GPS trackers used to be expensive, bulky devices used by private investigators. Today, they are cheap, coin-sized discs (like AirTags or Tile trackers) that anyone can slip into your pocket or stick to your car.
If you suspect someone is monitoring your location, checking your vehicle is the first step. Here is a comprehensive guide to sweeping your car for tracking devices.
Types of Trackers
1. Passive Loggers: These record your movements but don't transmit them. The stalker has to retrieve the device to see where you went.
2. Active Cellular Trackers: These use a SIM card to broadcast your location in real-time. They are often larger and need a battery source.
3. Bluetooth Beacons (AirTags/Tile): These use nearby iPhones to ping their location to the owner. They are tiny and hard to find.
Where to Look (The Physical Inspection)
Grab a flashlight and a mechanic's mirror (or your phone's selfie camera) and check these hot spots:
Exterior Check:
- Wheel Wells: Feel around the plastic liner above your tires. This is the #1 spot for magnetic cases.
- Undercarriage: Shine a light on the metal frame. Look for small black plastic boxes attached with magnets.
- Bumpers: Reach up inside the hollow space behind the rear bumper.
Interior Check:
- OBD Port: Check the diagnostic port under your steering wheel. Is there a strange dongle plugged in?
- Seat Pockets: Dig deep into the rear seat pockets.
- Glove Box & Center Console: Check for devices taped to the top or back.
- Fuse Box: This is an advanced hiding spot. Open your car's fuse panel (usually left of the steering wheel). Look for loose wires wrapped around a fuse or a device that looks out of place compared to the diagram on the cover.
⚠️ Safety Warning
If you find a hard-wired tracker connected to your car's electrical system, do NOT attempt to remove it yourself. You could disable your vehicle or trigger an alert. Contact a mechanic or law enforcement.
📱 The Digital Threat: Stalkerware
Sometimes the tracker isn't on your car—it's in your phone. "Stalkerware" is malicious software installed on your device to share your location.
- Battery Drain: Does your phone die unusually fast?
- Overheating: Is it hot when you aren't using it?
- Unknown Apps: Check for apps with generic names like "Calculator+" or "System Update".
Using Technology to Find Trackers
Physical searches can miss tiny devices. This is where Stop Stalker comes in.
1. Bluetooth Scanning
AirTags and Tiles emit a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal every few seconds. Open the Stop Stalker app and walk around your car slowly. If you see a device signal strength increase as you get closer to a specific tire or door, you've found the source.
2. Magnetic Detection
Most external GPS trackers use strong magnets to stick to the car frame. Use the app's Magnetometer mode to scan wheel wells. A strong magnetic spike on a plastic part of the car usually means a magnetic device is hidden on the other side.
What To Do With a Tracker?
If you find a device:
- Don't Destroy It: It may contain fingerprint or registration evidence.
- Remove the Battery: If it's an AirTag or battery-powered unit, take the batteries out to stop the tracking immediately.
- Police Protection: Bring the device to the police if you feel unsafe.
Concerned about indoor surveillance too? Read our guide on finding hidden cameras in your Airbnb.
What About AirTags?
Apple has built-in alerts for AirTags moving with you, but they aren't instant. Using a dedicated scanner allows you to find them before you drive home and reveal your address.