Apple AirTag detected by other iphones

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Apple AirTag detected by other iphones

Hi, my wife was recently on a business trip and we have an AirTag in her wallet. She said that several coworkers with iPhones detected that AirTag and showed her on THEIR iPhone her location history. Now this sounds like it should absolutely not happen. Why did this happen and how can I fix it? Do I need to replace the AirTag? She sent me a text about this and I immediately looked to see if there was a setting to disallow that but there is none. I would assume this should NOT happen so I would love to understand why this occurred and how to prevent it happening again.

AirTag

Posted on Jun 5, 2024 6:50 PM

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Answer 1

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Tesserax

Level 10

158,592 points

Jun 5, 2024 8:58 PM in response to ToddB719

Actually, what you are describing is the normal operation of an AirTag.

In this particular scenario, any iPhone (other than the one that is paired to an AirTag) will "see" it, if it is within Bluetooth range of the tag ... AND, the tag appears to be following them. This would be common, if her coworker is near her when they travel together.

This is a security measure that Apple designed to prevent being tracked by another's AirTag that would be "hidden" either on your person or near you ... like in your car. You then would be alerted that there is an AirTag nearby that is following you. You then have the option to have the tag play a sound to help locate it. If you have a newer iPhone model, you can use Precision finding to locate it as well.

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Answer 2

ToddB719 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 9, 2024 5:48 AM in response to Tesserax

Thanks and that makes sense. I never thought about the more sinister uses for such a device so including this feature does make sense. She had been going around that day with coworkers to the same places so thank you for the explanation!

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Answer 3

muguy

Level 10

92,030 points

Jun 5, 2024 8:32 PM in response to ToddB719

If an unknown AirTag is seen following another person's device the others will be notified. The history displayed is only shown in which the AirTag is seen moving with the other person.

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Apple AirTag detected by other iphones

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