December 9, 2025 - Reading time: 25 minutes
Updated on: December 12, 2025

Suspecting that your car might have a hidden GPS tracker is an unsettling feeling. In an age of affordable spy gadgets and easy-to-conceal devices, finding a covert tracker on a vehicle has become a modern concern. As a professional private investigation agency in the UK, we have seen first-hand how GPS tracking devices are used - and how carefully they can be hidden. In this UK edition guide, we’ll explain how to find a GPS tracker on your car, what to look for, and the steps you can take to protect your privacy. While we’ll keep the language accessible for everyone, we’ll also use a few technical terms (GSM, RF detectors, magnet mounts, etc.) to give you the full picture and reinforce our expertise.

At Private Investigators UK, we offer vehicle debugging (finding and removing surveillance devices), comprehensive bug sweeps, and TSCM services (Technical Surveillance Counter Measures) across the country. We have installed countless trackers ourselves during legitimate investigations – so we know all the tricks that professional PIs use to hide GPS trackers effectively. With that in mind, let’s dive into how you can locate a hidden tracker on your own vehicle.

Why Would Someone Track Your Car?

Before you start searching, it’s helpful to consider who might have planted a tracker on your car and why. Common scenarios in the UK include:

• Jealous partners or ex-spouses: In contentious relationships, one party might secretly attach a tracker to follow the other’s movements. Unfortunately, cases of stalking and harassment often involve GPS trackers on vehicles.
• Private investigators: It’s ironic, but investigators (hired by someone else) may have placed a device to monitor your whereabouts. If a PI was involved, they likely hid it extremely well – possibly using advanced devices and clever concealment.
• Business rivals or criminals: A competitor might want to know where you’re going, or criminals might tag a high-end car to steal it later. Police have warned that thieves sometimes hide Apple AirTags or GPS units on expensive vehicles to track and steal them at an opportune time.
• Financial or insurance trackers: Less nefariously, if you bought a used car, it’s possible a dealership, finance company, or insurer installed a tracker (for legitimate purposes like telematics or anti-theft) and it was never removed. Always rule out any legitimate device by checking with the previous owner or dealer.

Did the person have access to your car’s interior? This is a crucial question. If the suspected individual had a key or access to the inside of your vehicle (even briefly), the tracker could be inside the cabin or attached to an internal port or wiring. If not, they likely stuck it somewhere on the exterior of the car (where installation is as simple as crawling underneath for a few seconds). Keeping the “who and how” in mind will guide you on where to focus your search.

Checking the Outside of Your Vehicle

The exterior of a car is the easiest place for someone to hide a tracker quickly. Many GPS trackers are small, weatherproof boxes equipped with magnet mounts for exactly this purpose. Without needing to open the car, a person can crouch and slap a tracker onto the metal frame in seconds. Here’s how to inspect your car’s exterior:

• Undercarriage & Frame: Using a torch, take a good look underneath your car. Check the chassis, frame rails, and any metal support beams. Feel around on top of frame surfaces where your hand or a mirror can reach. Trackers can be magnetically attached to any flat metal surface under the vehicle, often out of direct line of sight. Common spots include the bottom of the rear bumper, the inside of wheel arches, or behind metal panels along the underbody. A compact tracker might be coated in road grime, making it blend in, so pay attention to anything that looks like it doesn’t belong (a box, cylinder, or taped object).
• Wheel Wells: Reach into each wheel arch (above the tyres). Often there’s a plastic liner; feel between the liner and the actual body if possible. A small tracking device could be tucked up in there or secured behind the plastic shield near the bumper. Be careful – there could be sharp edges or dirt – but ensure there’s nothing unusual attached inside the arches.
• Behind Bumpers & Grilles: If you can see behind the front and rear bumpers, look for devices possibly zip-tied or taped to grille slats or bumper supports. Some trackers might even be hidden behind the licence plate (number plate) or its mounting frame. Give your number plates a gentle tug – if one plate or its frame seems unusually loose or bulgy, there could be something behind it.
• Under the Bonnet: It’s less common due to engine heat, but quickly glance in the engine bay. Check near the battery and along the edges where someone might have attached a device. A hard-wired tracker could be directly connected to the battery or fuse box for power. Look for any unfamiliar small boxes or new wiring that wasn’t factory-installed. (Only do this with the engine off, and be mindful of moving parts or hot components.)
• Other Exterior Spots: Think creatively – trackers have been hidden inside fuel filler flaps, on tow bars, behind mud flaps, or even inside roof boxes. Essentially, any crevice or location outside the car that isn’t immediately obvious could hide a tracker. Use your hands and a mirror to probe areas you can’t easily see. If you find any object that doesn’t seem to belong (and isn’t a part of the car’s own equipment), that’s a red flag.

For the exterior search, having a mirror on a stick (or even using your phone’s front camera) and a torch will greatly help. Take your time and be thorough. A professionally hidden GPS tracker might be compact and camouflaged, but it still needs line-of-sight to the sky (for GPS signal) and often a cell signal (for transmitting data via a GSM network). This means most will be placed in spots that are not completely encased in metal – so focus on the peripheries of the vehicle, not deep inside metal chassis sections.

