AirTags Stalking: The Hidden Dangers of Unwanted Tracking

Unwanted tracking using Bluetooth devices like Apple AirTags is an alarming issue on the rise. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• How AirTags and other trackers are being misused for stalking
• The dangers and real-life impacts of covert monitoring
• Actionable tips to detect unwanted tracking and protect yourself
• How to use AirTags safely and prevent unethical use
• Expert insights and new developments in anti-stalking efforts

As a cybersecurity analyst with over a decade of experience investigating tech-enabled abuse, I aim to equip you with the knowledge to stay safe in an increasingly surveilled world. Having worked directly with stalking victims, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll and urgent need for better safeguards against this disturbing trend.

What Are AirTags and How Do They Work?

Apple AirTags review are small, coin-sized tracking devices that work by connecting to Apple’s expansive Find My network. They emit a Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby iPhones and other Apple devices, allowing the AirTag’s owner to view its precise, real-time location data through the Find My app.

AirTag Specs and Connectivity

• Dimensions: 1.26 inches in diameter, 0.31 inches thick
• Weight: 0.39 ounces (11 grams)
• Battery Life: Over 1 year (replaceable CR2032 battery)
• Water-Resistance: IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 min)
• Range: Approximately 100 to 200 feet via Bluetooth
• Global Reach: Utilizes crowd-sourced location via Find My network
• Precision Finding: Provides visual, audio and haptic feedback when nearby

AirTags achieve wide-range, precise tracking by leveraging the Bluetooth connectivity of Apple’s vast, existing network of devices. With nearly 1.65 billion active Apple devices worldwide as of 2020, an AirTag’s location can be uploaded by any nearby iPhone, iPad or Mac that detects it – even if those devices don’t belong to the AirTag owner.

Intended Uses vs. Potential for Misuse

While Apple promotes AirTags as a convenient way to locate lost items like keys, wallets, or luggage, their discreet design also makes them alarmingly easy to slip into someone’s bag or car for covert tracking.

AirTags cost just $29 each or $99 for a 4-pack. Over 67 million of these trackers have been estimated to be in circulation already based on Apple sales data. Their low price point, tiny size, and near-universal compatibility with iOS devices makes AirTags uniquely suited for misuse compared to previous tracking products.

Other companies like Tile, Chipolo and Samsung offer similar Bluetooth trackers, and many of the same risks around unwanted monitoring apply to these devices as well. However, Apple’s AirTags have gained particular notoriety due to their massive crowd-sourced network that can enable incredibly precise tracking capabilities.

The Rising Problem of AirTag Stalking

Since AirTags first launched in April 2021, hundreds of alarming incidents have emerged of the devices being used to secretly track people without consent:

• As of April 2022, there were over 150 police reports related to AirTag stalking in just 8 U.S. states.
• Stories of AirTags being placed in coat pockets, cars and purses have trended on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter.
• In one high-profile case, a woman was tracked across multiple states by her ex-boyfriend using an AirTag he placed in her car. He was later arrested for stalking.
• In another disturbing incident, an AirTag was even discovered by a child in the back seat of her mother’s vehicle, placed there by the woman’s ex.
• In Indiana, four people were charged in an AirTag-related murder after using the device to stalk a victim and confront him as he visited his ex-girlfriend.

Despite Apple implementing some anti-stalking features, domestic violence experts say cases of AirTag stalking continue to climb at an alarming rate. Clearly, individuals, companies and lawmakers need to do more to curb this emerging form of technology-facilitated abuse.

Why AirTags Are Easily Abused

Several design factors make AirTags disturbingly easy to misuse:

Size and Camouflage

• AirTags measure just 1.25 inches wide and under 1 inch thick, allowing them to be easily hidden.
• At 11 grams, they weigh less than a AAA battery, so are unlikely to be noticed inside a bag or pocket.
• The plain white plastic casing blends seamlessly into many settings.
• Accessory holders disguise them as innocuous items like keychains.

