AirTags, released in 2021 by Apple are very useful devices for keeping up with our stuff, keys, computer bags, bikes, luggage and more. These small tags (about the size of a quarter) have about a year’s battery life and paired with a newer iPhone and IOS 14.5 or higher can help us retrieve lost or misplaced items. The can also be used by others to track our location. Apple has worked to help us discover an AirTag that is moving with us but is not ours. Newer AirPods also have this capability but due the high cost of the item using them as a tracking device is not attractive. AirTags cost less than $30.
If you think you are being tracked by someone’s AirTag, here are some steps to take. iPhones running iOS 14.5 or higher can advise you with a trigger or push alert if a tag is moving with you and you are not the owner. Apple does not state the exact time for this to happen.
“People with newer iPhones should turn on Bluetooth and check the settings to ensure they’ll receive such notifications. Under Settings, go to Privacy & Security and toggle Location Services on. Scroll to the bottom of that page, tap on System Services, and activate Find My iPhone. Also, search for the Find My app, visit Me on the bottom right, then tap Customize Tracking Notifications to double-check that notifications are enabled.
When you click on the alert for an unrecognized AirTag, you may be given the option to play a sound on the AirTag to help locate it. If you’re using an iPhone 11 or later, you might be able to use precision location data to ferret out the device.”
Android users can download an app to do this, but it must be manually set.
Some nefarious people can disable the sound of an AirTag. DIY instructions to do this are available on YouTube.
If you find the unknown AirTag, you can disable it by removing the battery.
“Apple’s support page for the AirTag suggests reaching out to the police if you believe you are in danger: “If you feel your safety is at risk, contact your local law enforcement, who can work with Apple to request information related to the item. You might need to provide the AirTag, AirPods, Find My network accessory, and the device’s serial number.” You can get the serial number (before removing the battery) by holding the top of an iPhone or other near-field-communication-enabled smartphone to the white side of the AirTag. A website with the serial number will pop up. This page may also include a partial phone number of the device’s owner. If you feel hesitant about scanning the AirTag or do not have the ability, you can also find the serial number beneath the battery.”
Text in quotes is from an article in WIRED June 2023, online edition.
Also see more on this topic go to this webpage from Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227
To set up a new AirTag see this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210973