How do you know if you are being tracked by an AirTag?

the Apple AirTag They are a wonderful invention. Thanks to them, you can find out the location on the map of any object to which it is attached. For example, for house keys, wallet or suitcase. Her performance is great. AirTags emit a signal that is amplified by nearby iPhones and thanks to it, the object appears on the map.

But there’s a problem with AirTags: If someone puts them in your car or in your bag or backpack, that person can know where you are. Is there a way to avoid being tracked by AirTags? Yes. Wired Make a list of tricks to avoid it.

Signs that AirTag is tracking you

The type of smartphone you own affects how easy it is to spot hidden AirTags. Owners of iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later should receive an alert when an unknown, long-term AirTag is near and far from its owner. The exact moment when this alert is triggered is not indicated on the Apple website.

New iPhone owners should turn on Bluetooth and check settings to make sure they will receive notifications. In Settings, go to Privacy & Security and turn on Location Services. Scroll to the bottom of the page, tap System Services, and turn on Find My iPhone. Also, find the Find My iPhone app, visit “Me” in the bottom right corner, and tap Customize Follow Notifications to check if notifications are turned on.

Clicking an iPhone alert for an unknown AirTag may give you the option to play a sound on the AirTag to help locate it. If your iPhone is running iOS 16.2 or later, you may be able to use precise location data to find the hidden device.

How to locate an AirTag using Android

Months after the AirTag was released, Apple released the Tracker Detect app for Android phones. Unlike the security features available for the iPhone, the Android app does not automatically search for unknown AirTags. Users must initiate the search.

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Millions of Americans still don’t own a smartphone. Without a device on hand, you must rely on visual and auditory clues to find any hidden AirTags. The round white disc is slightly larger than a quarter.

When the AirTag was first released, the tracker would beep if the owner left it for more than three days. Apple has reduced that time to 24 hours or less. Despite the update, you may not want to rely on sound alone to detect AirTags.

What if I find an AirTag?

The best way to disable the AirTag is to remove the battery. To do this, flip the AirTag over so that the metal side with the Apple logo is facing you. Press the logo and rotate it counterclockwise. You can now remove the cover and take out the battery.

the Apple support page For AirTag it is suggested to go to the police if you think you are in a dangerous situation. “If you believe your safety is at risk, please contact your local police, who can work with Apple to request information about the item,” the support page reads. You may need to provide your AirTag, AirPods, Find My Network Accessory, and device serial number. One way to find out the serial number is to place the top of an iPhone or other NFC-enabled smartphone near the white part of the AirTag. A webpage with the serial number will appear.

This page may also include a partial phone number of the person who owns the tracking device. If you are hesitant to erase the AirTag or do not have the ability to do so, the serial number will be printed on the device, below the battery.

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