How To Scan Your Car for a Tracking Device With Phone?

Location trackers like AirTags have become insanely popular recently, thanks to their ability to track items like keys and wallets. However, like any other technology, threat actors have found ways to exploit these trackers to stalk potential victims and monitor their whereabouts.

Thankfully, if you suspect that an unknown tracker is tracking your location, you don’t need to manually search your vehicle with a flashlight. Instead, both Apple and Google have developed an alerts feature that notifies users when an unfamiliar Bluetooth device follows them. Here’s how you can scan your car for a tracking device using your phone.

Scan Your Car for a Tracking Device With a Phone

Bluetooth trackers like AirTags notify nearby phones when they are separated from their owner for an extended period. This alert works regardless of the tracker’s operating system. However, while this feature is enabled by default, you may need to set it up.

1. On Android

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Click on the Search button and type unknown tracker alerts.
3. Turn the toggle on.
   

2. On iOS

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security > Location Services, and turn on the toggle for Location Services.
3. Turn on Bluetooth.
4. Open the Find My app and click on yourself.
5. Enable Tracking Notifications.
   

What Should You Do If You Receive a Notification?

If you receive a notification that an unknown tracker is following you, don’t panic. First, tap the notification to access key details about the tracker, such as its manufacturer, a map of where it has traveled with you, and possible owner details. It’s a good idea to take screenshots of this information for reference.

Next, tap the “Play Sound” button, which will cause the tracker to emit a beep-like noise. Since these devices have small speakers, listen carefully to your surroundings, particularly under the seats, floor mats, near the tires, inside the trunk, and around the engine bay. If the “Play Sound” option disappears, you may have moved away from the tracker’s location.

Once you find the tracker and its owner is someone you know, it’s possible they accidentally left it in your car with their belongings. Remove the tracking device’s battery to temporarily disable it, and schedule a meeting to return the belongings and tracker to them.

However, if you don’t hear any beeping at all, the tracker may have been tampered with for stalking purposes. In this case, it’s best to contact someone you trust, head to a public location like a gas station or restaurant, and contact the police.