you can proceed to the steps on how to disable it. If not, you can seek help from law enforcement to report the suspected stalking.

How to Disable Apple's AirTag

What do you do once you've located the AirTag? You should disable it. Here's how.

1. Pair with the AirTag

Once you've located the rogue AirTag, use any device with Near Field Communication (NFC) to pair with the AirTag for more details. Hold the NFC device near the white side of the AirTag and wait for the notification.

2. Screenshot the AirTag Details

The notification will have important information like the AirTag's serial number as well as the last four digits of the phone number it's registered with. Take a screenshot of these details for future use.

If the owner has marked it as lost, there might be more details about how and where you can return them. If not, and you suspect you're being tracked, follow the Instructions to Disable link.

3. Physically Disable an Apple AirTag

You need to know how to physically stop the AirTag from tracking you. Don't worry, it's a simple process.

Push down on the back of the AirTag and twist it counterclockwise, then remove the cover to access the battery inside. Now remove the battery to ensure that the AirTags stop sending your location data to the tracker. You can also share this device with law enforcement to help with their potential investigation.

Stay Alert and Safe

Apple's ecosystem is well-equipped to handle any unwanted uses Apple AirTags might be put to. Besides built-in guards against unwanted or stealth tracking and additional anti-stalking measures for AirTags in iOS updates, it's also illegal to use AirTags to track people. Apple makes it clear that it will comply with any law enforcement data requests to support such investigations.

The only way to ensure that your location tracking is 100 percent off is to remove the batteries of any suspect AirTags. Though they're excellent devices to keep track of your things, Apple AirTags are prone to be misused and abused by people with ill intentions and serve as the perfect accessories for stalkers if you don't stay alert.