Checking the Inside of Your Car

If someone had the opportunity to access your car’s cabin (unlocked doors, borrowed keys, or an open window), the search moves inside. An interior-placed tracker can be harder to spot at a glance, since it could be nestled among your belongings or integrated with the car’s electronics. Here are key areas to inspect:

• Under and Behind Seats: Move your seats all the way forward and back and peer underneath. Feel for any small boxes taped to the underside of seats or stuck between springs. Check the seat pockets and even under removable floor mats. A tracker could be Velcroed or magnetically stuck to metal seat rails. A battery-powered unit might be simply tucked under a seat or in a seat cushion crease where it’s not immediately visible.
• Dashboard, Glove Compartment & Centre Console: Open the glove box and look for any device that doesn’t belong (some GPS units have indicator lights, though many have none or they may be taped over). Check small nooks like the sunglasses holder, central storage console, or any compartment. A tracker might be disguised as a random gadget and left in plain sight – for example, a power bank or a small box. If you see an unfamiliar USB stick or oddly placed device, take a closer look.
• Data Ports and Sockets: One of the easiest ways to hide a tracker inside is by plugging it into the car’s own ports. In UK vehicles (and most cars worldwide), there’s an OBD-II diagnostic port usually located under the dashboard (near the driver’s side footwell). If there’s anything plugged into that port that you didn’t install, it could be a tracker. These OBD trackers draw power from the car and often have GSM modules to transmit data. Similarly, check your 12V cigarette lighter socket and USB ports: spy gadgets like USB car chargers with hidden GPS trackers exist. For instance, a tracker can be built into what looks like a normal USB phone charger. If someone planted such a device, it would blend in as just another charger in your car.
• Boot (Trunk) and Spare Tyre Area: Don’t forget to inspect the boot. Lift the spare tyre cover and see if anything is tucked beside the spare wheel or in side compartments. If the perpetrator had extended access, they might hide a tracker in the boot where it’s out of sight but still able to get a GPS signal (the boot often has thin metal or fibreboard above the spare tyre, which might not completely block signals). Also check any storage wells or tool compartments.
• Wiring and Unusual Additions: Take note of any wiring that seems out of place – for example, a wire running from the battery or fuse box into a hidden area, or a small antenna peeking out from under the dash. Some advanced trackers could be hard-wired behind the dashboard or inside panels. If you notice a newly installed component or panel that looks recently disturbed (loose screws, misaligned trim), that could indicate tampering. A quick scan with a torch under the driver and passenger dash area might reveal a device glued or zip-tied in place.

Searching the interior can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, because modern cars already have lots of electronic gadgets and wiring. The key is to identify anything that seems out of the ordinary or wasn’t there before. A hidden tracker may be black, compact (often palm-sized or smaller), and have no markings. Trust your instincts – if you find an unidentified gadget in your vehicle, treat it with suspicion. (If you’re not sure whether a device is part of the car, you can try to look up its part number or ask a mechanic.)

Suspect Your Car Is Bugged?
We provide professional vehicle debugging and bug sweep services across the UK. Our TSCM experts use advanced RF and GSM detection equipment to find and remove hidden GPS trackers or other surveillance devices. Learn more about our Bug Sweep services or contact us for a confidential, no-obligation quote.

Using Electronic Detection Tools

Sometimes, a careful physical inspection isn’t enough to locate a well-concealed tracker. In those cases, technology can assist you. Electronic detection tools range from smartphone apps to professional-grade RF sweepers. Here’s how they work:

• RF Detectors (Bug Sweepers): An RF detector is a handheld device that scans for radio frequency signals. Many GPS trackers communicate via GSM (the mobile phone network) or transmit RF bursts when sending data. A bug sweeper will alert (often with beeps or lights) when it detects an active transmission. To use one, you would slowly move it around and inside your car. If it starts indicating a strong signal in a particular spot, it could be picking up a tracker’s transmission. Keep in mind, you might also pick up signals from things like Bluetooth devices or even your phone, so it requires a bit of patience and interpretation. Our investigators use specialist RF spectrum analyzers and GSM signal detectors that can detect even faint "heartbeat" pings from covert devices.
• Electronic Frequency Scanning: Some advanced detectors can identify specific frequencies used by GPS trackers (for instance, common GSM bands or even satellite uplinks). There are also apps and hardware that can scan for unusual devices on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi frequencies (more on Bluetooth trackers in the next section). However, no single tool will catch everything. For example, if a tracker only transmits once every few hours to save battery, a quick scan might miss it. These are sometimes called dormant pings – the device lies dormant and “pings” its location intermittently. Professional debugging equipment can sometimes trigger a device to transmit or may catch even brief signals, but consumer devices have limitations.
• GPS Jammers (Not Recommended): A quick note on jamming: Some people wonder if they can use a GPS jammer to block any tracker. While devices that drown out GPS signals exist, they are illegal to use in the UK and can cause more problems (they might interfere with navigation systems or even aircraft signals!). Rather than trying to jam signals, it’s better to find and remove the offending tracker.

