Car trackers are usually placed in hidden spots with good sky view, like under the dashboard, inside bumpers, in the trunk, under seats, or even plugged into the OBD-II port for power, aiming for discretion and reliable signal reception. Common locations include the wheel wells, glove box, center console, behind trim panels, or even in the sunroof housing.
The car GPS tracker is usually installed anywhere: under the car, in the dashboard, under the seat, in the boot, and more. The correct answer, however, would depend on the kind of tracker you bought.
To find a tracker in your car, conduct a thorough physical search of common spots (under seats, dashboard, wheel wells, OBD-II port, trunk) using a flashlight and mirror, check your phone for unknown device alerts, and consider using a dedicated RF signal detector for wireless signals, but be aware some trackers are hard to find and may require professional help for hard-wired devices.
Procedure
Rectangular ones look like small boxes, while cylindrical trackers resemble a battery or a thick pen. That said, GPS car trackers can come in a range of shapes, but they're typically around the size of a bar of soap or a small TV remote.
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.
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.
You can identify, find, and remove trackers that have been placed near you or in your belongings without your knowledge or consent with the help of unknown tracker alerts. Important: This feature is only available for devices with Android 6 and up.
Top 10 Hiding Spots For A Hidden GPS Tracker On Your Car
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.
Unwanted tracking notifications for unknown Bluetooth tracking devices that are compatible with the Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers industry specification are available on an iPhone with iOS 17.5 or later. Google provides unwanted tracking detection on devices with Android 6.0 or later.
The tracker relies on the vehicle's power to function, so when it is disconnected, the real-time tracking stops. In some cases, trackers have internal backup batteries that can keep them running for a limited time after being unplugged, but once these batteries are drained, tracking ceases entirely.
Internal Battery or Power Source
Car trackers require a power source to operate their electronic circuits. The device can use the car's electrical system or an internal battery to ensure uninterrupted tracking and communication.
To find a tracker in your car, conduct a thorough physical search of common spots (under seats, dashboard, wheel wells, OBD-II port, trunk) using a flashlight and mirror, check your phone for unknown device alerts, and consider using a dedicated RF signal detector for wireless signals, but be aware some trackers are hard to find and may require professional help for hard-wired devices.
Most modern car trackers are designed to consume very little power, typically less than 1% of your car's battery capacity. However, even small devices, when running continuously, can contribute to battery drain over time, especially if the car is not in use for extended periods.
Removing a GPS tracking device without the dealership's permission isn't just a violation of trust—it's actually illegal. Doing so goes against the terms of the loan agreement and could lead to serious actions from the dealership, including the possibility of repossession.
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.
Tracker Detect looks for items that are separated from their owner and that are compatible with Apple's Find My network. These items include AirTag and compatible devices from others. If you think someone is using an AirTag or another item to track your location, you can scan to find it.
Here are five common signs to look for:
The simple answer is that the range of a GPS tracker is virtually limitless on the surface of the Earth. As long as the GPS tracker can receive signals from at least four satellites, it can accurately determine its location, speed, and direction.
Google Maps or Apple Find My
Your spouse gets hold of your device and turns on the location sharing option within either of these apps. Once activated, they can then track your location remotely, using their own device. To check if you're affected, simply open the app and check if location sharing is turned on.
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.
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.
A powerful magnet may hurt your GPS equipment, but magnets in car tracking systems are designed in such a manner that they rarely do. First and foremost, the magnet would have to be powerful enough to disrupt particles in order to interfere with GPS and other comparable devices.