How do you check if your car is being tracked?

Asked by: Flavie Labadie  |  Last update: May 7, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (25 votes)

Thoroughly inspect your car's exterior, interior, and common hiding spots for trackers. Use detection tools like bug sweepers or apps to locate hidden devices. Seek professional help for finding and safely removing hard-wired trackers. Legal permissions and regional laws determine when tracking a car is acceptable.

How can I tell if someone is tracking my car?

Use a GPS bug detector to scan the inside and outside of your car. They can detect hidden cameras, audio devices, or GPS transmitters–but only if the bug or tracking device is currently transmitting. To use a bug detector, move the instrument slowly around your car.

Is there a way to scan for trackers on your car?

Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning Your Car for a Tracking Device
  1. Step 1: Disconnect Any Visible Trackers.
  2. Step 2: Check for Suspicious Wiring.
  3. Step 3: Use an OBD2 Scanner.
  4. Step 4: Inspect the Vehicle.
  5. Step 5: Consider Professional Help.
  6. Perform an Exterior and Physical Inspection.
  7. Checking Magnetically-attached Devices.

How do you check the tracking on a car?

A visual inspection of the tyres

If the tyres are not tracking correctly you will see one side of the tyre worn more than the rest of the tyre. You will generally find that if one front tyre is worn on the outer edge, then the other side will also be worn on the outer edge.

Is there an app to detect tracking devices?

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.

Is A GPS Vehicle Tracker Hidden On Your Car?! 9 Spots Where A GPS Tracker Can Be Found

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Can my iPhone detect a tracking device on my car?

iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later will automatically detect unknown AirTags on your vehicle travelling with you. Here is steps to follow: Make sure Bluetooth and Location Services are turned on. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Make sure it's on.

How do I know if someone is tracking my location?

How To Tell If Your Phone Is Being Tracked
  • Unfamiliar apps on your homescreen. ...
  • Your device keeps crashing or running slowly. ...
  • Your battery drains faster than usual. ...
  • Apps suddenly open or run in the background. ...
  • Your default web browser or homepage changes. ...
  • ‍You have location sharing enabled without your knowledge.

What are the symptoms of tracking on a car?

If you find your tyres seem to be wearing quicker than usual, this may be a sign of a problem with your car's wheel alignment, also known as 'tracking'. Incorrect alignment could also mean that you experience crooked/unstable steering, pulling from the steering wheel, or a steering wheel that is not level when driving.

What do tracking devices look like on a car?

One of the first questions many people have is what does a vehicle tracking device look like? Is it big or small? Will it get in the way? A vehicle tracking device will look like a small box, about 3-4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and about an inch thick.

Does my car have a tracker?

One way to find a GPS tracker is to use a bug detector that can scan both the inside and outside of a vehicle. It is also possible to physically detect a GPS tracker in known locations, such as in the OBD port, under the backseat or underneath the car.

How do I disable GPS tracking on my car?

Disconnecting the Power Supply

The Trick: If a GPS tracker is powered by the vehicle's electrical system, simply disconnecting it can stop the tracking. The Countermeasure: Use trackers with their own independent power source, such as a battery.

Who can sweep my car for tracking devices?

There are a few different options for who can check your car for a tracking device. You can take it to a professional mechanic or a specialized tracking device detection service. You can also learn to check for a tracking device yourself or ask a trusted friend or family member to help.

How do you know if there's a tracker on your phone?

How to know if your phone is tapped: 10 warning signs
  1. Unusual sounds during calls. ...
  2. Decreased battery performance. ...
  3. Unusual phone activity when not in use. ...
  4. Trouble shutting down. ...
  5. Websites look different. ...
  6. You battery is unusually hot. ...
  7. You receive unusual texts. ...
  8. Cameras and microphones turn on randomly.

How to find hidden trackers?

GPS trackers can be hidden inside or outside the vehicle. They can be either active (real-time) or passive (data loggers). Common places to check include bumpers, undercarriage, wheel wells, under the hood, OBD data port, and 12V receptacle. Use an electronic bug detector.

How do I check if my car is bugged?

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.

What is the code to check if your phone is tracked?

Code to check if phone is tapped: *#21# Code to show unknown connections and tracking (for Android): *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* Code to show unknown connections and if someone is tracing you (for iPhone): *3001#12345#* Code to find your phone if lost or stolen (for Android): *#*#1472365#*#*

How can I detect if there is a tracker on my car?

How Do I Detect a Tracking Device on My Car?
  1. Check the wheel wells for small, magnetic devices.
  2. Examine the underside of your car using a flashlight or mirror for unusual objects attached with magnets or tape.
  3. Inspect the bumpers and license plate areas, where devices are sometimes hidden.

How to remove a tracker from a car?

Procedure
  1. Step 1: Locate and access the vehicle tracker. ...
  2. Step 2: Unplug all connections to the device. ...
  3. Step 3: Secure the power harness. ...
  4. Step 4: Remove the Y-cable or ECMD cable (if present) ...
  5. Step 5: Remove the external antenna (if required) ...
  6. Step 6: Replace removed items. ...
  7. Step 7: Record and update the vehicle information.

Can an iPhone detect a GPS tracker?

The iPhone is able to warn you if someone uses an AirTag to track you, but there is no such protection against Samsung SmartTags or Tile trackers. AirGuard adds this layer of protection so you can feel safe in your daily-life. With the scan option, you can always scan your surroundings and discover hidden trackers.

How do you check tracking on a car?

Tracking check

Position the tracking tool so that its arms rest against the front of the wheel rims. If the tracking is incorrect the front tyres will wear out very rapidly along the inner or outer edges. In severe cases the car's handling may be upset by such an extent that it is impossible to keep the car on line.

What to do if you think someone is tracking your car?

Key Takeaways:

Immediate Safety: Prioritize your safety by contacting the police or a lawyer if you suspect danger. Legal Considerations: It's illegal to place a GPS tracker on someone else's vehicle without consent.

What does a tracking device look like on a car?

Rectangular or Cylindrical Shapes: Many trackers are either rectangular or cylindrical. The rectangular ones often resemble a small box, while cylindrical ones look like a thick pen or battery. LED Indicators: Some GPS trackers have small LED indicators that show their operational status.

How do I check if someone has access to my location?

Open your device's Settings app. Google Location Sharing. Tap the list of people you share your location with. Find the person you want to stop sharing with.

Can I be notified if someone is checking my location?

There is no direct way to see if someone has specifically checked your location through the Find My app. The app does not notify you when someone views your location.

Can someone track my location without my permission?

A device that is infected with malware or spyware can track your location even if your location settings are turned off. Malware can also record your online activities, allow cybercriminals to steal personal information, or slow down your operating system.