Did you know AirTags are about the size of a coin but can still track your exact location? That’s both impressive and—well—kind of spooky if one ends up in your car without your knowledge. One of my friends actually found an AirTag tucked into the pocket behind his passenger seat, and he had no idea how it got there. If you’re wondering how to find an AirTag in your car, don’t worry. I’ve got your back! Let’s walk through everything you need to know in the easiest, most helpful way possible.
What is an AirTag and Why You Might Find One in Your Car
What Exactly Is an AirTag?
An AirTag is a small, coin-shaped tracking device made by Apple. People use it to keep track of their keys, bags, wallets, and even pets. The AirTag uses Bluetooth to connect to Apple’s Find My network, which allows it to update its location using nearby Apple devices. So even if it’s not near your phone, someone could still see where it is—thanks to other people’s iPhones nearby.
If someone places an AirTag in your car without your knowledge, they could technically track your movements. That’s why it’s so important to know what they are and how to find one if you suspect there’s one hidden in your car.
Why Would Someone Put an AirTag in My Car?
There could be many reasons—some innocent and others not so much. For example:
- A friend or family member wants to keep tabs on your location for safety.
- A prankster thought it would be funny (not cool, by the way).
- In rare cases, someone may be tracking you without your permission.
That last one is the most concerning. This is why Apple has added safety features to help you find an unknown AirTag near you. But we’ll talk more about those tools soon.
Are AirTags Dangerous?
AirTags themselves are not harmful—they’re just little gadgets that send signals. But the real issue is how people use them. If someone is tracking you without your permission, that crosses a line. Apple has tried to add features that prevent unwanted tracking, like alerting you if there’s an unknown AirTag following you. Still, they’re not perfect, and that’s why we need to learn how to find them ourselves.
Signs That an AirTag Might Be in Your Car
Let’s talk about the clues that might tell you there’s an AirTag hidden somewhere in your car:
- You get a notification on your iPhone that says, “AirTag Found Moving With You.”
- You hear a beeping sound in your car, especially after a few hours of driving.
- Your phone shows a message in the Find My app about an unknown device.
- You notice unusual behavior in your car’s Bluetooth or strange signals on your phone.
These are all signs that should make you stop and investigate further.
Knowing the Risks and Taking Action
Even though finding an AirTag in your car might sound like a scene out of a spy movie, it’s not all that rare anymore. With technology getting smarter, so do the ways people misuse it. Being informed is your first step in protecting yourself.
If you ever feel unsafe or suspect something fishy, trust your gut. Better to check your car and be sure than to ignore it and let someone track you without your knowledge.
How to Use Technology to Detect an AirTag in Your Car
Use Your iPhone or iPad to Scan for AirTags
If you have an iPhone or iPad, Apple has built-in features to help detect AirTags that don’t belong to you. Here’s how it works:
When an AirTag is separated from its owner and is moving with you, your iPhone should send a notification. This message usually says something like, “AirTag Found Moving With You.” You can tap the alert to see the AirTag on a map and even play a sound to help locate it.
To make sure these alerts are enabled, go to:
- Open the “Find My” app.
- Tap on the “Me” tab at the bottom.
- Make sure “Item Safety Alerts” is turned on.
If this option is off, your phone won’t warn you about unknown AirTags. So make sure it’s turned on!
Also, Apple lets you manually scan for nearby items:
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap on “Items.”
- See if any unknown devices are listed.
Remember, the AirTag won’t show up by name unless the owner has shared that info. It may just say “Unknown Accessory Detected.”
Use the Tracker Detect App on Android Phones
If you don’t use an iPhone, you’re not out of luck! Apple has made a special app just for Android users called Tracker Detect. Here’s how you can use it:
- Go to the Google Play Store and download “Tracker Detect” by Apple.
- Open the app and tap on “Scan.”
- The app will start looking for any nearby Apple tracking devices.
If it finds an AirTag near you that isn’t with its owner, it’ll show you. You can also tap a button to make the AirTag play a sound. That’s a helpful feature if it’s hidden somewhere sneaky, like under a seat or behind a panel.
Just a heads-up: this app doesn’t work automatically. You have to open it and scan manually.
Listen for AirTag Sounds
If an AirTag has been away from its owner for too long, it starts to beep. This usually happens around 8 to 24 hours after it was last connected to its owner’s iPhone. So, if someone planted an AirTag in your car, you might hear a faint beeping noise.
Tips for listening:
- Turn off your engine and any loud music.
- Roll down the windows to reduce echo.
- Sit quietly for a few minutes.
If you hear any strange beeping, follow the sound. It may be under a seat, in the trunk, or even inside a seat pocket.
