How to detect and disable illegal Bluetooth trackers using an iPhone

Bluetooth-based trackers such as AirTag, Tiles, and Chipolo are some of the best tools to secure door keys, car keys, suitcases and other household articles.

However, some miscreants misuse these devices to illegally stalk their former partners over bitter separation. They usually put the tiny trackers in the purse, or in the back seat of a car. The main intention is to study their movements and plan to harm them.

To curb such criminal activities, Apple has introduced unwanted Bluetooth tracker notifications to let people know that an unknown tracker is following them. And, the user can also trace it and disable it. For this feature to work, the user has to turn on the notification.

Here's how to turn on unwanted Bluetooth tracker notifications:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and turn Location Services on.

Step 2: Then, in Location Services > System Services, and turn Find My iPhone on.

Step 3: Come back to Settings > Bluetooth, and turn on Bluetooth.

Step 4: Then, go to Settings > Notifications > scroll down to Tracking Notifications, then turn on Allow Notifications.

AirTag detection feature.

Here's how to trace illegal Bluetooth trackers using an iPhone:

If the iPhone detects that a tracker is following you, the device will flash a notification on the screen. Then, do the following steps:

Step 1: Tap the notification.

Step 2: Tap Continue and then tap Play Sound, or, if available, tap Find Nearby to use Precision Finding to help you locate the unknown item.

iPhone users can disable the Bluetooth tracker.

Once you find the tracker, do the following:

Step 1: Hold the top of your iPhone or near the item until a notification appears.

Step 2: Tap the notification. This opens a website that provides information about the item, including serial number or device ID, and the last four digits of the phone number or an obfuscated email address of the person who registered it. This can help you identify the owner if you know them.

If the owner marked the item as lost, you might see a message with information about how to contact the owner.

If you know him/her and want to give a second chance to rectify their behaviour, you can just tap Instructions to Disable and follow the on-screen steps to stop it sharing your location.

But, if you plan to file a police complaint, don't destroy it. Just hand them to the security agency and they will be able to find credible evidence to nail the culprit and bring them to justice.

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