Tracking devices vary greatly but often look like small, discreet boxes, cylinders, or credit-card-sized units for personal items, while vehicle trackers can be OBD-II plugs, magnetic boxes, or hardwired modules hidden under dashboards, in engine bays, or disguised as everyday objects, all designed to send location data via GPS/cellular networks.
You can check for trackers that are separated from their owners and currently near you at any time.
Most car trackers are small rectangular or cylindrical devices with LED lights, roughly the size of a bar of soap or a small TV remote. Some resemble a battery or a thick pen. Aftermarket trackers are compact GPS-and-cellular units that may be hardwired, connected via OBD-II, or battery-powered with strong magnets.
RF Detectors: These detect radio frequencies emitted by trackers sending real-time data. Move the detector around the car, focusing on common hiding spots like the undercarriage, bumpers, and dashboard. Magnetic Field Detectors: These locate magnetic trackers by identifying unusual magnetic fields on metal surfaces.
Google provides unwanted tracking detection on devices with Android 6.0 or later. Those with earlier operating systems can update or use the Tracker Detect app.
Hackers (or any creep with physical access to your phone) can install spyware or tracking apps that run in the background, monitoring your calls, messages, location, and online activity. These apps are often disguised as harmless programs, making them difficult to detect.
The Trick: It sounds like a myth, but wrapping a GPS tracker in aluminium foil can block its signals. This rudimentary method is surprisingly effective—and temporary. The Countermeasure: This method is usually a temporary fix, as drivers need to remove the foil for their own navigation purposes.
GPS trackers can be active (real-time) or passive (data loggers). Devices may be hidden inside or outside your vehicle. Common hiding spots include: bumpers, undercarriage, OBD-II port, dashboard, and 12V socket. Tools like gps tracker detectors or RF scanners can make detection easier.
Here are five common signs to look for:
Use GPS bug detectors to detect trackers that pick up frequencies and other signals. Disable a GPS tracker by removing the device or battery or by using anti-malware software on your phone. If you think you're being tracked, report it to the authorities.
Install GPS trackers for concealment under the dashboard, inside the bumper, or under the car frame. Hardwired trackers go near the fuse box, plug-in trackers use the OBD port, and portable trackers fit in hidden areas. Magnetic trackers attach securely to flat, clean metal surfaces like the car frame or rear bumper.
To effectively detect hidden bugs and tracking devices, you can use bug detectors or GPS trackers to sweep your car for any unusual signals. It's also recommended to conduct thorough physical inspections under the chassis, seats, and in the trunk area.
Procedure
There are several warning signs that may suggest a tracker is hidden in your vehicle. Your battery may drain more quickly than usual, or your phone may connect to strange Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals while you're near your car. You might also notice someone seems to know your location more often than you'd expect.
Download a Bluetooth tracker
AirTags use Bluetooth signals to connect to Apple's Find My Network. You can use Bluetooth tracking apps to scan for any unknown AirTags in your vicinity. If you have an Android phone, download the app to detect the AirTag which can be found at the Google Play store.
Dial *#21# to check if your phone is tapped.
Dial *#21# on your iPhone to check if a third party is intercepting your calls, messages, or data. This is another useful code to know if someone is monitoring your calls. This code reveals if voice, data, SMS, and other services are forwarded to another number.
Dialing *#21# on your phone uses a USSD code to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if all your calls, data, or texts are being redirected to another number without your knowledge, which can happen if someone accesses your settings. It's not a definitive hack detector, but it quickly shows if a carrier-level setting is diverting your communications, potentially to intercept sensitive information like 2FA codes, and can be disabled with ##21#.
Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked? Yes, running an antivirus scan using a mobile security app like Norton 360 Deluxe can help you identify malware infections that could be granting hackers access to your device or data.
Bluetooth Detection
Many GPS trackers (like Tile or AirTag) use Bluetooth for short-range communication. Your phone can scan for nearby Bluetooth devices using apps like “Bluetooth Scanner” or “nRF Connect”. Apple devices will notify you if an unknown AirTag is moving with you (anti-stalking feature).
One of the main ways to prevent a GPS tracker from functioning is to use anti-GPS pouches, which exploit the principle of the Faraday cage to block incoming and outgoing signals. Although these devices are often used for malicious purposes, it is important to raise awareness among tracker users about this threat.
To find a tracker in your car, start with a thorough visual inspection of the interior (under seats, dash, glove box) and exterior (bumpers, wheel wells, undercarriage) using a flashlight and mirror, checking common spots like the OBD-II port and spare tire well, and look for unusual wires or magnetic devices; if that fails, use a dedicated RF/GPS detector or consider professional help, as some trackers are hardwired or activate only when moving.
Whether you have an iOS or Android phone, there are ways it can be tracked even if the location services are turned off. You may have used some of these yourself to find a lost or stolen phone. For example, the Find My iPhone app uses Bluetooth to help you find a smartphone even if it's offline.
Aluminum foil can effectively block GPS signals to some extent. When aluminum foil covers a GPS device, it creates a barrier that prevents the signal from reaching the device. This method is often used for privacy purposes to prevent tracking.
Proximity to Metal or Magnetic Surfaces
Metal can interfere with the device's ability to receive and transmit signals effectively, while magnets can disrupt the accuracy of GPS readings.