On the surface, AirTags are excellent for finding your keys. But due to the AirTag's tiny size, long battery life, and ease of use, it's also easy for stalkers to slip an AirTag into a coat pocket or bag when you're not paying attention. They could then use it to follow you home.

That is if you don't get the AirTag Found Moving With You Safety Alert first. So, what is this message, and what should you do if you get it?

What Is the "AirTag Found Moving With You" Alert?

Unlike other trackers, AirTags rely on Apple's extensive Find My network. In a network of over a billion Apple devices, it is possible to pinpoint the precise location of an AirTag after linking it to your Apple ID.

During its initial launch, many people wondered whether AirTags could be used for stalking. For this reason, Apple introduced additional safety features to help safeguard unsuspecting people from stalkers. Your smartphone can detect if a rogue AirTag is moving with you.

If you receive the alert, it might say "Your current location can be seen by the owner of this AirTag." While this alert can be harmless if it simply means you borrowed an item from a friend or family member with an AirTag attached, it can also be a sign that someone has used an AirTag to track your movement.

What if an AirTag Is Moving With an Android Device?

While the safety alert originally only protected iPhone users, Google has now added the same protection to Android devices. Previously, Android users had to rely on Apple's Tracker Detect app and safeguards built into the AirTags that caused the devices to beep when separated from the AirTag owner.

The problem with those safeguards was it could take up to a few days for the beeping to start, plenty of time for a stalker to track someone's movement. But Android phones running Android 6.0 and later can now detect AirTags, with no app download required. You'll see a notification at the top of your screen when an unknown tracker is traveling with you.

What to Do if You Get the "AirTag Found Moving With You" Alert

If you're wondering what to do if an alert like this pops up, here are all the steps you should take once you are notified that an unknown AirTag has been found moving with you.

1. Locate the Physical AirTag

The first thing you should do when you get the notification is to search for the physical AirTag. To accomplish this, tap on the alert and press Continue. Then, select Play Sound to locate it.

In some cases, finding an AirTag can reveal that it is simply among borrowed items from friends or family members and should not cause any concern. If this is the case, tap the option to disable "AirTag Detected" notifications for your preferred length of time.

If you find an AirTag that you don't recognize, it's best to check for more than one. If the intent is to stalk you, the suspect may hide multiple AirTags in case you find the first one.

2. Stay in a Public Place

When you realize you are being tracked, it's best to throw off a potential stalker by going to a public space. If possible, avoid going home, entering a personal vehicle with an identifiable plate number, or going to your place of work. In addition, it's good to avoid posting your situation or location on social media until the threat is resolved.

While trying to think of the following steps, it's best to stay within proximity of safe spaces. For example, hotel lobbies and banks are some common areas with security personnel and 24/7 cameras. During this time, be wary of anyone following you or trying to speak with you.

3. Scan the AirTag for the Serial Number and Lost Status

Next, find additional information about the unknown AirTag traveling with you. To accomplish this, tap the notification and select Learn About This AirTag. You can also find the serial number under the device's battery.

Aside from its serial number, an unknown AirTag could also be marked as lost. Once an AirTag is marked as lost, it will show its owner's contact details. If you know the owner of the AirTag, you can contact them and tell them that their missing AirTag is in your care.

Remember that just because an AirTag is marked as lost doesn't eliminate the possibility of stalking. It could be a way for a potential stalker to attain your phone number. For this reason, avoid contacting the owner of a lost AirTag with your number if you don't know them personally.

Lastly, if you agree to return a lost AirTag to an unknown owner, it is best to avoid meeting them in person. Alternatively, you can leave the AirTag to be picked up through customer service or lost and found booths located in malls, hotels, or other public places.

4. Disable the AirTag

If the AirTag is not marked as lost, it is best to disable its tracking mechanisms as soon as possible. To disable an AirTag, remove its battery by pressing down on the battery cover (the silver part with the Apple logo) and rotating it counter-clockwise until it can no longer be rotated. Then, remove the cover and the battery.

While it can be tempting to throw away an unknown AirTag immediately, disabling it allows you to turn over the AirTag to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

5. Alert the Authorities

When possible, file a report of the unknown AirTag traveling with you through the appropriate channels listed on Apple's website. Upon doing so, don't forget to include details such as when you first realized you had an unknown AirTag on you, the places you have been to recently, and the serial number.

Avoid confronting possible stalkers by yourself. If possible, ask for the assistance of the appropriate authorities, and don't expose yourself more than necessary.

How to Enable AirTag Alerts on Your iPhone

Because of their device settings, not everyone will receive an alert when an AirTag is found moving with them. Here's how to make sure you do.

To enable unknown AirTag alerts on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you must ensure that your device runs on iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later. So, if you haven't updated your operating system in a while, now is the time.

You also need to allow several iPhone features for AirTag alerts to work:

• Location Services
• Find My iPhone
• Significant Locations
• Bluetooth

If you're uncertain if you've enabled these options already, here's how to turn on each one.

Enabling Location Services on Your iPhone

Here's what you need to do to enable Location Services on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security.
3. Tap Location Services at the top.
4. Enable the Location Services toggle.

Turning On Find My on Your iPhone

Follow these steps to turn on Find My on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Head to Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Tap Location Services at the top.
3. Scroll down to the bottom and select System Services.
4. Enable the Find My iPhone toggle.

Turning On Significant Locations on Your iPhone

Follow these instructions to enable Significant Locations on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Tap Location Services at the top.
3. Scroll down and select System Services.
4. Enable the Significant Locations toggle.

Turning On Bluetooth on Your iPhone

Enabling Bluetooth on your iPhone is pretty straightforward. Follow these two simple steps:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Enable the Bluetooth toggle.

The Problem With AirTag Alerts

Although Apple has done enough to make AirTags safe, the product is not without its flaws. Because the AirTag utilizes changing Bluetooth identifiers, it is possible the many features designed for privacy can inhibit its safety features for stalking.

For example, if an AirTag alert is left alone overnight, features such as Play Sound will not be able to work. This is because the unique Bluetooth identifier of the unknown AirTag may have already changed within that time span.

In addition, the timer for notifications also resets when the AirTag is within proximity of a device with the same Apple ID. So, if a prospective stalker managed to stay close enough to you, you're likely not going to get a notification immediately.

Keep Yourself Safe From Stalkers Using AirTags

Thankfully, Apple is firm that the AirTag is designed to work on objects, not people. With this, we can count on the fact that it's continuously working on ways to prevent stalking using AirTags. However, being a little more vigilant is never a bad idea, especially regarding your safety.