iPhone ‘scan’ trick reveals if someone you know is stalking you as Apple urges owners to provide ‘screenshot’ proof

A SIMPLE iPhone trick can reveal if someone you know is stalking you by tracking your location.

It works by exposing part of the phone number of the person following you – hopefully giving you enough information to identify them.

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One of Apple‘s most convenient product is the AirTag, which is a small tracker that you can attach to keys, luggage, or a purse.

You can then track the item’s location using your iPhone’s Find My app – and hopefully not lose track of it.

But it’s possible that someone could hide an AirTag in your clothes, bag, or car to track your movements.

Apple has built smart security measures into the iPhone to help you find these tags and identify who might be following you.

HOW TO DETECT ROGUE AIRTAGS

The good news is that your iPhone can automatically detect unknown AirTags that move with you.

You will need a working iPhone iOS 14.5 or later – and we’re currently at iOS 18, so there’s a good chance yours is ready.

But to check, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

To ensure you receive alerts, make sure Location Services and Find My iPhone are turned on in Settings > Privacy & Security.

You’ll also need to enable Bluetooth and make sure Allow Notifications is enabled in Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications.

Then, if an AirTag that doesn’t belong to you moves with you, you should receive a notification.

This will also work on a pair of Apple AirPods if someone uses them to track you instead.

USE THE POP-UP

If you tap the alert, you’ll be able to see a map showing where the AirTag has tracked you.

Your route will be marked with dotted lines, which may reveal where the device was first placed on you or your belongings.

There is another advantage to the pop-up: the Play Sound feature.

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This lets you force the AirTag to make a loud noise, which can help you find where it’s hidden.

So, if it is stored in a very discreet place, you will be able to locate it quickly.

If you have a newer iPhone with Ultra Wideband, you will also be able to use Apple’s Precision Search feature.

With this, your iPhone will tell you exactly where the AirTag is using an arrow – and even show you how far away you are from it.

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Ultra Wideband is present on iPhone 11 and later (but does not include iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations).

Just tap Search Nearby after tapping the alert to use precision search.

SCAN THE AIRTAG

Apple also created a “scan” feature that can instantly reveal who placed the AirTag on you.

Once you find the AirTag, place the top of your iPhone on the white side of the AirTag.

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A notification should appear – tap it.

This will take you to a website with information about that specific AirTag.

It will have the serial number of the AirTag, which you should take note of.

But it will also reveal the last four digits of the phone number of the person who registered the AirTag.

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You can then cross-reference these numbers with your phone contact numbers to see if there is a match.

“This can help you identify the owner, if you know them,” Apple explains.

“You may want to take a screenshot to ensure you can document the information.”

Once you’ve recorded who’s tracking you, you can then turn it off – but be aware that the person who has the AirTag will be able to see that they’re no longer able to track the device.

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“Press and turn the back of the AirTag counterclockwise,” Apple explains.

“Remove the cover and remove the battery. Once the battery is removed, the location of this AirTag is no longer visible to its owner.”

If you fear being in danger, you should contact the police.

They may work with Apple to request more information about the AirTag tracking you, potentially revealing who is using it.

“You may need to provide the AirTag, a set of AirPods or the Find My network accessory, and the device serial number,” Apple explains.

Read our guide on how to call emergency services “quietly” with an iPhone.