Apple launched AirTag in April 2021. This small Bluetooth tracker can help you find lost items on your iPhone, Mac, and iPad through Apple's Find My service. But AirTags can also present a major privacy issue.

Nobody wants to be monitored with this type of device. Apple is aware of the issue and notifies users when it detects that an AirTag separate from its owner is tracking their device. Concerned? Here's how to detect if an AirTag is tracking you.

What Is an AirTag?

AirTag is a tracking device from Apple. If you often lose your belongings or are forgetful, AirTag can be a great solution. You attach this small, round device to a key ring or wallet. Then you can easily find your lost items by syncing them with Apple's Find My app.

AirTag communicates with Apple devices such as iPhones or iPad via Bluetooth. AirTag also helps locate lost items by anonymously receiving signals from other nearby Apple users' devices. With this feature, you can find your items faster by creating a wide net.

Apple designed AirTag with privacy concerns in mind. For example, you'll get alerts when someone else's AirTag isn't constantly being carried with you. In addition, there is an NFC tag on the AirTag and the person who finds it can read the tag and reach the contact information of its owner.

How to Know if AirTag Is Tracking You

a black iphone and box on a black background

Each AirTag has specific NFC information. This information is just like a credential. If an Airtag moves away from the location of the device it's syncing with, it will send notifications to other Apple devices in the area. If someone is following you with an Airtag, there are several ways to tell.

  1. Pay attention to your iPhone notifications. If an AirTag you're carrying isn't yours and has been in the same place with you for too long, your iPhone will send you an alert. This alert indicates that AirTag is trying to track you. In this case, you should be careful and check your surroundings.
  2. Pay attention to AirTag voice prompts. An AirTag that is not yours can make audible alerts if you move unexpectedly or if the AirTag stays in the same place with you for a long time. If you hear these warnings, it may be a good idea to check your bag, car, or other items in your area.
  3. Check the NFC tag. If you find an AirTag with an NFC tag, you can read the tag using an iPhone or NFC-enabled device. This way, you can contact the owner of the tag and find out if AirTag is being used for tracking purposes.

These are some simple tips to know if an AirTag is following you. However, remember that protecting your privacy is an important issue. If you have doubts or feel unsafe, it may be best to contact the authorities or security forces.

How to Tell if an AirTag Is Following You With Android

A mobile device running with the Android logo and the android operating system

On Android devices, there is an application called Tracker Detect instead of the Find My application. The purpose of this application is to search and communicate with devices compatible with Find My. In short, you can think of it like a Bluetooth scanner for AirTag. Using the Tracker Detect application, you can find out if there is a suspicious AirTag near you or not.

There are a few more steps you can take in addition to this application.

  1. Check the Bluetooth connection. AirTag performs the tracking function using Bluetooth technology. Therefore, it is important to check the Bluetooth settings on the Android device. If a device is constantly trying to connect even when your Android device's Bluetooth is turned off, you should be careful.
  2. Detect the connection established between devices. Some Android devices can send notifications to the user when they connect with other Bluetooth devices. If you get one of these notifications, it's important to check if you have an AirTag you carry with you. If you unexpectedly notice that a device is constantly trying to connect, it could be an AirTag trying to track you.
  3. Check the NFC tag. If you find an AirTag and it has an NFC tag on it, you can use your Android device to read the tag. In this way, you can contact the owner of the tag and find out if it is used for tracking purposes.

How Dangerous Is It for You to Be Tracked by Airtag?

An AirTag that's tracking you can tell someone where you are and what you do, information that's easy for someone to take advantage of. An alarming scenario would be the increased risk of a home break-in, as individuals tracking your movements can determine when you're away. Or they may even send intimidating messages through a Bluetooth connection with your phone.

Whether you're an Android or iPhone user, being aware of how AirTag tracking works empowers you to protect yourself from potential threats.