AirTag Stalking Proof: What Helps and How to Keep It Safe

Your safety comes first. When it feels safe, save alerts, screenshots, police reports and a simple log. Keep copies where the person who tracked you cannot reach them.

Why does safety come before proof?

Saving proof should never put you at more risk. Some abusers become more dangerous when they learn someone is keeping records. Do what feels safest for you.

Apple’s safety guide says to think about your safety and privacy before you change anything. It warns that other people may notice changes you make.

If you are in danger now, call 911. A local victim service program can help you make a safety plan. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is free, confidential and open 24/7: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

What phone records can help?

Alerts about an unknown AirTag can help show what happened. On an iPhone, past alerts are listed in the Find My app. If it is safe, take screenshots before you change anything.

Alert records matter in these cases. The national court panel noted that one alleged defect is how and when iPhone users are told an AirTag is with them.

Apple says to open Find My, tap Items, then tap Items Detected With You. If you found the tag, Apple suggests a screenshot of the item and owner details your phone shows.

There is a reason to save first. Apple says that once a tag is turned off, you stop getting alerts about it. Apple also warns that changing who you share with can cost you access to information you may need.

Screenshots or screen recordings can also capture texts and posts. Apple’s guide suggests them for any harassment you want to document.

What should I do with the AirTag itself?

A tag that still works may show the other person where you are. Before you keep it or move it, talk with police or a victim advocate about what is safest. Police may need the tag and its serial number.

Police can ask Apple for information about the tag. Apple said in 2022 that it can share the account linked to an AirTag when police ask in a valid way or with a formal legal demand for records. To get records about another person’s Apple account, Apple says to work through the police or a court.

Write down where and when you found the tag. Note who was with you, if anyone.

Which police and court papers help?

A police report or a protective order may help show what happened and when. Keep copies and write down report and case numbers. You can keep records even if you are not sure you want police or courts involved.

Apple’s filing says some people in these cases reported the AirTag to local police. It calls officers important witnesses about what the other person did.

SPARC, a stalking resource center funded by the Justice Department, says a civil protective order usually does not require a police report or criminal charges. A local advocate can explain the orders in your area.

How do I keep a simple log?

Write down each incident: the date, time and place, and what happened. Note any witnesses and any police contact. SPARC offers a sample log you can use.

Dates and times matter. In the earlier Hughes case, the judge noted that no one knows how long the tags tracked people before the safety features worked.

Save texts, emails, photos and social media posts too. NNEDV, a national group working to end domestic violence, says a log can show patterns and warn you if things are getting worse.

If the person may have access to your phone, keep copies somewhere else. NNEDV warns that your records could end up seen by the person who hurt you, so keep only what relates to the abuse. SPARC warns that someone may be able to see your browsing history, and it cannot be fully erased.

Phone companies keep text messages only for a limited time. If you work with police, NNEDV suggests asking them to send the phone company a letter to keep those records.

What records show how this affected me?

Proof of harm can include records from doctors or counselors, missed work and extra costs. Apple’s filing lists costs people claim, such as moving and home security. Keep receipts and pay records.

In its court filing, Apple says it may want to hear from family, doctors and employers about the harm. A lawyer can explain what that could mean for you.

You can ask for copies of your medical records. A provider cannot refuse because of an unpaid bill, but may charge a fair fee for copying and mailing. A therapist’s separate session notes are an exception.

What happens when I share proof with a lawyer?

A lawyer can tell you which records matter most and what else may help. Keep the originals and ask how your copies will be stored. Get any fee terms in writing.

Do not worry if your records are not complete. NNEDV says proof you already saved is still useful, even if it does not follow every tip.

Under the ABA’s model rule, a fee based on a recovery must be in a signed writing. It must say which costs you would owe even if you do not win.