What to do when you see the 'AirTag Found Moving With You' warning?

Here are details about what this warning means and the actions you can take if it appears.

What is the "AirTag Found Moving With You" alert?

Unlike other trackers, AirTags relies on Apple's vast Find My network. In a network of more than a billion Apple devices, you can pinpoint the exact location of your AirTag after linking it to your Apple ID.

During its initial launch, many people wondered whether AirTags could be used for tracking. For this reason, Apple has introduced additional safety features to help protect users from trackers.

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For example, a smartphone can detect an AirTag moving with you and display the warning "Your current location can be seen by the owner of this AirTag". at yours). While this warning may be harmless if you're just borrowing an item from a friend or family member with an AirTag attached, it could also be a sign that someone has used an AirTag to track your movements. Friend.

What if AirTag travels with Android devices?

While the initial safety alert only protected iPhone users, Apple revealed that it has partnered with Google to extend similar protection to Android devices.

Users running Android 6.0 or higher can now detect AirTags without using Apple's Tracker Detect app. When an unknown tracking device moves with you, you'll see a notification at the top of the screen.

What to do if you receive an "AirTag Found Moving With You" alert?

After receiving notification that an unknown AirTag is traveling with you, here are all the steps to take:

1. Locate the physical AirTag

The first thing you should do when you receive a notification is look for the physical AirTag. To do this, tap the warning and tap Continue . Then, select Play Sound to locate it using the Find My app.

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You can also select Find if you have an iPhone 11 or newer models that support Precision Finding to determine the AirTag's location in your vicinity.

In some cases, finding an AirTag may reveal that it was just among items loaned to a friend or family member and is not cause for concern. If so, tap the option to turn off "AirTag Detected" notifications for the amount of time you want.

If you find an AirTag you don't recognize, it's best to check multiple AirTags. If the intention is to track you, the suspect may hide multiple AirTags in case you find the first AirTag.

2. In public places

When you realize you're being followed, it's best to distract the potential stalker by going somewhere public. If possible, avoid going home, getting into a personal vehicle with identifiable license plates, or going to work. Additionally, you should avoid posting your situation or location on social media until the threat is resolved.

It's best to stay close to safe places. For example, hotel lobbies and banks are some common areas that have security staff and cameras 24/7. During this time, be wary of anyone following you or trying to talk to you.

3. Scan the AirTag for serial number and status

Next, find more information about the unknown AirTag traveling with you. To do this, tap the notification and select Learn About This AirTag . You can also find the serial number below your device's battery.

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In addition to the serial number, an unknown AirTag can also be marked as lost. Once the AirTag is marked as lost, it will display the owner's contact information. If you know the owner of the AirTag, you can contact them and let them know that their lost AirTag is in your possession.

Remember that just because an AirTag is marked as lost does not mean that tracking capabilities are eliminated. This could be a way for a potential stalker to get your phone number. For this reason, avoid contacting the owner of a lost AirTag with your phone number if you do not know them.

Finally, if you agree to return a lost AirTag to an unknown owner, it's best to avoid meeting them in person. Additionally, you can have your AirTag picked up through customer service departments or lost and found centers located in shopping malls, hotels, or other public places.

4. Disable AirTag

If the AirTag is not marked as lost, disable its tracking mechanisms as soon as possible. To disable the AirTag, remove its battery by pressing down on the battery cover (the silver part with the Apple logo) and turning it counterclockwise until it can no longer be turned. Then, remove the cover and battery.

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While you may be tempted to immediately throw away an AirTag of unknown origin, disabling it allows you to turn the AirTag over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

5. Report to the authorities

If possible, submit a report of an unknown AirTag following you through the appropriate channels. Be sure to include details like when you first realized you had an unknown AirTag, places you've been to recently, and the serial number.

Avoid facing stalkers alone. If possible, request the assistance of competent authorities and do not expose yourself to more information than necessary.

Marvin Fry

Update 01 August 2024