Apple AirTags Can Be Used to Track You Without Your Knowledge

If you are like most people, then you have probably heard about Apple's new AirTags, and the amazing things they can do, like help you find your lost keys or bags, but with this innovative technology also comes a risk; someone could use an AirTag to track your whereabouts without your knowledge or consent. To protect yourself against unwanted tracking, it is essential to know how AirTags work, and to understand the protections that Apple has built in.

How AirTags Work

AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with your iPhone or iPad.

When you are within range of an AirTag, your device will receive a notification telling you the tag's name, serial number, and battery level.

If you have an iPhone 8 or newer, then your phone will also automatically display the location of the AirTag on a map. This feature can be turned off in the settings if you do not want people to track your every move.

Apple’s Built-in Protections

Apple has included a few protections to discourage unwanted tracking via AirTags. For example,

when an AirTag is within range of your iPhone, it can only communicate with that device, and not any other iPhones or iPads nearby.

Apple has also said that they will not track the locations of AirTags—unless the user explicitly opts into this feature.

Finally, if you lose an AirTag, then Apple will deactivate it so that it cannot be used to track you.

Despite these protections, it is still possible for someone to use an AirTag to track your movements without your consent by slipping an AirTag into your bag or car without your knowledge.

How to Tell if Someone is Tracking You with an AirTag

There are a few ways to detect if someone is using an AirTag to track your location.

One way is to look for notifications on your iPhone or iPad that say "AirTag nearby." If you see these notifications, then it is a good indication that someone may be tracking you.

You can also check your phone's location history to see where you have been in the last 24 hours.

If you see locations that you do not recognize, then someone may have tracked your movements using an AirTag.

How to Stop an AirTag from Tracking You

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from unwanted tracking via AirTags:

· Keep your iPhone close when you are in a public place.

· Turn off the location-tracking feature in the settings.

· If you find an AirTag that does not belong to you, then contact Apple support immediately to deactivate it.

· Use a Bluetooth-tracker app (e.g., BLE Device Finder and BLE Scanner). AirTags communicate with Apple's devices via Bluetooth signals. You may use these tracker apps to search for an AirTag in your region. Although these apps will not name any AirTags, they might help you determine whether there is an unknown device in the area.

In conclusion, AirTag is a superior technology. However, some risks are associated with it. By being aware of these risks and taking some simple precautions, you can protect yourself from being tracked without your knowledge.