Where GPS trackers hide and how to spot them
A GPS tracker is a small device that sends location data to someone else's phone or computer. It can be as small as a car key fob or hidden inside something you carry every day. If you suspect someone is tracking you, the first step is understanding what you are actually looking for — not all location sharing is a tracker, and not all trackers are hidden.
The difference matters. Your phone's location services (which you just turned on or off) let apps know where you are with your permission. A GPS tracker works without that permission — it is a physical device or hidden software that reports your location to someone else. Finding one means checking three places: your phone's software, your physical belongings, and your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Check your phone's location settings and app permissions first, because many trackers work through apps you installed, not hidden devices.
- Physical GPS trackers are often placed in car wheel wells, under bumpers, or inside the OBD-II port (the diagnostic socket under your steering wheel).
- Your phone's battery drain, unexpected data use, or constant warm temperature can signal that tracking software is running in the background.
- If you find a tracker, photograph it in place before removing it, and consider contacting local police rather than confronting the person who placed it.
Check what apps have permission to see your location
Before you look for a physical device, check whether someone is tracking you through an app you already have. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and scroll through the list. You will see which apps have permission to access your location and whether they use it "Always", "While Using", or "Never". Look for apps you do not recognize or apps that should not need your location — a flashlight app, for example, has no reason to know where you are.
On Android, the process is similar but varies by phone model. Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications) > Permissions > Location, or search "location permissions" in Settings. You will see which apps have location access. Remove permission from anything suspicious by tapping the app and changing the setting to "Don't allow".
Some tracking apps disguise themselves with generic names or hide inside legitimate-looking apps. If you see an app you do not remember installing, search its name online before removing it. Uninstalling an app stops it from tracking you, but take a screenshot of the app name and icon first in case you need to report it later.
Look for physical trackers in your vehicle
GPS trackers placed in cars are usually small rectangular devices about the size of a deck of cards. The most common hiding spots are under the vehicle — check the wheel wells, inside the bumper, and underneath the frame near the engine. Use a flashlight and get down low to look. Trackers are often magnetic so they stick to metal parts.
Check inside your vehicle too. Look under the seats, in the cup holders, and in the door pockets. If your car has an OBD-II port (a diagnostic socket under the steering wheel where mechanics plug in scanners), check there — some trackers plug directly into it. The port is usually located below the dashboard on the driver's side, sometimes hidden behind a plastic cover.
If you have a newer car with built-in GPS or OnStar, check your vehicle's settings to see who has access to location data. Some car manufacturers allow owners to share location with family members or service centers. Review those permissions and remove anyone you do not recognize.
Recognize signs of tracking software on your phone
Tracking software running on your phone will drain the battery faster than normal, use more data than usual, and make your phone warm even when you are not using it. Check your battery usage by going to Settings > Battery (iPhone) or Settings > Battery > Battery Usage (Android). If an unfamiliar app is using a large percentage of your battery, that is a red flag.
Check your data usage in the same settings area. If you have a data limit, look at which apps are using the most. Tracking software sends location data constantly, so it will show up as unusual data consumption. Some tracking apps also cause your phone to make strange sounds during calls or to lag when you are not doing anything.
If you suspect spyware rather than a straightforward GPS tracker, the safest step is to back up your important data and then reset your phone to factory settings. This erases everything, including any hidden tracking software. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. After the reset, restore only your backed-up data, not the apps.
Check your phone's location history and connected devices
On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations. This shows places your phone has been. If you see locations you do not recognize, someone may have accessed your iCloud account. Change your Apple ID password when ready and enable two-factor authentication.
On Android, open Google Maps and tap your profile picture > Your timeline. This shows everywhere your phone has been. If the timeline shows places you did not go, your Google account may be compromised. Change your Google password and review which devices have access to your account by going to myaccount.google.com > Security > Your devices.
Check connected devices on both platforms. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Devices and remove anything you do not recognize. On Android, go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Your devices and sign out of any unfamiliar phones or computers.
What to do if you find a tracker
If you find a physical GPS device, photograph it in place before touching it. Do not remove it when ready. Instead, contact your local police non-emergency line and describe what you found. They can advise you on whether it is evidence of a crime and how to proceed. In some places, placing a tracker on someone else's vehicle or belongings without permission is illegal stalking or harassment.
If the tracker is in your home or on your belongings, the situation is more serious. Do not confront the person you suspect. Document the device with photos and video, then contact police. If you are in danger, call 911.
If you find tracking software on your phone, the same rule applies: document it with screenshots, then contact police if you believe someone is stalking you. Do not delete the evidence before reporting it, because police may need to see it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell if someone is tracking my phone without finding a physical device?
Yes. Unusual battery drain, unexpected data use, a phone that is warm when you are not using it, and strange sounds during calls are all signs. Check your location permissions and app list for anything unfamiliar. If you see apps you do not remember installing, that is a strong signal that someone has access to your phone.
What if I find a tracker but I am not sure who put it there?
Photograph it and contact police. Do not remove it or confront anyone. Police can help you determine whether it is evidence of a crime and may be able to trace it back to the person who placed it. If you are in when ready danger, call 911.
Is it legal to track someone with a GPS device?
No, not without their knowledge and permission. Placing a tracker on someone else's vehicle, phone, or belongings without consent is illegal in most places and is considered stalking or harassment. If you believe you are being tracked, you have the right to report it to police.
Will resetting my phone remove all tracking software?
A factory reset will remove most tracking software, but it erases everything on your phone. Back up your important data first, then go to Settings > General > Reset (iPhone) or Settings > System > Reset Options (Android) and choose to erase all content. After the reset, restore only your backed-up data, not the original apps.
What should I do if I think someone has access to my iCloud or Google account?
Change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security. On Android, go to myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification. Review which devices have access to your account and remove anything unfamiliar. If you see location history you do not recognize, contact Apple or Google support.