Precision and Range

• AirTags update locations as frequently as once per second when in range of an iPhone with precision finding.
• They utilize ultra-wideband technology which can pinpoint location in 3D space down to a few inches.
• AirTags can be tracked anywhere there are other iOS devices nearby, extending range far beyond Bluetooth.

Accessibility and Affordability

• AirTags require no technical setup and minimal skill to use.
• At $29 USD each, they are highly affordable compared to GPS stalker devices that can cost hundreds.
• No ID or special permissions are needed to purchase AirTags, so they are widely available.
• Pre-activated AirTags can even be mailed to victims for immediate tracking.

These concerning characteristics mean AirTags can provide stalkers or abusers easy access to highly precise, frequent location data on their victims. The wide availability of these trackers for cheap significantly lowers barriers to engage in stalking for the average consumer.

Real-Life Impacts of Covert Tracking

The impacts of being unknowingly monitored can be devastating for victims. AirTags’ ability to provide access to such granular, real-time location details leaves those tracked feeling completely exposed:

“I felt terrified and violated knowing that my ex had been receiving notifications of my exact location as I went to work, ran errands or visits friends. It was as if he was still following and watching me even after I’d left.”

– Anita, Survivor of AirTag Stalking by Former Partner

Emotional and Psychological Toll

Discovering you’ve been tracked against your will is a massive invasion of privacy that can shatter your sense of personal safety. Victims report experiencing:

• Extreme paranoia and hypervigilance
• Inability to trust even close contacts
• Feelings of powerlessness and vulnerability
• Flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks
• Self-blame or shame around stalking
• Fear of going about normal activities

The psychological strain can endure long after the stalking itself stops as victims struggle to regain a sense of security and control over their lives. Experts liken the trauma to that of a home invasion, as both involve the painful realization that your safest spaces can no longer protect you.

AirTags have also been concerning for tracking elderly individuals without consent.

Disruption to Daily Life and Safety

Being stalked through an AirTag upends a victim’s entire world as they are forced to dramatically alter their routines to try and evade monitoring:

• Changing jobs, schools or relocating entirely to hide from an abuser
• Missing work or important appointments to avoid being tracked
• No longer visiting friends/family or engaging in hobbies
• Withdrawing from social circle and isolating from support systems
• Constant anxiety when leaving home or traveling
• Inability to escape abuser or safely attend court hearings

For victims already facing domestic violence, AirTags can escalate an abuser’s obsessive control and make it nearly impossible to find safe refuge when fleeing. Stalking is strongly linked to increased lethality risk in abusive relationships.

Financial Costs of Sweeping for Devices

The burden of repeatedly checking surroundings for covert AirTags also creates immense financial strain on victims:

• Paying for vehicle inspections to locate trackers
• Installing security systems or cameras at home
• Replacing phones or devices that may be compromised
• Hiring technicians to debug property
• Taking time off work to deal with safety planning

With the possibility of AirTags hidden anywhere, victims are forced to remain on constant high alert and funnel significant resources into monitoring their environment. Many simply cannot afford these extra security costs.

How Can You Tell if an AirTag is Tracking You?

If you’re an iPhone user, Apple has implemented some notification systems that may alert you to an unknown AirTag or Find My accessory traveling with you over time. However, these anti-stalking features have limitations.

iPhone Detection Capabilities

• “Item Detected” Alerts: Your iPhone should send a push notification if an AirTag not registered to you moves with you over a period of a few hours to a new location.
• Privacy Warnings: In the Find My app, you may see a message about an “Unknown Accessory Detected” traveling with you.
• On-Screen Maps: Tapping alerts lets you trigger the AirTag to play a sound and provides a map of where the device has been detected with you.
• Precision Finding: For iPhones 11 and up, the Find My app can give real-time distance/direction to an unknown AirTag when you are within Bluetooth range (30-50ft).

However, some iPhone users report these notifications can be sporadic, delayed by days, or easily dismissed as false positives. Apple itself warns that alerts may not trigger if your stalker frequently resets the AirTag.

