Users across the country share stories of being tracked without their knowledge using AirPods.
Apple’s wireless earbuds are making waves again, but for an unexpected reason: they’re being used to secretly track people.
What started as isolated incidents has snowballed into a nationwide problem. More users are sharing stories of being followed with AirPods, raising worries about privacy and safety in today’s digital world.
Rising Concern Over AirPods as Tracking Tools
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are full of unsettling stories about AirPods being used for stalking. Users from various states warn others, as they share tales of unexpected AirPod tracking alerts.
Take Dani (@danisodope) on TikTok, for instance. After a simple visit to her sister’s house, she was startled to receive a notification that AirPods were “seen with her” hours later.
“I was able to zoom in and look at the map of where I was being tracked,” Dani explained.
“I was literally tracked all the way from my sister’s house to the store and back.”
But Dani’s story is just the tip of the iceberg.
A woman in Los Angeles found AirPods hidden in her gym bag after a date. Another woman even reported being tracked via someone else’s AirPods all the way from Texas to Maine.
Some users even received tracking notifications but couldn’t find the device, making them feel even more scared and upset.
However, the most alarming incident comes from TikToker Allison Marie (@allisonmarie2134).
While shopping at a grocery store in Dallas, North Carolina, in April 2024, two women approached Allison and asked her for help in paying for their groceries. She agreed to help, then the women kept trying to give her AirPod Pros in return.
Allison refused, but the women kept pushing for it and became more insistent as time went on. So much so that Allison knew there was something else going on then.
In the end, they only left when Allison and her family physically moved away from them.
“When we got home, we looked it up on Google but didn’t find much. Then I came here on TikTok, and it was everywhere. So, I just wanted to share my incident as well: don’t take the AirPods.” she shared.
“They can use them to track your location, and I really believe we probably avoided a human trafficking situation, or at the least, being robbed later. I just wanted to generate some awareness about the way society is now.”
How AirPods Can Be Used for Stalking
AirPods’ tracking capability stems from their integration with Apple’s Find My network.
This feature is designed to help users locate lost devices wherever they are. But, it can be exploited for malicious purposes.
For example, when AirPods are separated from their owner, they can still be tracked via the Find My app. This means the owner can see wherever the AirPods are currently and even their movements just by looking at their phone.
Plus, the tracking range of AirPods is practically infinite.
Sure, their Bluetooth only reaches about 30-60 feet. But, as long as they’re charged and within spitting distance of any device on the Find My network, their location will pop up on the map.
Unfortunately, this functionality, combined with the AirPods’ small size, makes them attractive tools for stalkers.
Unlike bulkier tracking devices, AirPods can be slipped into a bag or pocket quicker than you can say “invasion of privacy.”
And, while Apple updated AirTags in July 2021 to address privacy concerns, similar issues persist with AirPods. Meaning, the need for ongoing vigilance is up to the people’s shoulders.
Steps to Take if You Suspect You’re Being Tracked
If you receive an “AirPods Detected” or “Unknown Accessory Detected” notification on your iPhone, don’t panic, but do take action.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Attempt to locate the device: Use the Find My app to play a sound on the detected AirPods. Follow the sound to find their physical location.
- Identify the owner: If possible, try to determine if the AirPods belong to someone you know. The Find My app may provide contact information if the owner has marked them as lost.
- Disable the device: If you can’t locate the owner, follow the on-screen instructions to disable the AirPods. This prevents the owner from seeing your location.
- Contact authorities: If you have reason to believe you’re being deliberately tracked, do not try to contact whoever you think is tracking you. Instead, get help from local law enforcement just to be safe.