iPhone ‘scan’ trick reveals if someone you know is stalking you as Apple urges owners to ‘screenshot’ proof
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A SIMPLE iPhone trick can reveal if someone that 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 info to identify them. One of Apple's handiest products is the AirTag, which is a small tracker you can attach to keys, luggage, or a handbag.
![[Illustration of two Apple AirTags.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/4c925f7b-bcb8-49f0-a6d3-b54cc18e5497.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
You can then follow the location of the item using your iPhone's Find My app – and hopefully not lose track of them. But it's possible that someone could hide an AirTag in your clothes, bag, or car to stalk your movements. Apple has built clever safety measures into the iPhone to help you track down these tags – and identify who might be following you.
![[iPhone screen showing AirTag location notification.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/iphone-airtag-001.png?strip=all&w=468)
The good news is that your iPhone can automatically detect unknown AirTags that are moving with you. You'll need an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later – and we're currently up to iOS 18, so there's a good chance yours is ready. But to check, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
![[iPhone screen showing AirTag location and options to play sound or find nearby.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/iphone-airtag-002.png?strip=all&w=468)
To make sure you get alerts, ensure that you have Location Services and Find My iPhone turned on in Settings > Privacy & Security. You'll also need Bluetooth switch on, and ensure that Allow Notifications is enabled in Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications.
![[iPhone screen showing an unknown AirTag detected nearby on a map.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/iphone-airtag-003.png?strip=all&w=468)
Then if an AirTag that doesn't belong to you is seen moving with you, you should receive a notification. This will also work on a pair of Apple AirPods if someone is using that to follow you instead. If you tap the alert, you'll be able to see a map showing where the AirTag has tracked you.
![[iPhone screen showing AirTag information, including serial number and owner information.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/iphone-airtag-004.png?strip=all&w=468)