Android Tracker Detect App

Android users unfortunately do not receive automatic alerts about unknown AirTags, since the tags rely on connecting through Apple’s Find My ecosystem.

In response to pressure, Apple released an app for Android in Dec 2021 called “Tracker Detect” that allows manually scanning for AirTags nearby. If one is detected, the app provides instructions on how to disable it.

However, this app has significant limitations currently:

• It must be proactively downloaded from the Google Play store. Many Android users remain unaware it exists.
• Tracker Detect will not automatically scan for AirTags in the background. The app must be opened and a scan manually initiated each time you want to check.
• Scanning takes up to 15 minutes and can only detect unwanted AirTags that have been separated from their paired device for longer than 10 minutes.
• It provides no historical location data about where an AirTag has been detected with you previously, only distance estimates within Bluetooth range.

Apple has plans to create more streamlined tracking detection in the Android OS, but no clear timeline has been provided yet. For now, Android users remain more vulnerable to covert AirTag monitoring.

Audible Alerts and Warning Signs

If an AirTag is separated from its paired device for an extended period, it is supposed to automatically emit a sound to alert any nearby people of its presence. Originally this occurred after 3 days, but Apple shortened that timeframe to a randomized period between 8-24 hours after stalking concerns emerged.

Some key things to know about the AirTag’s audible alerts:

• The sound is a 15-second light chirping noise that repeats every few minutes until the AirTag is moved again.
• At 60 decibels, it may be hard to hear the alert chime in noisy environments and is easy for a stalker to muffle.
• The sound only plays when the AirTag has been stationary and detached from the owner’s device for over 8-24 hours. So you would not hear it if the stalker comes back into range frequently.
• The audible alert resets each time the AirTag is moved, so may only play briefly in transit.

Other warning signs you may be tracked by an AirTag or similar device include:

• Your smartphone displays an “Unknown Accessory Detected” message.
• You receive multiple vague alerts about an “Item Detected” moving with you.
• You hear strange intermittent beeping from bags, coats, vehicles or rooms.
• You find an unfamiliar small white disc device among your belongings.
• Your abuser makes suspicious comments indicating they know your specific whereabouts.

Trust your instincts – if you suspect you may be tracked, believe yourself and don’t second-guess taking action. Prioritize your safety above giving others the benefit of the doubt when it comes to your privacy.

What To Do If You Find an Unwanted AirTag

If you locate an unknown tracking device, act quickly to disable it and preserve evidence:

1. Disable the AirTag

Removing the AirTag’s battery will immediately stop it from sharing your live location. Use the following steps:

• Locate the silver battery cap on the AirTag’s back casing.
• Push down on the cap and rotate it counterclockwise a few degrees.
• Release pressure and the cap should pop up, revealing the battery inside.
• Carefully pry out the CR2032 lithium battery, avoiding touching the terminals.
• Dispose of the battery properly and store the AirTag in a secure place as evidence.

If you are unable to remove the battery yourself, place the AirTag in a faraday bag or wrap it tightly in layers of aluminum foil to block its signal temporarily until you can disable it or turn it over to authorities.

2. Document Everything

Before disabling or disposing of the AirTag, be sure to carefully document the incident for investigators and your own records:

• Take clear photos of the AirTag (or other tracker device) from all angles.
• Photograph where/how it was found, including any damage to belongings.
• Write down the exact date, time and location you discovered the device.
• Keep a log of any alerts or strange beeping sounds you noticed.
• Print out copies of “Item Detected” or “Unknown Accessory” notifications.
• screencapture maps showing where the tracker has followed you.
• Take screenshots of any threatening messages, shared locations or suspected tracking evidence from your abuser.
• Make copies of documentation with dates/times noted for safekeeping.

3. Contact Law Enforcement

Depending on your state, unauthorized electronic tracking may constitute a criminal offense. Reach out to local police to file a report and share the evidence you’ve documented.