Tip: If you suspect a tracker but can’t find it, try taking your car to a quiet area away from other radio signals (like a rural location) and then use a detector. Also, consider that some trackers wake up when the car is moving – so scanning while a friend slowly drives the car (while you monitor the detector safely from the passenger seat) could help trigger a response. If all this sounds tricky, don’t worry - this is exactly the kind of task that professional Technical Surveillance Counter Measures teams handle, as we’ll discuss below.

Finding Apple AirTags and Other Smart Trackers

[insert AirTag image here]

Not all tracking devices use GPS and GSM. In recent years, Bluetooth-based trackers like Apple’s AirTag have entered the scene. An AirTag is a small, coin-sized device designed to help people locate lost items – but it has unfortunately been misused to track people’s vehicles without consent. Unlike a traditional GPS tracker that reports its location via mobile networks, an AirTag doesn’t have a built-in GPS or GSM modem. Instead, it uses Bluetooth signals to anonymously piggyback off of nearby smartphones (via Apple’s Find My network) to report its location. This means detecting an AirTag requires a different approach:

• If You Have an iPhone: Apple built in a safety feature – your iPhone will alert you if it detects an unknown AirTag moving with you. For example, if someone sneaks an AirTag into your car, after some time your iPhone should pop up a notification like “AirTag Detected Near You” (assuming the AirTag is separated from its owner). If you see this alert, you can tap it for options to make the AirTag play a sound to help locate it. Keep Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone so that you’ll receive these alerts.
• If You Have an Android Phone: Apple has an official app called Tracker Detect for Android, which you can download and run to scan for any AirTags (or other Find My-compatible trackers) nearby. It’s not automatic – you have to open the app and initiate a scan. There are also third-party Bluetooth scanner apps that can detect unknown Bluetooth devices around you, which might help find things like Tile trackers or Samsung SmartTags as well. Running a scan while in or near your car could reveal if there’s an active Bluetooth tracker present.
• Listening for Clues: AirTags will make a sound after they have been away from their owner for a certain period (generally around 8-24 hours). If an AirTag has been in your car for a day or more, you might eventually hear a faint chirping sound as it starts to emit periodic alerts. This isn’t loud – it sounds like a little set of chimes – but in a quiet car, you might catch it. Obviously, not a reliable method, but worth noting.
• Physical Inspection for AirTags: Because AirTags are quite small (about the size of a 10p coin, though thicker), they can be hidden in the cabin easily: taped under a seat, slipped into a seat cushion, inside the glove box or door pockets, etc. Do a sweep of your car’s interior for any object that looks like a white disc or any unfamiliar small gadget. AirTags have a white plastic face and a metallic back. They could be inside a case or holder, or just loose. Finding one visually can be challenging, but not impossible if you know what to look for.

Bluetooth trackers don’t show up on RF detectors the same way GSM-based trackers do (they use different frequencies and transmit intermittently). That’s why leveraging the phone apps is important for detection. If you do find an AirTag in your car that isn’t yours, you can disable it by removing the battery (twist the AirTag open). Additionally, you can lookup its serial number and report it to the police – law enforcement can potentially request information from Apple about the owner’s Apple ID, which might help identify who planted it.

When to Call the Professionals: Vehicle Bug Sweeps & TSCM

After you’ve done all the above, you might still have nagging doubts. Maybe you strongly suspect a tracker but just can’t find it, or you’ve found something and aren’t sure how to remove it safely. This is where a professional Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM) sweep comes in. Vehicle debugging is a specialised service – and it’s one we provide at Private Investigators UK.

Why get professional help? For one, experienced private investigators know exactly how and where to hide trackers. As mentioned, our team has planted and retrieved countless GPS trackers during legitimate investigations. We know all the sneaky hiding places, from the obvious to the truly obscure. A pro will methodically go through your vehicle, often dismantling certain sections if needed (with care, of course), to locate any clandestine device. We also use high-end detection equipment that far exceeds the capability of off-the-shelf bug finders. This includes spectrum analysers that can catch short bursts of signal, non-linear junction detectors (which can find electronic circuitry even if a device is not transmitting), and thermal cameras to spot the slight heat a powered device might emit.

What we offer: Our bug sweep service covers vehicles as well as homes and offices. If someone went to the trouble of tracking your car, it’s possible they’ve also bugged your home or phone – we’ve seen cases where multiple surveillance methods are used together. As part of a comprehensive TSCM sweep, we can check your car for GPS trackers, your home for hidden cameras or microphones, and even scan for spyware on phones (if needed or requested). All our work is done discreetly and confidentially. If we do find a device, we can remove it safely. In some cases, clients ask us to preserve the tracker so it can be turned over to police or used as evidence; other times, they just want it destroyed and their vehicle secured – we assist with either approach.

Peace of mind: Remember, you don’t have to live with the stress of wondering if you’re being watched. Professional investigators like us deal with these situations regularly. We can not only sweep and clear your car of any unwanted trackers, but also provide advice on how to prevent future incidents (for example, recommending better physical security for your vehicle, or periodic sweeps if you’re in a high-risk situation). We’re here to help make sure that your privacy is restored.

