How to use your iPhone to locate an unknown AirTag moving with you

By: Anry Sergeev | 18.05.2022, 23:55

AirTags can be used to track any items that have been lost or stolen. Apple has created a notification alert to address concerns about AirTag being used for criminal purposes. This alert is to discourage people from tracking you without your consent. Using Apple’s Find My network, you can detect and locate nearby unknown AirTags using your iPhone.

Detect AirTags with an iPhone

Unknown AirTag alerts come after the accessory has been separated from its owner and is seen moving with you over time. In order to receive unknown AirTag alerts, you need to turn Location Services and Bluetooth on in Settings. To do so, go to:

  • Settings > Privacy > Location Services on
  • Settings > Bluetooth or tap the Bluetooth button in the Control Panel

Tracking notifications will also need to be on in Notifications.

  • Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications

If you receive a notification that says “AirTag Found Moving With You,” tap the alert, then continue. A map will appear in Find My with red dots showing where the AirTag was detected.

You can tap “Play Sound” where you’ll hear a noise to help you locate the device. If you know the owner of the AirTag, you can hit “Pause Safety Alerts.”

However, if the AirTag is unknown, you can learn more and disable it so the device can no longer track you – there will be onscreen instructions to follow to help you disable the tracker. You can also see if the owner of the AirTag has been tracking your location.

Android users can receive unknown AirTag alerts, too

Additionally, those with Android devices can download the Tracker Detect app to receive unknown AirTag alerts. It scans for Bluetooth trackers that may be compatible with Find My and not their owners. To find out if someone is following you, scan your smartphone. If the app detects an unknown AirTag near you for at least 10 minutes, you can play a sound to help you find it.

More on AirTag:

  • Apple tackling AirTag stalking concerns with these changes to Find My network
  • iOS 15. 4 beta 4 adds anti-stalking alerts to AirTag and other Find My accessories
  • AirTag firmware update enhances unwanted tracking alert