AirTag Found Moving With You

What does “AirTag found moving with you” mean

The "AirTag Found Moving With You" notification pops up when your iPhone notices an AirTag that's been tagging along with you for a while. You won't see it if you just pass by someone's AirTag or if the owner is nearby. So, this alert could mean someone's trying to track your location, especially if the AirTag's tucked away in your belongings or vehicle—e.g., spouse AirTag stalking isn't exactly unheard of.

It's not just AirTags you need to watch out for. Other Apple devices, like AirPods, can also be used for tracking. In such cases, your iPhone will display an "Unknown Accessory Detected Near You" alert.

An “AirTag Found Moving With You” alert could mean someone's trying to track you, so it's not something to take lightly. And if a person went as far as hiding an AirTag, there's also a chance they might be spying on your phone.

To rule that out, use Clario Anti Spy. Its Device system check helps you spot vulnerabilities like jailbreaks (which can make your phone more exposed to spyware), while the Hidden app scan detects sneaky apps that could be monitoring your activity.

Here's how to use Clario Anti Spy to keep your phone protected:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and subscribe to create an account.
2. Tap Scan under Device system check to see if your iPhone is jailbroken.
3. Tap Scan under Hidden app scan to check for suspicious apps.

If you ever need help, tap the Messages button to talk to a Clario expert 24/7. They assist users in various situations. Here's what one expert shared about a customer who found a hidden AirTag:

"A customer reached out after making a chilling discovery—they had found an AirTag hidden in their car. Alarmed and anxious, they wanted to know who placed it there and whether they were being tracked without consent.

Understandably, their top concern was identifying the owner of the device. However, we explained that Apple doesn’t allow individuals to trace an AirTag back to its owner directly, even in cases where it might be misused. While the serial number is visible beneath the battery, that information alone won’t reveal who it belongs to.

We advised them on the best next step: to contact local law enforcement. Authorities can file an official request with Apple, which can then provide the necessary details, if appropriate, to aid an investigation.

This ensured that the situation would be taken seriously, without compromising legal privacy protections. The customer felt more in control after understanding the process and taking the right steps forward."

What to do if AirTag is found moving with you

If your phone says "AirTag Found Moving With You," don't ignore it. Tap the alert to check where the AirTag has been travelling alongside you via Find My. From there, you can play a sound to track it down. Once you find the device, note down its serial number and the last four digits of the owner's phone number. To deactivate the AirTag, just remove its battery.

1. Find unknown AirTag

First, ensure that there is, in fact, an AirTag nearby. Your iPhone's Find My app will help you confirm that.

Here's how to find an unknown AirTag:

1. Tap the "AirTag Found Moving With You" alert to open Find My. You'll see a map showing where the AirTag has been following you.
2. Tap Play Sound to make the device chime.
3. Follow the sound to track it down. If someone's actually trying to follow you, the AirTag might be tucked away inside your bag, under a seat, or in a hidden pocket.

For more clues, check our guide on how to know if an AirTag is tracking you.

2. Find AirTag serial number

After you've located the AirTag, you can check its serial number and the last four digits of the owner's phone number.

Here's how to find the AirTag's serial number:

1. Tap Learn About This AirTag in Find My or hold the AirTag near an NFC-enabled phone.
2. A webpage should show up, and you'll see the AirTag's serial number and the last four digits of the owner's phone number.
3. The serial number can help law enforcement trace the AirTag, while the phone digits might help you identify the owner if it's someone you know.

3. Deactivate AirTag

Once you've noted down the AirTag's serial number, your next move should be to disable the AirTag so it stops tracking you.

Here's how to deactivate the AirTag:

1. Slightly press down on the metal cover (the one with the Apple logo) and rotate it counterclockwise.
2. Remove the cover once it clicks.
3. Take out the coin-cell battery inside.

If it's your own AirTag that's triggering the "AirTag Found Moving With You" alert, check our guide on how to fix AirTag issues.

Conclusion

The "AirTag Found Moving With You" alert can definitely feel scary, but try not to panic. Take a moment to locate the AirTag and see where it's been placed. If it appears that someone has intentionally hidden it, remove the battery to disable it and contact law enforcement. For extra security, install Clario Anti Spy and run a Device system check and Hidden app scan to make sure your phone is fully secure.