In summary, finding a GPS tracker on your car can be challenging – these devices are designed to stay hidden. By systematically checking the common hiding spots inside and out, using technology to aid your search, and calling in experts when needed, you can greatly improve your chances of uncovering a tracker. It’s important to stay vigilant: if someone has taken the step of tracking you, it’s a serious breach of your privacy and possibly a criminal act. Don’t hesitate to seek help. With the right approach and resources, you can root out these covert devices and take back control of your personal security.

November 22, 2025 - Reading time: 16 minutes
Updated on:

Hidden cameras and listening devices (often called “bugs”) have become an unsettling reality. Whether you’re worried about someone snooping in your home, your office, or even a holiday rental like an Airbnb, it's a legitimate concern. Modern surveillance gadgets are cheaper, smaller and easier to obtain than ever – anyone can order advanced spy cameras or audio bugs online in a few clicks.

How can you tell if you’re being watched? This guide explains what hidden cameras look like and how to find them. We focus on detecting hidden cameras at home, but also cover offices, rentals, and Airbnbs. You’ll learn about cheap DIY bug detectors, their limitations, and why truly thorough sweeps often require professional-grade equipment.

What Do Hidden Cameras Look Like?

Hidden cameras can be tiny and very well disguised. In fact, a spy camera can be hidden inside almost any everyday object, making it hard to spot at a glance. Typically, these devices use a pinhole-sized lens – often just a small dark circle or a reflective dot that might be visible if you look closely. They might also have a tiny LED indicator (for power or night vision) that could give them away in the dark.

Some common disguises for hidden cameras include:

• Digital clocks and gadgets: Alarm clocks, clock radios, weather stations, Bluetooth speakers, USB chargers or fake “smart” gadgets.
• Smoke detectors and sensors: Especially units mounted on walls or placed at odd angles (for example, a smoke alarm positioned to face a bed or desk).
• Power plugs and fixtures: Plug adapters, extension leads, lamps or even light bulbs with built-in cameras.
• Household décor: Picture frames, wall hangings, mirrors, air fresheners or air purifiers.
• Miscellaneous hiding spots: Books or book spines on a shelf, potted plants, stuffed toys, or seemingly innocent ornaments.

If something in a room looks out of place or oddly positioned, trust your instincts. For instance, an unfamiliar charger plugged in with no obvious purpose, or two smoke detectors in one small room, should raise suspicion. Always check for any small holes or glassy spots on objects facing sensitive areas – that’s often the lens. A careful visual sweep is the first step in finding hidden cameras.

How To Find Hidden Cameras

Finding a concealed camera or bug takes a bit of detective work. Here are some effective ways to check for hidden cameras in your home (or anywhere else):

Do a thorough physical inspection: Start with a careful sweep of each room. Look at places where a small device could be hidden – on shelves, inside fake plants, behind clocks, or in electronics. Pay extra attention in bedrooms and bathrooms (common targets for voyeur cameras). Check for tiny holes or unusual objects. Listen as well: in a silent room you might hear faint electronic buzzing or clicks if a device is operating. One real-life example: a couple noticed two smoke detectors in one bedroom – one was an illicit camera in disguise.

Turn the lights off and use a torch: A flashlight/torch is one of the best tools to spot hidden camera lenses. In a dark room, slowly pan a bright torch across every surface and corner. Pinhole camera lenses will often reflect the light as a small glimmer. Move the light slowly and scan for any sparkle or eye-shine that could indicate a hidden lens – this method can be surprisingly effective.

Use your phone’s camera (for infrared): Many hidden cameras (especially those that record in the dark) use infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision. These IR lights are usually invisible to the naked eye, but smartphone cameras can sometimes pick them up. Switch off the lights and open your phone’s camera app. Point your phone around at suspect areas (try using the front-facing camera if the rear camera has an IR filter). If you spot a pulsing or steady bright dot on your screen that you can't see with your eyes, it could be an IR LED from a hidden camera.

Check Wi-Fi and network devices: If a spy camera transmits video, it might be using your local Wi-Fi network. Take a look at the list of devices connected to your Wi-Fi (you can do this via your router’s admin page or a network scanning app). See if there are any strange or unknown devices (for example, something with “cam” or an unfamiliar ID). This isn’t foolproof – sophisticated snoopers might use their own separate network or the device might only store footage locally – but it can occasionally reveal an obvious camera feed.

Try a dedicated bug detector gadget: A variety of handheld hidden camera detectors are sold online (more on these in the next section). Typically, these gadgets detect radio frequency (RF) signals emitting from wireless cameras or bugs, and some also have a special red LED light filter to scan for camera lenses. In practice, you would turn such a detector on and walk slowly around the room; it will beep or flash if it picks up a wireless transmission or sees a reflection. In a small home or rental room, a basic detector can quickly sweep common camera frequencies (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular signals).

After going through these steps, you might feel confident that the space is clear – or you might still have nagging doubts. Advanced or well-concealed surveillance devices can evade casual searches, especially if they aren't actively transmitting. If you strongly suspect you're being watched but can't find anything, it may be time to call in a professional.

