'Popular Apple gadget is being used to stalk people - here's how to detect it'

Fionnuala Boyle
·3-min read
An Apple AirTag is pictured being held by a man
-Credit:Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images


Your suitcase, your keys, and even your clothes - these are all things we might misplace or lose when we're in transit or just chilling in the house.

Thankfully, Apple came to the rescue with the AirTag, which is a nifty device for keeping tabs on your belongings. However, it has also raised concerns over privacy invasion.

A tech expert has recently highlighted the potential for these small gadgets to be used for tracking individuals without their knowledge and shared crucial advice on how to uncover such misuse.

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An often-overlooked iPhone feature can reveal if an AirTag is being used to track you by showing part of the phone number associated with the tracker, potentially helping to identify the stalker.

Declan Somers from Mobal cautioned that while AirTags are intended for locating normal, day-to-day items, they could be exploited for more sinister purposes.

A key ring containing an AirTag attached to a rucksack inside the Apple Store
The AirTag is a small device that helps people keep track of belongings, using Apple's Find My network to locate lost items like keys, wallet, or a bag -Credit: James D. Morgan/Getty Images

"Someone could easily slip an AirTag into your coat pocket, handbag, or even your car to monitor your location," Declan warned.

To detect any rogue AirTags, Apple has incorporated safety measures in its devices.

"If you have an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later, and we’re already up to iOS 18, your device should be able to alert you," Somers advised.

Users can ensure their iPhone is updated by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

To guarantee you're alerted to tracking notifications, make sure to activate the following settings on your iPhone:

  • Location Services and Find My iPhone within Settings > Privacy & Security

  • Bluetooth functionality

  • Notifications for Tracking Alerts under Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications.

The system notifies users if their device detects an unknown AirTag in motion with them.

"If an unknown AirTag is detected moving with you, your iPhone will automatically send you an alert," Somers said.

The tracking security isn't limited to AirTags alone. It also includes AirPods so offers protection against someone using them to track your movements, Somers explained.

There are alerts that will let smartphone users know if they are being monitored, according to Apple
There are alerts that will let smartphone users know if they are being monitored, according to Apple -Credit:South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Wondering how to deal with a suspicious AirTag?

Should you get a notification concerning an unidentified AirTag, tapping on the alert will show a map where the AirTag has followed you, complete with dashed lines indicating your path.

This could help determine when the AirTag might have been added to your items.

Additionally, a Play Sound feature allows you to trigger noise from the AirTag to locate it more easily, particularly useful if hidden in a bag or vehicle.

For precision, utilise the Precision Finding on iPhones equipped with Ultra Wideband. This shows an arrow pointing to the exact location of the AirTag and even provides the distance to it.

On selecting the alert notification, the user is directed to a site presenting details about the AirTag, such as its serial number and the end digits of the owner's phone number.

"This can help you identify the owner," the expert said. "If it’s someone you know, you can cross-check the number with your contacts."

To capture the information for records, Somers said it's a good idea to take a screenshot to document the information.

And if you've clocked an unwanted AirTag tracking you, you can put a stop to it – just know the owner will twig they've lost their eyes on you.

To knock out an AirTag:

  • Give the back of the AirTag a good press and twist it anti-clockwise.

  • Pop off the cover and whip out the battery.

With the battery gone, the AirTag won't be able to let its owner know your whereabouts anymore. If you feel at risk or suspect malicious intent, contact the police immediately.

"Authorities can work with Apple to trace the AirTag’s owner, potentially revealing who is behind it," Somers added.

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