Use Bluetooth Scanners or Tracking Apps
There are also third-party apps that let you scan for Bluetooth devices around you. These apps list nearby Bluetooth signals, including AirTags. Some popular apps include:
- BLE Scanner
- LightBlue Explorer
- Bluetooth Finder
These apps show the strength of the signal, so you can walk around your car and see where the signal gets strongest. That will help you narrow down where the AirTag is hiding.
Keep in mind, some AirTags go into “sleep mode” if they haven’t moved in a while. So make sure you move your car or drive a short distance before scanning again.
Where to Look: Common Hiding Places in Your Car
Check Under the Seats and Seat Pockets
The very first place to check is under your car seats. AirTags are small and can easily slide under the seat or into the cracks between the cushions. Grab a flashlight and look closely.
Also, check the pockets behind the front seats. People often tuck AirTags in there, especially if they have easy access to your car, like at valet parking or a shared ride.
Pull everything out of those pockets. Run your hands along the seams to feel for any lumps or hard discs that shouldn’t be there. Remember, AirTags are about the size of a quarter but thicker.
If you have seat covers, remove them temporarily and check underneath. Someone could’ve slipped an AirTag between the cover and the seat.
Look in the Glove Box and Center Console
Next, open your glove box and take everything out. You’d be surprised how many people just toss an AirTag in there and forget about it—or worse, plant one to track you. Look under the papers and even inside small containers you keep there.
Do the same for your center console. Check underneath any removable trays or organizers. If your console has a USB or AUX port, check if anything unusual is plugged in or taped nearby.
You can even use your phone’s flashlight or a small mirror to help you see around corners inside these spaces.
Inspect the Trunk and Spare Tire Area
The trunk is another prime hiding spot. Start by removing any bags or boxes. Then lift up the floor mat and check around the spare tire. Some trunks have small storage compartments near the wheel well—look inside all of them.
Don’t forget the side pockets or hidden compartments in SUV-style cars. Some cars even have first aid kits or tool sets stored behind panels. Check everything carefully.
If you have a hatchback or SUV, check the cargo cover, especially if it has a lip or folded area. An AirTag could be taped underneath.
Look Around the Exterior and Bumpers
Although it’s less common, some people place AirTags on the outside of a vehicle. This could be behind the license plate, inside the fuel cap door, or even tucked into the bumper.
Run your hand under the bumpers (both front and back). Some AirTags have strong magnets or can be placed inside small magnetic containers. If you feel something unusual, investigate it.
Also, open your gas cap and look inside. It may sound odd, but it’s actually a spot where some people hide small devices.
Use a mirror to look under the car, especially around the wheel wells. A small device stuck to the undercarriage might not be visible from above.
Use Tools to Help Search
If you’re struggling to find anything, try using these tools:
- Flashlight: To see clearly in dark corners.
- Mirror: To check under the seats or car.
- Magnetic wand: To find any metallic objects tucked into tight places.
- Bluetooth scanner app: To detect signals and narrow down location.
The key here is to be thorough and take your time. An AirTag is small and can be very well hidden.
What to Do After You Find an AirTag in Your Car
Use Your Phone to Learn About the AirTag
Once you find an AirTag, the first thing to do is grab your phone. If you have an iPhone, just bring the AirTag close to it and wait for a pop-up. It will usually give you details like:
- Serial number
- Last four digits of the owner’s phone number
- Option to disable it
If your phone doesn’t show anything right away, try tapping the AirTag to the back of your iPhone. That should trigger the message.
If you’re using Android, open the Tracker Detect app. Tap “Scan” and then tap the detected AirTag. If it’s been found, you’ll have the option to play a sound and get details.
Even though it might not give you a name, this info can be helpful if you want to report the AirTag to authorities.
Disable the AirTag
After getting the information, the next step is to disable the AirTag. The easiest way to do this is by removing its battery.
Here’s how to do it:
- Hold the AirTag with the silver side facing you.
- Press down and rotate the cover counterclockwise.
- The cover will pop off.
- Take out the battery (it looks like a coin—CR2032).
Now, the AirTag can’t send any signals, and it’s basically useless until someone puts the battery back in.
You can also go into the Find My app and follow the instructions to disable it if it’s associated with your Apple ID (in case you accidentally lost your own AirTag).
Report the Incident to Authorities
If you don’t know who placed the AirTag in your car, or if you feel like you’re being stalked, don’t keep this to yourself. Report it to your local police department. Give them the serial number or any info you found from the device.
Most law enforcement officers are becoming more familiar with these types of tracking issues and can help you file a report or begin an investigation.