Affordable Bug Detectors

One popular DIY approach is to use an affordable bug detector to help find hidden cameras or listening devices. If you search online, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly bug sweepers like the K18, G318, or various anti-spy “keychain” finders. These devices are usually priced around £30–£70 and claim to detect hidden electronics. They typically work in two ways:

Radio frequency scanning: The detector will pick up electromagnetic signals being emitted by wireless cameras, bugs, GPS trackers, etc. A decent unit can scan a broad range of frequencies covering common bug signals (FM transmitters, GPS trackers, GSM/3G/4G mobile bugs, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, etc.). When it senses a strong signal nearby, it alerts you with lights or beeps so you can move around and pinpoint the source.

Lens detection via LED filter: Many bug detectors also include a small red-tinted viewfinder with flashing LED lights. By peering through the filter and sweeping the room with the detector’s blinking red LEDs, you can spot the tell-tale sparkle of a camera lens (similar principle to the torch method, but using a dedicated tool).

Do these cheap detectors actually work? – Yes, to an extent. A decent budget detector will pick up many common spying devices. They can quickly locate things like an active Wi-Fi camera or a rogue wireless microphone in a room, and they’re quite handy for scanning a hotel or Airbnb when you arrive. However, you get what you pay for: these gadgets have significant limitations. A spy device that isn’t transmitting (for instance, a camera that only records to a memory card) won’t set off an RF detector at all. Some modern surveillance devices hop frequencies or use encrypted signals that a cheap scanner might miss. And in an urban environment with lots of electronics, an inexperienced user might get false alarms – the detector might beep due to your Wi-Fi router, a neighbour’s Bluetooth, or other harmless signals, unless you carefully adjust the sensitivity.

Even the manufacturers acknowledge the limits. These low-cost detectors are not a substitute for a professional sweep of a property. Think of them as first-line tools for peace of mind. If someone has gone to great lengths to hide a camera or bug, a £40 gadget may not find it.

We regularly see this in real life. One client had already “swept” their own home with a budget detector and was convinced there was nothing there. When our TSCM team attended with professional equipment, we found a hard-wired microphone concealed behind a plug socket faceplate – completely invisible to their handheld scanner. That kind of device only shows up under specialist RF analysis and non-linear junction detection.

Concerned about hidden cameras or listening devices? Get expert help 🕵️‍♀️

Why Someone Might Spy on You

Why would anyone go to the trouble of hiding a camera or bug? There are a few common motives:

• Personal and domestic disputes: A suspicious spouse or ex-partner might resort to spying during a rocky relationship, divorce, or custody battle. In cases of infidelity or intense jealousy, one partner might secretly record the other’s activities. Unfortunately, domestic spying of this sort is not uncommon when trust breaks down.
• Business or corporate espionage: Workplaces can be targets too – a competitor or disgruntled employee could hide a recording device in an office or meeting room to steal trade secrets or confidential information. High-stakes business environments sometimes breed snooping in hopes of gaining an edge.
• Voyeurs and deviant behaviour: Some people have purely malicious or perverse intentions. Landlords, neighbours, or even Airbnb hosts have been caught secretly filming guests for voyeurism. In other cases, an individual with a grudge might spy for harassment or blackmail. The ease of obtaining spy gear today sadly makes it simple for bad actors to invade others’ privacy.

In short, hidden surveillance can stem from anything between personal mistrust and criminal intent. Knowing the “why” helps reinforce why it's so important to be vigilant about the possibility.

Professional Bug Sweeping Services

If you’re dealing with a serious threat or just want absolute peace of mind, professional bug sweeping is the way to go. No matter how clever a hidden device is, a qualified TSCM technician (Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures specialist) has the tools and expertise to uncover it.

Professional bug sweepers use advanced equipment far beyond the DIY gadgets – for example, ultra-wideband RF spectrum analysers to detect even faint or intermittent signals, thermal imaging cameras to spot the heat from electronics hidden in walls or ceilings, and non-linear junction detectors that can locate electronic circuits (even if a device is powered off and not emitting a signal). They also know all the tricks and hiding places from experience.

Our team of private investigators provides bug sweeping services across the UK for homes, offices, rentals – any property where you suspect eavesdropping. We operate discreetly and thoroughly, examining both electronically and through physical inspection to ensure nothing is missed. While cheap detectors can cover the basics, a professional sweep will find highly sophisticated or deeply hidden bugs that amateurs would overlook. We can also help secure your premises against future surveillance threats.

Free quotes and nationwide service: If you’re worried about hidden cameras or bugs, you can reach out to us for a free consultation and quote. All we need are your general location (for example, your postcode) and the size of the property to estimate the scope of a sweep. Our specialists are ready to help you reclaim your privacy and ensure your space is truly secure.

November 21, 2025 - Reading time: 17 minutes
Updated on: November 21, 2025

Apple AirTags are popular gadgets for finding lost items, but do private investigators in the UK rely on them to follow people? The short answer is no: professional investigators do not use AirTags to track individuals or vehicles. While tracking devices are indeed a common tool in surveillance, PIs prefer dedicated GPS tracking devices that are far more reliable, discreet, and legally appropriate for investigations. In this article, we will explain why AirTags are not used by private detectives, what alternatives are used instead, and how to tell if someone might be tracking you without your knowledge.

