How to Scan My Car for AirTags: A Step-by-Step Guide

Apple AirTags are small, coin-sized devices designed to help you keep track of your belongings like keys and wallets. They work by sending out Bluetooth signals that can be detected by nearby Apple devices, updating the location in the “Find My” network. While intended for personal item tracking, AirTags can be misused to track vehicles without the owner’s consent, raising privacy concerns. If you suspect your car might be tracked with an AirTag, this guide from carcodepro.com, your trusted auto repair experts, will provide you with detailed steps on how to find and disable any hidden AirTags.

Understanding AirTag Tracking Range

It’s important to understand that AirTags do not have built-in GPS and don’t actively transmit their location over long distances independently. Instead, they rely on the Bluetooth signals they emit, which are detected by any Apple devices in proximity. These devices then anonymously relay the AirTag’s location to the owner through Apple’s “Find My” network. The Bluetooth range of an AirTag is typically around 100 meters (330 feet) in optimal conditions. This means that for an AirTag to update its location, it needs to be near an active Apple device.

If you’re worried about unauthorized tracking, you can take proactive steps to scan your car for AirTags. Here’s how:

Method 1: Using Your iPhone to Scan for AirTags

If you have an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later, your device has a built-in feature to automatically detect unknown AirTags that are moving with you. This is the most straightforward method to check for unwanted AirTags.

Steps to Detect AirTags with iPhone:

1. Enable Bluetooth and Location Services: Ensure both Bluetooth and Location Services are turned on in your iPhone settings.

   • Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure it is toggled On.
   • Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > and ensure Location Services is On.

2. Wait for Automatic Detection: Your iPhone will passively scan for nearby AirTags in the background as you move around. You don’t need to initiate a manual scan.

3. Check for “Moving with You” Notification: If an unknown AirTag is detected traveling with you for a certain period (usually a few hours), you will receive a notification that says “Moving with You.” This notification is a key indicator of a potentially unwanted AirTag.

4. Open the Notification: Tap on the “Moving with You” notification to get more details.

5. View Detection Map: You will see a map that shows the locations where the unknown AirTag has been detected moving with you. This can help you understand if the AirTag has indeed been tracking your car’s movements.

6. Play Sound to Locate the AirTag: Within the notification, tap “Play Sound”. This will make the AirTag emit a beeping sound, helping you to physically locate it within your vehicle.

7. Get More Information About the AirTag: Tap “Learn About This AirTag” for further details. If the owner has marked the AirTag as lost, you might see their contact information, although in cases of malicious tracking, this is less likely.

8. Disable the AirTag: Once you find the AirTag, follow the instructions provided in the notification to disable it. This usually involves removing the battery from the AirTag.

Method 2: Scanning for AirTags with an Android Device

A man looking at airtag found using samsung mobile

If you use an Android phone, you can still scan for AirTags using Apple’s official “Tracker Detect” app, available on the Google Play Store. This app allows you to manually scan for nearby AirTags and is designed specifically for this purpose.

Steps to Detect AirTags with Android:

1. Download “Tracker Detect” App: Go to the Google Play Store and download and install the “Tracker Detect” app developed by Apple.
2. Manual Scan: Open the “Tracker Detect” app and initiate a scan for nearby AirTags. The app will search for any AirTags in Bluetooth range that are not associated with your Apple ID.
3. Identify Unknown AirTags: If the app detects an AirTag that is not yours, it will list it as an “Unknown AirTag.”
4. Play Sound (if detected): The app may offer an option to play a sound on the detected AirTag to help you locate it physically.
5. Physical Search: Once you’ve used the app, you’ll still need to conduct a physical search of your car to find the AirTag based on the sound or general proximity.

Method 3: Other Ways to Find an AirTag in Your Car

Even without relying solely on smartphone detection, there are other methods you can use to find a hidden AirTag in your car:

1. Listen for Beeping Sounds: AirTags separated from their owner for an extended period (between 8 to 24 hours) will start to emit a periodic beeping sound. In a quiet environment, especially inside your car, you might be able to hear this beep. Turn off the car engine and radio, and listen carefully for any unfamiliar beeping sounds.

2. Conduct a Thorough Physical Search: Perform a detailed physical inspection of your vehicle. Check common hiding spots:

   • Underneath the seats: Slide your hand under the seats and check for anything attached.
   • In seat pockets and compartments: Inspect all seat-back pockets and storage compartments.
   • Glove compartment: Check inside the glove compartment and any items stored there.
   • Center console: Examine the center console, including inside any storage areas.
   • Trunk and spare tire area: Thoroughly inspect the trunk, including under the floor mats and in the spare tire well.
   • Exterior of the car (less likely but possible): Check wheel wells, bumpers, and under the chassis if you can safely access these areas.
   • Visually Look for the AirTag: AirTags are small, white, and circular, roughly the size of a coin. Look for this distinctive shape during your physical search.

3. Use Bluetooth Scanning Apps (Alternative to Tracker Detect): Besides the “Tracker Detect” app, other third-party Bluetooth scanning apps are available for both Android and iOS. These apps can display a list of all Bluetooth devices in range. While they might not specifically identify an “AirTag,” you can look for unknown devices with generic names or strings of numbers and letters that appear after you suspect an AirTag might have been placed in your car. This method is less precise but can be a supplementary check.

4. Observe for Suspicious Patterns: Pay attention to any unusual occurrences that might suggest you are being tracked. Does someone seem to know your location without you telling them? Have you noticed unfamiliar vehicles around when you park your car in different locations? While not direct evidence of an AirTag, these patterns can raise your awareness and prompt more thorough checks.

5. Regular Car Checks: Make it a routine to periodically check your car for any foreign objects, including potential tracking devices. Regular checks are especially advisable if you frequently park your car in public places or if you have reasons to believe you might be targeted for tracking.

AirTags vs. GPS Trackers: Understanding the Risk

It’s important to remember that AirTags are not as sophisticated as dedicated GPS trackers. They do not offer real-time tracking in the same way GPS devices do, and their location updates are dependent on proximity to Apple devices. If you find an AirTag relatively quickly, you can easily disable it by removing the battery, effectively stopping any further tracking.

If you are genuinely concerned about being tracked without your consent, especially if you find an unknown AirTag and feel threatened, it is always a good idea to inform the authorities and seek advice from law enforcement.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional security advice. Always handle any suspicious devices with caution and prioritize your safety.