Apple AirTags can be a great way to outsmart car thieves, but there are some downsides to consider. The key limitation is that thieves who also have an iPhone they can usually detect a hidden AirTag in the vehicles they are trying to steal. This makes hiding the AirTag difficult.
That’s why we were intrigued by Brian’s inquiry about using other ways to make Apple AirTags invisible to car thieves, or to outsmart them twice.
“If an AirTag is placed in an RFID wallet and hidden in a car, can a thief locate the AirTag using a locator? I know the AirTag will work in a wallet, but will the thief be unable to detect it?“ — Brian, LaSalle, Illinois
Below are reasons why using an RFID wallet could outsmart you.
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Illustration of a car thief checking to see if the vehicle has an AirTag. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why RFID Wallets Might Not Outwit Car Thieves?
Some thieves use RFID readers, which use radio waves, to scan and read data such as credit cards in wallets. The function of RFID wallets and bags is yes protect objects or devices from those radio waves by blocking them.
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Apple AirTags use a different technology, so even if it’s placed in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag, a thief could detect it with an iPhone or tracker. Unlike the radio waves used to scan credit cards and other data, Apple AirTags use Bluetooth and Ultra wideband (UWB) technology. Neither technology can be protected by RFID-blocking material because these materials cannot block Bluetooth and UWB signals.
A person holding an RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What can block AirTag technology?
faraday bags, on the other hand, it uses electromagnetic shielding and can successfully block Apple AirTag signals, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, from detection by thieves. The only problem with putting an Apple AirTag in a Faraday bag to hide it in your car is that if a car thief can’t read or locate the signal it emits, neither can you.
While it is Apple AirTag can go undetected when in a Faraday bag, you probably won’t be able to use FindMy or any other tracking methods to locate it, as those methods require pinging signals from the AirTag to other iPhones and Apple devices to track its location.
RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Alternatives to AirTags for car security
While Apple AirTags offer some benefits, there are other technologies and methods to consider to improve car safety. For example, GPS trackers provide real-time location data without the risk of being detected by a nearby iPhone. In addition, physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and alarm systems can act as effective protection. A combination of multiple layers of security can better protect your vehicle from theft. Check how to prevent your car from being stolen.
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While Apple AirTags can be a useful device to help you track your vehicle, whether it is lost or stolen, it does not replace the reliability of the GPS system installed in your vehicle if you are trying to outwit car thieves. Since car thieves could locate an Apple AirTag hidden in your vehicle, it may not provide the layer of protection you’re hoping for. While the technology in RFID wallets won’t block signals from Apple AirTags, making them visible to locators and scanners, Faraday bags will. Unfortunately, you’ll end up outsmarting car thieves if you use a Faraday bag because then you won’t be able to track Apple AirTags either. If you’re looking for the optimal way to outsmart car thieves, Apple AirTags might not be the answer you’re looking for.
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