Why Don't Private Investigators Use AirTags?

Private investigators regularly use vehicle trackers during surveillance operations, especially for cases like suspected infidelity where a spouse wants to know if their partner is really “working late” or meeting someone secretly. However, PIs do not use Apple AirTag for this purpose. The primary reason is that AirTags are designed with anti-stalking measures that will alert the person being followed. If an AirTag is placed on someone’s car or in their bag, their smartphone will soon notify them that an unknown AirTag is moving with them. On an iPhone, a notification pops up, and Android devices can detect stray AirTags as well. In short, AirTags cannot be used discreetly; they are likely to give away the surveillance to the target.

Instead of AirTags, professional investigators deploy specialised GPS tracking devices that are purpose-built for covert tracking. These devices are small black boxes, often magnetic, that can be hidden on a vehicle securely. Once in place, a GPS tracker can transmit the vehicle’s live location to an online dashboard or app, letting the investigator monitor movements in real time. Unlike an AirTag, which relies on nearby phones for location updates, a dedicated tracker uses direct GPS satellite positioning and a mobile data connection to report its location continuously. This means a PI’s tracker can provide more accurate and timely tracking information without announcing its presence.

Battery life is another factor. An AirTag uses a tiny coin-cell battery meant for months of occasional use in finding lost items. By contrast, the professional GPS trackers used by investigators have rechargeable batteries that can last one to two weeks or more of constant tracking before needing a swap or recharge. Some advanced models can even last for months in a standby mode. This longer battery life is crucial for ongoing surveillance. You would not want your tracking device dying just days into an investigation.

In summary, private detectives in the UK do use GPS trackers to follow vehicles when it is legal to do so, but they would not choose an AirTag because it is too easily discovered and not nearly as effective for investigative needs. As a leading detective agency, we fit and remove GPS trackers for clients regularly, whether to gather evidence of a cheating partner’s movements, to monitor company vehicles, or to track assets. Our GPS tracking service offers expert installation and monitoring, helping you get the information you need, discreetly and lawfully.

Back to top

Who Uses AirTags to Track People?

If private investigators avoid AirTags, then who exactly is using AirTags to track people? Unfortunately, it tends to be individuals with questionable intentions or those unaware of the device’s limitations. Since Apple released the AirTag, we have seen cases of people attempting to spy on others by hiding these coin-sized trackers in cars, bags, coat pockets, and other personal items. Often it is a jealous partner or ex-partner trying to keep tabs on someone’s whereabouts. In more sinister cases, stalkers or criminals have misused AirTags to follow victims, which is why Apple implemented the alert system to begin with.

Our team of private investigators has been called in to help clients who suspected an AirTag was secretly planted on them. In one instance, we found a tracker taped inside a car’s wheel arch, wrapped in black tape to avoid detection. It had been placed there by an estranged ex who was trying to find out where the victim was going each night. The victim in that case did receive a phone alert eventually, which is how they became suspicious and contacted us.

It is important to note that while AirTags get the most press, there are many other tracking gadgets readily available online, from cheap magnetic GPS trackers to covert locator devices disguised as phone chargers. These will not trigger phone alerts like an AirTag does. If someone is determined to track you, they might use one of those instead. That is why any unexpected tracking device is cause for concern. If you happen to discover a hidden tracker on your vehicle or in your belongings, be very cautious. It could be the work of someone with ill intent. You should remove the device or disable it by removing its battery and consider reporting it to the police, especially if you feel you are in danger.

For added safety, you may also want to have a professional conduct a thorough bug sweep of your vehicle and home, in case the person spying on you planted other devices like hidden microphones or cameras as well. Our TSCM services cover vehicles, homes, and workplaces, and can help restore your privacy if you suspect that someone has gone beyond placing a simple tracker.

Worried someone is tracking your movements?
Vehicle tracking bug sweeps and TSCM services across the UK

• We can locate and remove hidden GPS trackers or bugging devices from your car, home, or workplace, keeping you safe and your privacy intact.
• Our investigators use specialist equipment, including RF scanners and signal detectors, alongside expert physical searches to ensure no covert device is left undetected.
• Free, confidential quotes with no obligation, so you can get peace of mind from an experienced TSCM team.

Request a Free Quote Learn More About Bug Sweeps

Back to top

How to Find a Tracker on My Car

What if you suspect that someone, perhaps not a PI but an estranged partner or stalker, has fitted a tracking device to your vehicle? Detecting a hidden GPS tracker on your car can be tricky, but there are some practical steps you can take.

