How to safely disable an unknown AirTag or Bluetooth tracker

Once you've found the tracker and decided it's safe to act, take these steps in order. Documentation matters: an unwanted tracker may be evidence of stalking, which is a crime in most jurisdictions.

Before you move anything, photograph the tracker where you found it (vehicle, bag, item) and take a wide shot showing context. Save these to a cloud account.

On iPhone: tap and hold the top of an AirTag to your phone — the NFC chip displays a webpage with the serial number and partial owner phone. Screenshot it. Android: same NFC tap works.

AirTag: twist the silver back anti-clockwise and remove the battery. Tile/SmartTag: prise open and remove battery. The device is now inert.

Contact local police with the photos and serial number. Apple and Tile cooperate with law enforcement and can identify the owner. If you're in immediate danger, call your country's emergency number.