A SIMPLE iPhone trick can reveal if someone that you know is stalking you by tracking your location.
It works by exposing part of the phone number of the person following you – hopefully giving you enough info to identify them.
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One of Apple’s handiest products is the AirTag, which is a small tracker you can attach to keys, luggage, or a handbag.
You can then follow the location of the item using your iPhone’s Find My app – and hopefully not lose track of them.
But it’s possible that someone could hide an AirTag in your clothes, bag, or car to stalk your movements.
Apple has built clever safety measures into the iPhone to help you track down these tags – and identify who might be following you.
HOW TO DETECT ROGUE AIRTAGS
The good news is that your iPhone can automatically detect unknown AirTags that are moving with you.
You’ll need an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later – and we’re currently up to iOS 18, so there’s a good chance yours is ready.
But to check, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
To make sure you get alerts, ensure that you have Location Services and Find My iPhone turned on in Settings > Privacy & Security.
You’ll also need Bluetooth switch on, and ensure that Allow Notifications is enabled in Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications.
Then if an AirTag that doesn’t belong to you is seen moving with you, you should receive a notification.
This will also work on a pair of Apple AirPods if someone is using that to follow you instead.
USE THE POP-UP
If you tap the alert, you’ll be able to see a map showing where the AirTag has tracked you.
Your route will be marked out in dashed lines, which may reveal where the device was first placed on you or your belongings.
There’s another benefit to the pop-up: the Play Sound feature.
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This lets you force the AirTag to make a noise out loud, which can help you find where it’s hidden.
That way if it’s tucked away somewhere very discreet, you’ll be able to quickly locate it.
If you’ve got a newer iPhone with Ultra Wideband then you’ll also be able to use Apple’s Precision Finding feature.
With that, your iPhone will point you exactly to where the AirTag is using an arrow – and even show you how far away you are from it.
WHICH IPHONES HAVE ULTRAWIDEBAND CHIP?
Here’s the full list…
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Picture Credit: Apple
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Ultra Wideband is featured on the iPhone 11 and later (but not including the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).
Just tap Find Nearby after pressing the alert to use Precision Finding.
SCAN THE AIRTAG
Apple has also created a “scanning” feature that can instantly reveal who has planted the AirTag on you.
Once you’ve found the AirTag, hold the top of your iPhone on the white side of the AirTag.
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A notification should appear – tap it.
This will take you to a website with information about that specific AirTag.
It’ll have the AirTag’s serial number, which you should take note of.
But it will also reveal the last four digits of the phone number for the person who registered the AirTag.
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You can then cross-reference those digits with the numbers in your phone contacts to see if there’s a match.
“This can help you identify the owner, if you know them,” Apple explains.
“You might want to take a screenshot to make sure that you can document the information.”
Once you’ve recorded who is tracking you, you can then disable it – but be aware that the person who owns the AirTag will be able to see that they are no longer able to track the device.
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“Push down and twist counterclockwise on the back of the AirTag,” Apple explains.
“Take the cover off and remove the battery. Once you remove the battery, the location of this AirTag is no longer visible to its owner.”
If you’re worried that you’re in danger, you should contact the police.
They can work with Apple to request more info about the AirTag that’s tracking you – potentially revealing who is using it.
“You might need to provide the AirTag, set of AirPods, or Find My network accessory, and the device’s serial number,” Apple explains.
SAFETY AND SUPPORT
If you’re worried about your safety, speak to your local police. In an emergency, dial 999 in the UK or 911 in the US.
If you need support, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in the UK on 0808 2000 247.
It’s a free number that’s available 24 hours a day.
In the US, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline on 1-800-799-7233.
This is a free and confidential number operating 24/7.
Read our guide on how to call emergency services “quietly” with an iPhone.
