Apple trackers are everywhere.

Apple AirTags are a convenient way to track your luggage at the airport. These coin-sized trackers were designed to help us locate our misplaced belongings with ease, but as we embrace this innovation, there's an underexplored dark side to consider: the potential for AirTags to be misused as tracking devices.

While they offer numerous benefits, the unintended consequences of AirTags being used for stalking, harassment, or even surveillance are raising serious concerns about our personal privacy and security. Apple has introduced several safety features to address these concerns, such as alerting individuals when an unknown AirTag is in their vicinity. However, it's essential for users to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with this technology.

While AirTags are built for tracking, some fewer notable items can be used in the exact same way to track you. Apple Air Pods, Apple Watches, iPads, and iPhones can be located in the "Find My" app. It is important to ensure the only devices you have with you are signed into your Apple ID and no one else has access to these credentials. Your location could be compromised from a leaked password. You can use the "Find My" app to see the locations of your items, as well as hidden AirTags.

Signs an AirTag Is Tracking You:

iPhones running iOS 14.5 or newer should receive a push alert whenever an unknown AirTag is nearby for an extended period of time and away from its owner. Apple’s website does not provide an exact time frame for when this alert is triggered.

Owners of newer iPhones should turn on Bluetooth and check their settings to ensure they’ll receive notifications. Under Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and toggle Location Services on. Scroll to the bottom of that page, tap on System Services, and activate Find My iPhone. Also, search for the Find My app, visit Me in the bottom right corner, then tap Customize Tracking Notifications to double-check that notifications are enabled.

The Hidden Danger:

It may be easier to notice when a stranger is tracking you with the automated messages to alert users when an unknown AirTag is in close proximity. But what if the tracker belongs to someone you know? If you have given access to your Apple ID to someone you know, they may be tracking you with your own AirTags.