• Write down case numbers, officer names and direct contact info.
• If you have an active restraining order against your suspected stalker, provide a copy of the order to responding officers.
• Request police sweep your vehicle and residence for additional trackers.
• Ask about victim services and local agencies that may assist with safety planning, legal advocacy and emergency shelter.
• See if police can determine the owner of the unwanted AirTag.

Even if an arrest is not made immediately, establishing a formal record of stalking incidents can be crucial for building a future case and accessing legal protections like restraining orders.

4. Get Support

Being stalked is an extremely traumatic, isolating experience. Prioritize your mental health as much as your physical safety during this time:

• Reach out to trusted friends and family for emotional support. You don’t have to cope alone.
• Consider informing your workplace or school about the stalking so they can assist with safety measures.
• Connect with a victim advocate or counselor experienced in stalking/domestic violence cases. They can provide confidential guidance.
• Join a support group for survivors of stalking to feel less isolated and learn from others.
• Consult with a civil attorney about legal options like protective orders and no-contact directives.
• Have a safety plan in place for what to do if you suspect you’re being followed or your stalker escalates.

Remember, the stalking is not your fault. Nothing you did caused this to happen and you deserve to feel safe. Advocates are available 24/7 to provide judgment-free help.

5. Sweep for Other Devices

Unfortunately, if a stalker placed one AirTag on you, there could be others. Do a thorough check of your personal belongings, vehicles, and frequented spaces:

• Inspect clothing pockets, bags, purses, wallets and jackets.
• Look behind license plates, under seats, in trunks and beneath vehicles.
• Pay attention to items that seem to have been moved slightly.
• Check work desks, lockers, home rooms and outdoor areas.
• Ask a friend to help as a second set of eyes during searches.
• Consider having vehicles professionally inspected by a mechanic.
• Hire an electronic bug sweeping service for your home if affordable.

Since AirTags are so small and easy to hide, regularly checking your surroundings is an important safety precaution if you suspect you’re being tracked. Don’t overlook the possibility of a stalker planting trackers in children’s items as well.

6. Secure Digital Accounts

If someone had physical access to plant an AirTag on you, consider what other private information they may have accessed like digital passwords or online accounts. Abusers may have installed spyware on your devices or be tracking you through social media/email as well.

• Change all passwords and logins using a new, secure device that your abuser has not had access to.
• Log out of accounts on all other devices and turn on two-factor authentication.
• Avoid using shared computers or public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive info.
• Review privacy settings, blocked users and authorized app permissions.
• Be selective about any joint accounts with your stalker. Separate your digital presence as much as possible.
• Consider starting accounts using a new email and device.

Digital stalking often goes hand-in-hand with physical surveillance from tracking devices. Protect your technology to cut off an abuser’s access to your online data as well.

How To Use AirTags Safely and Prevent Misuse

For the vast majority of AirTag users who only intend to keep track of their own items, it’s still important to use these devices responsibly to prevent unintentional tracking:

• Only use AirTags on your own belongings, never to monitor other people, vehicles or property without consent.
• If attaching an AirTag to a shared item like family car keys, make sure everyone is fully aware and understands how the tracking works.
• Keep in mind that others with iOS devices may be notified if your AirTag is consistently detected traveling with them.
• If someone tells you they are uncomfortable being tracked by your AirTag, believe them and remove the device immediately.
• Personalize your AirTags with engraving or numbering to deter theft and make it clear they belong to you.
• Don’t try to circumvent Apple’s anti-stalking features like the audible alerts. It’s there for a reason.
• If you want to share an AirTag’s location data with family members, make sure everyone understands how the tracking works and consents to it.
• If your stalking concerns persist, notify Apple and contact law enforcement. Take it seriously.

Companies have a responsibility to better educate consumers about how tracking devices can be misused and the real dangers of stalking. We must all commit to using AirTags ethically to prevent normalizing non-consensual surveillance.