• Do a physical inspection: With the engine off and the car safely parked, grab a torch and inspect the underside of your vehicle. Most trackers are attached with strong magnets to the metal chassis, frame, or other metal surfaces under the car. Common hiding spots include inside wheel arches, on the underside of bumpers, behind the vehicle’s number plate, or tucked up near the exhaust and suspension components. If you see any small box or device that is not normally part of the car, it could be a tracker.
• Check inside and around the cabin: Some GPS trackers can be hidden inside the car’s interior as well. For instance, there are trackers disguised as USB charging adapters or OBD port dongles. Examine the dashboard, under seats, inside the glove box, boot, and any accessory plugged into power sockets. If someone had prolonged access to your car’s interior, they might have hidden a device inside.
• Use an electronic detector: There are handheld bug detector devices available that can help detect transmitting signals. These can sometimes pick up the radio frequency or mobile signals emitted by a GPS tracker when it sends data. However, be aware that not all trackers transmit constantly; some may send bursts of data intermittently to save battery, so a detector is not foolproof. AirTags use Bluetooth signals, which some RF detectors can also scan for.
• Seek professional help: If you are not confident or have not found anything but still suspect a tracker, consider hiring a professional for a thorough sweep. Our private investigators offer vehicle bug sweep services, using advanced equipment and extensive knowledge of where devices can be concealed. An expert knows exactly where to look and how to identify even well-hidden tracking devices or listening devices, providing you with peace of mind.

Remember to stay safe while searching. If you do find a suspicious device, handle it carefully. You may want to preserve it as evidence by photographing it in place before removal. Alerting law enforcement is wise if you believe you are being stalked or harassed via an illicit tracker.

Back to top

How Do You Know if Someone Is Following You with an AirTag?

One of the few upsides of Apple’s AirTag, if it is used maliciously, is that it will try to warn the potential victim. Apple built in safety features to combat AirTag stalking. Here is how it works.

If you have an iPhone, your device is constantly on the lookout for any AirTag that is not yours but seems to be travelling with you. Within a few hours of an unknown AirTag moving with you, your iPhone will display a notification saying something like “AirTag Detected Near You” or “Unknown Accessory Detected”. You can tap the alert for more information. It may display the AirTag’s serial number and offer an option to make it play a sound, helping you locate it.

For Android users, Apple provides the Tracker Detect app which you can install to scan for AirTags. Google has also started rolling out built-in AirTag detection alerts on newer Android phones via Google Play services, meaning many Android devices will automatically warn you if an AirTag is moving with you. Below is an example of what an AirTag alert looks like on an Android device:

If you receive an alert like this, it means an AirTag or similar device has been detected nearby and is moving with you. Follow the instructions on your phone. It will typically guide you to find the AirTag and disable it. An AirTag can be disabled by twisting it open and removing its battery. You might also want to hold your phone next to the AirTag to read its NFC information. Apple can work with law enforcement in serious cases to trace an AirTag back to its registered owner.

It is worth reiterating that if someone is tech-savvy and malicious enough to track you, they might not use an AirTag at all. As noted earlier, there are many GPS trackers that will never notify the target. Those devices are more dangerous from a privacy standpoint because you will not know they are there without a physical or electronic sweep. This is why staying vigilant and periodically checking for signs of trackers is important if you have reason to believe you are being monitored. If in doubt, calling in professionals to conduct a sweep can give you peace of mind.

Back to top

Is It Legal to Track Someone in the UK?

The legality of tracking someone with a GPS device in the UK depends heavily on the circumstances and intent. It is not outright illegal to fit a tracker to a car. For example, if you own the vehicle or have the owner’s consent, using a tracker can be lawful. Many spouses have legally asked private investigators to put a tracker on a family car they personally own, in order to document a partner’s movements in an infidelity investigation. This can fall within the law as there is a legitimate reason and no breach of the peace.

On the other hand, secretly tracking someone without any justifiable reason can violate privacy and harassment laws. Stalking an individual with a device, especially if you have no right to monitor them, is likely illegal and can lead to criminal charges. Private investigators must also follow legal guidelines. For instance, we cannot trespass on purely private land to plant a tracker. If a vehicle is accessible in a public area, such as parked on a public street, a professional investigator can covertly attach a tracker without it being considered trespass. All data gathered must be handled in compliance with privacy regulations.

If you are considering using a GPS tracker yourself, it is wise to consult the law or speak to an expert because each situation can differ. We cover these nuances in our GPS Tracker FAQ: Is it legal to fit GPS trackers in the UK? blog post. In general, if you have a legitimate reason, such as protecting your property or investigating a spouse’s honesty, and you own the asset being tracked, you are on firmer legal ground. Tracking someone purely out of curiosity or jealousy when you have no rights to their information is likely to cause legal problems.

Bottom line: Private investigators can and do use GPS trackers legally as part of their toolkit, but they operate within the bounds of UK law and ethical practice. AirTags, however, are not part of that toolkit because of their limitations and anti-stalking features. If you need vehicle tracking done properly, or suspect someone has tracked you, it is best to engage with professionals. Our team is experienced in both deploying GPS trackers for legitimate investigations and detecting or removing unauthorised trackers through comprehensive bug sweeps.

If you have any concerns about tracking devices or want to discuss an investigation, feel free to contact us for a free, confidential quote. We are experienced in fitting GPS trackers, installing them as part of surveillance operations, and checking vehicles and properties for hidden devices. Your safety and peace of mind are our priority.

Back to top

September 26, 2025 - Reading time: 17 minutes
Updated on: September 26, 2025

A practical UK-focused guide to when you can record people or conversations, when consent is required, how GDPR applies, and why bugging a home is never lawful.

