Information Technology Solutions
WHAT THEY ARE:
Apple AirTags are tracking devices that can be used to track and find items if they go missing. Using Bluetooth technology
and Apple’s “Find My” network, the quarter sized tracking device can be placed on or in personal items. AirTags are
registered with Apple when activated and are specific to their users. However, if an AirTag that does not belong to you is
near your Apple device for an extended period of time, Apple pushes an alert to your device.
Apple has not disclosed the range and duration of time that it takes to trigger an alert. For instance, we do not know if
sitting in the same classroom for an hour is enough to trigger an alert when you and the person carrying the AirTag go out
of range of each other when class is over. Similarly, if another Apple device, most commonly AirPods, are within your
vicinity for a period of time and have tried unsuccessfully to pair with your device, you may receive an “Unknown Accessory
Detected Near You” or “AirPods Detected” notification.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION:
AirTag
If you do not own an AirTag and have not borrowed an
item with an AirTag, the following steps will help you
determine where the AirTag is located:
AirPods or Unknown Accessory
If you have not borrowed a set of AirPods and received
either message the following steps should be taken:
If you own an Apple device:
1. When the "AirTag Found Moving With You" message
pops up, take a screen shot, check on the “Find My”
app
2. Tap Continue.
3. If you don't know where the AirTag is located, tap on
"Play Sound" to locate it.
4. Tap on "Learn About This AirTag" to check its serial
number to see if it's been marked as lost, and if so,
find instructions for getting in contact with the owner.
Please take a screenshot of the serial number.
5. If the AirTag is not in Lost Mode and you don't know
where it came from, you should tap on "Disable
AirTag" and follow the steps to prevent it from possibly
continuing to track your location.
If you own an Apple device:
1. When the "AirPods Found Moving With You" or
“Unknown Accessory Detected Near You” message
pops up, take a screen shot, then tap on the
message “Learn About This Item.”
2. Open the “Find My” app and select the “Items” icon at
the bottom, scroll to the bottom of the Items tab and
select “Items Detected With You.” Take a screenshot
of the item(s) that triggered the alert. If the item
and its owner are unknown to you, tap the “Instructions
to Disable” and follow the steps listed.
If you are unable to disable the AirTag or other accessory, consider going into Settings to turn off your location sharing.
Open Settings, then select Privacy and Location Services to disable location sharing.
Android users can download and install the “Apple Tracker Detect” or “AirGuard
” apps in the Google Play store.
If you receive an alert and have followed the steps listed but are still concerned, please call University Police at 724-357-
2141. Please be ready to provide them of your movements leading up to the alert and any screen shots you have
of notifications, locations, and item serial numbers.
If you suspect that an AirTag was placed by a current or former dating or domestic partner, please also reach out to the
Social Equity and Title IX Office at 724-357-3402. Additional resources and their contact information can be found here
.