Also, take a few pictures of where you found the AirTag. This can help document what happened and could be important later.
Take Preventive Steps
Once you’ve found and removed an AirTag, think about taking some steps to prevent it from happening again:
- Lock your car doors at all times.
- Don’t leave your windows open, even a little bit.
- Be cautious when leaving your car with strangers (like valet).
- Periodically check your car using the same methods you learned today.
You could even get a Bluetooth scanner app and use it once a week just to be sure.
Keeping an eye out for suspicious behavior or unfamiliar sounds can also help you act quickly in the future.
I hope this guide helped you feel more confident about how to find an AirTag in your car. While technology like AirTags can be super useful, they can also be misused. Just stay alert, trust your instincts, and use the tools available to keep yourself safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it illegal for someone to put an AirTag in my car?
Yes, in most places it’s illegal for someone to track you without your knowledge or permission. If someone places an AirTag in your car to secretly follow you, they could be violating privacy or stalking laws. Many states and countries have laws that make unauthorized GPS tracking a crime. It’s especially serious if the person doing it has a history of harassment or abuse. If you find an AirTag and you didn’t put it there, it’s best to disable it and report the situation to the police. They can investigate and take appropriate action. Always protect your privacy.
Is it easy to find an AirTag without an iPhone?
It can be a bit trickier, but it’s still possible. If you don’t have an iPhone, you can download Apple’s Tracker Detect app on any Android phone. This app lets you scan for nearby AirTags and other Apple tracking devices. You can also use a Bluetooth scanner app like BLE Scanner or LightBlue to detect unusual Bluetooth signals. If an AirTag is near you and separated from its owner, it should show up. You can also listen for beeping sounds after the device has been away from its owner for a while. While it takes more effort, it’s doable without an iPhone.
Can I stop an AirTag from tracking me?
Yes, you can stop an AirTag from tracking you by removing its battery. Once you find the AirTag, hold the silver part, press down, and twist counterclockwise. The back will come off, and you can remove the battery. That disables the device. If you don’t want to touch it, you can also go to your iPhone and tap on the AirTag alert to disable it through Apple’s system. On Android, Tracker Detect lets you scan and disable unknown AirTags too. Taking out the battery is the quickest and most direct way to stop the tracking.
Is it common for AirTags to be used for stalking?
Unfortunately, yes, there have been several reported cases of AirTags being used for stalking or unwanted tracking. Apple has worked to reduce this risk by sending alerts to users and building in safety features like beeping sounds. However, determined individuals can still misuse the technology. If you feel like someone is tracking you or showing up unexpectedly wherever you go, it’s worth checking your car and belongings for any unknown tracking devices. If you find anything, report it to the police. You’re not being paranoid—your safety matters.
Can AirTags track you if you turn off your phone?
Turning off your phone doesn’t stop an AirTag from tracking you. The AirTag doesn’t rely only on your phone—it uses any nearby Apple devices to update its location on the network. So even if your phone is off, the AirTag can still send updates through other iPhones it comes into contact with. That means someone could still see where their AirTag is, even without your phone. That’s why it’s so important to remove or disable the AirTag if you find one. The network is vast, and it only takes one nearby device to update the location.
Do I need an Apple device to find an AirTag?
No, you don’t need an Apple device, although having one makes it easier. If you’re using an Android phone, download the Tracker Detect app from the Google Play Store. It scans for nearby AirTags that aren’t with their owners. You can also use Bluetooth scanner apps to look for unfamiliar devices around you. These apps don’t always tell you it’s an AirTag specifically, but you can use signal strength to narrow it down. iPhones have the most built-in tools for this, but with a bit more effort, Android users can stay protected too.
Can an AirTag be hidden on the outside of a car?
Yes, an AirTag can be hidden on the outside of a car. Some people stick them behind license plates, under bumpers, or even near the wheel well using magnetic cases. These spots are hard to check and often overlooked. If you’re doing a full sweep, make sure to look under the car with a flashlight or mirror. Run your hand along the edges of the bumpers and under the trunk area. These external spots are less likely to be found, which is why they’re sometimes used. Be thorough and check inside and out when searching.
Is it safe to handle an unknown AirTag?
Yes, it’s generally safe to handle an AirTag. It doesn’t have any harmful components like explosives or chemicals. The danger isn’t in the device itself—it’s in the information it might be sharing about your location. When you find one, just disable it by removing the battery. You can also use your phone to see if the AirTag is associated with someone and gather the serial number. If you’re concerned about fingerprints or evidence, wear gloves and place it in a bag until you report it. Don’t ignore it—take steps to protect your safety.