Recording in public places

• Generally legal: People in public have no reasonable expectation of privacy (streets, parks, shops, stations).
• Don’t harass: Filming to intimidate or stalk can be an offence even if recording itself is legal.
• Private into private: Filming into homes, bedrooms or bathrooms from outside crosses the line (privacy or voyeurism).

Recording on private property

• Your home: Home CCTV is fine. If cameras capture beyond your boundary (street or a neighbour’s garden), UK GDPR may apply.
• Someone else’s property: No trespass. No covert recording inside private premises without consent.

Recording without consent

• One-party consent: If you’re part of the conversation, you may record it for personal use without telling the other person.
• Sharing is different: Publishing or distributing may breach privacy or data-protection rights.
• Not your conversation: Secretly bugging other people’s conversations is unlawful without a warrant.
• Sensitive spaces: Bathrooms, changing rooms and bedrooms are criminal contexts for recording (voyeurism, upskirting).

Can I record a phone call in the UK?

• Yes, if you’re on the call: You don’t have to announce it for personal use.
• Businesses must declare: Organisations need a lawful basis and typically give a recording notice.
• Litigation: Using a recording in disputes has extra rules - get legal advice first.

Can recordings be used as evidence in court?

• Civil or family: Covert recordings can be admitted if relevant and authentic; the judge decides.
• Criminal: Illegally obtained evidence may be excluded if it undermines a fair trial.

Is it illegal to record police officers?

• Generally allowed in public: You may film police if you don’t obstruct operations.
• Powers exist: Officers may question, search or seize in specific circumstances - cooperate lawfully.

Dashcams & bodycams

• Dashcams: Legal and common; share with insurers or police as needed.
• Bodycams: OK for personal safety; posting footage online may engage privacy or GDPR.
• Employers: Must inform staff and justify any workplace monitoring; retention must be proportionate.

Can I record my neighbour? / Can my neighbour record me?

• Public vantage: Filming what’s visible from the street is usually lawful.
• Pointing into windows: Directly targeting windows or gardens can breach privacy and prompt ICO complaints.
• Harassment line: Persistent filming to cause alarm or distress can be harassment.

Can I record at work?

• Employees: Recording your own meetings for personal use isn’t a crime; sharing may breach contracts or privacy.
• Employers: Covert monitoring must be necessary, time-limited and proportionate (for example, suspected theft); staff should normally be informed.

Is it illegal to record children?

• Public places: Not automatically illegal; take care with safeguarding and publishing.
• Private settings: Never film children in private spaces where they expect privacy.

Can private investigators record people?

• Yes, in public: PIs routinely record without consent in public or from lawful vantage points.
• No trespass or bugging: PIs cannot plant devices in homes or unlawfully enter premises.
• Proportionality: Professional surveillance avoids intrusive filming into private spaces.

Spy glasses & modern gadgets

• Meta Ray-Ban and similar: Same laws apply - public filming is fine; private spaces without consent are not.
• Transparency concern: People may not realise they’re being filmed; regulators have flagged this.

GDPR & data-retention basics

• Personal or household exemption: Private recordings for personal use are outside UK GDPR.
• When GDPR applies: Businesses (and individuals who publish or share widely) need a lawful basis, notices or signage, security and sensible retention.
• Retention: Keep only as long as necessary; over-retention can be a breach for organisations.

Is it legal to bug someone’s house?

• No. Secret cameras or microphones in a private home without consent are unlawful.
• Lawful authority only: Police or intelligence may deploy with proper warrants - private citizens or PIs cannot.
• Reality check: Stalkers and rogue operators do attempt it - devices can be tiny and well-hidden.

Is someone watching you? We can help. 🔎

Bug Sweep (TSCM) Service - UK-wide

• We detect or remove hidden cameras, microphones, GPS trackers and covert Wi-Fi devices.
• Professional RF spectrum analysis, lens detection and detailed physical inspections.
• Free & confidential quotes: submit a secure support ticket with your postcode and property size.

Request a confidential quote Learn more about bug sweeps

Related articles

• What Are Bug Sweeps? TSCM Sweeps Explained
• 7 Signs That Your Home Is Bugged
• What Powers Do UK Private Investigators Have?
• What Cameras Do Private Investigators Use?

Further reading (official guidance):

• ICO - Home CCTV systems (when GDPR applies)
• ICO - CCTV & video surveillance (organisations)
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)
• Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 ("upskirting" offence)
• GOV.UK - Domestic CCTV on your property
• Met Police - Recording around police stations

💡 Did you know?

If your home CCTV captures the street or a neighbour’s garden, parts of UK GDPR may apply (signage, lawful basis, retention, security).

🧠 Evidence tip

Covert recordings can sometimes be used in civil or family cases if relevant. But admissibility is up to the judge - get legal advice.

🚓 Filming police

You can record officers in public. Don’t obstruct them and follow any lawful instructions at the scene.

🧭 Neighbour disputes

Pointing cameras into each other’s windows can breach privacy and escalate to ICO complaints or civil claims.