Legislating Against Unwanted Tracking

As reports of AirTag stalking hit headlines, lawmakers began taking action to criminalize electronic tracking without consent:

• In March 2022, Indiana passed HB 1262 prohibiting non-consensual tracking via devices like AirTags.
• Kentucky enacted a similar bill the following April banning stalking by “technological means.”
• Several other states like New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania proposed bills in 2022 making it illegal to use AirTags to stalk.
• Wisconsin legislators introduced a bipartisan bill specifically prohibiting stalking with AirTags or other GPS technology.
• At the federal level, the Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized with updated language around technology and stalking.

These laws allow victims to file for restraining orders and pursue both criminal and civil penalties against people who track them without permission. However, much work still remains around enforcement and prevention.

As technology evolves, our legislation must keep pace to hold stalkers accountable across all devices and digital platforms. Continued advocacy is needed to expand anti-stalking laws to every jurisdiction.

Apple and Google Join Forces Against Stalking

In a promising step, Apple and Google recently announced a groundbreaking partnership to combat unwanted tracking across both iOS and Android devices.

The competing tech giants are collaborating on a new industry standard that would allow Android and Apple devices to communicate about nearby trackers:

• Android smartphones will be able to detect AirTags and other Find My network accessories traveling with them. iOS devices could identify Tile or Galaxy SmartTags as well.
• If an unknown accessory is detected moving with you, your smartphone will alert you even if you don’t have that brand’s app installed.
• You’ll be able to play a sound to help locate the device, see a map of affected locations, and get instructions on disabling it, regardless of whether it’s an AirTag or Tile.
• Approved tracking accessories will use shared protocols to identify themselves to iOS/Android phones when detected.
• This cross-platform framework aims to provide a more comprehensive way to combat unwanted tracking.

Apple and Google are inviting other Bluetooth tracking companies to join this effort so that any brand of tracker can be detected. Tile, Chipolo, Samsung and Pebblebee have already signed on.

This joint initiative acknowledges that AirTags are far from the only devices capable of stalking and that universal protections are needed. By working together, Apple and Google’s solution could reach over 3 billion smartphone users worldwide with more robust safeguards.

However, no timeline has been provided yet for when these changes will roll out. And some advocates worry that relying on Big Tech companies to self-police tracking issues may prove insufficient without device bans and legislative oversight.

Tips from Experts to Prevent Unwanted Tracking

Security and privacy professionals recommend taking the following precautions to protect yourself from stalking with AirTags or similar devices:

• Trust your instincts. If something feels “off” or you suspect tracking, take it seriously.
• Routinely inspect your vehicle and belongings for unfamiliar objects, especially if a controlling partner or ex had access to them.
• Keep your smartphone OS and apps updated to ensure the latest anti-stalking alerts and bug fixes are installed.
• Be mindful of notification fatigue. Don’t become complacent about “Unknown Accessory” or strange beeping alerts.
• Use an RF detector to scan for wireless signals coming from hidden devices on your person or in your home, vehicle or office.
• Invest in a GPS bug detector if you can afford one to help locate any unwanted trackers.
• Consider carrying a Faraday bag to block all incoming/outgoing signals from devices.
• Regularly review what info you are sharing about your location online, like tagging yourself at venues or allowing social media check-ins.
• Turn off location permissions for any apps that don’t absolutely require it. Review privacy settings frequently.
• Don’t post about your daily routine or places you go on public accounts a stalker could access.
• Have packages delivered to an Amazon locker, the post office or your workplace if you’re concerned about a stalker mailing you an AirTag.
• Talk about AirTag risks with family, friends and co-workers. The more people are aware of this issue, the more we can support each other.
• If you are being stalked, create a log of each incident. Documentation is powerful.
• Connect with a local domestic violence/stalking agency for help with safety planning and legal options.

Remember, we all have the right to privacy and to feel secure in our daily lives. No one deserves to be stalked, either physically or digitally. While taking precautions is important, the onus should not fall solely on victims to protect themselves.

The Responsibility of Tech Companies

AirTag stalking cases reveal how the tech industry as a whole needs to make user safety a greater priority:

• Properly test devices for stalking risks before release. Don’t rely on public reports after the damage is done.
• Include anti-stalking features upfront in the initial design, not as reactive afterthoughts.
• Invest more in research/consulting with anti-violence experts to prevent misuse of products.
• Take reports of stalking seriously. Dedicate customer service teams to helping victims.
• Improve notification systems. Don’t rely on inconsistent alerts that users must be “lucky” to receive.
• Be transparent about anti-abuse efforts. Share data on stalking reports and disclose what actions are being taken.
• Work together across brands on cross-platform solutions. Stalking detection can’t be siloed to one company.
• Support legislation and laws around electronic stalking. Industry backing is powerful.

Tech companies have a moral obligation to address how their devices impact personal safety. Profits can no longer come at the expense of user privacy and protection.

Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this comprehensive guide to AirTag stalking. To recap the most important points:

• While created to locate lost items, Apple’s AirTags are increasingly being misused by stalkers to secretly track people.
• AirTags’ precision, size and connectivity to Apple’s network enables highly accurate stalking.
• Being stalked via an AirTag can have devastating psychological impacts and upend a victim’s life.
• Warning signs you are being tracked by an AirTag include unusual alerts on your iPhone, strange beeping sounds, and suspiciously located devices.
• If you find an unknown AirTag, disable it immediately, document everything, and contact police. Prioritize your safety.
• Use AirTags responsibly only on your own items, never to track people without consent. Be mindful of others’ privacy.
• Apple is working on improved cross-platform stalking protections with Android, but more needs to be done.
• Regularly sweep your belongings for trackers, review app permissions, and stay vigilant to keep yourself safe.
• Tech companies have an ethical duty to prevent stalking with their products through better design, testing and support for victims.
• You deserve to feel safe and in control of your own location. Stalking is never your fault, and help is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About AirTags and Stalking

Can AirTags be used to track people’s location?

Yes, AirTags are being exploited by stalkers to secretly monitor people without consent by slipping the tiny devices into a victim’s pockets, bags or vehicle. Always stay alert to unfamiliar devices in your belongings.

How accurate are AirTags for tracking location?

AirTags can pinpoint a target’s real-time location within a few inches when in Bluetooth range of an iPhone 11 or higher. They communicate with any nearby iPhones to update position data. So the accuracy is high almost anywhere.

Can Android phones detect AirTags?

Android devices cannot automatically warn about unknown AirTags due to incompatibility with the Find My network. But Apple does offer an Android app called Tracker Detect that can scan for and locate rogue AirTags nearby with a manual search.

How can I find out if an AirTag is tracking me?

Your iPhone should alert you if an unfamiliar AirTag is detected moving with you. You may see “Item Detected” notifications or an “Unknown Accessory Detected” message in the Find My app. AirTags may also make beeping sounds after being separated from their owner.

What do I do if I find an AirTag tracking me?

Remove the AirTag’s battery to disable it immediately. Photograph the device and where you found it. Report the incident to police and see if they can determine the owner. Search your vehicle and belongings thoroughly for any other trackers.

Is it illegal to use AirTags to stalk someone?

A growing number of U.S. states are passing laws that make electronic tracking illegal without the person’s consent. Penalties can include hefty fines and even jail time in some cases. Check your local regulations regarding AirTags.

What should I do if my AirTag location is not updating?

If your AirTag is not updating its location, there could be several reasons why. Check out this guide for troubleshooting tips.

At the end of the day, we are all entitled to move through the world without fear of being unknowingly watched. As digital devices increasingly infiltrate our lives, we must stay educated on their potential for abuse and take steps to protect our privacy.

If you are experiencing any form of stalking, please know that you are not alone and it is never your fault. Reach out for help and support from law enforcement, advocates and trusted loved ones. Your safety matters.