Apple AirTags can be a great way to outwit car thieves, but there are some drawbacks to consider. A key limitation is that thieves who also have iPhones can usually detect an AirTag hidden in the vehicles they are trying to steal. This makes hiding an AirTag complicated.
That’s why we were intrigued by Brian’s question about how to use other ways to make Apple AirTags undetectable to car thieves or outwit them twice.
“If an AirTag is placed in an RFID wallet and hidden in a car, can a thief locate it using a tracker? I know the AirTag will work in the wallet, but will it be undetectable to the thief?“ –Brian, LaSalle, Illinois
Below are reasons why using an RFID wallet could end up outsmarting you.
I AM GIVING AWAY THE LATEST AND BEST AIRPODS PRO 2
Illustration of a car thief checking if the vehicle has an AirTag. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why RFID wallets might not outsmart 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 to protect items or devices from these radio waves by blocking them.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Apple AirTags It uses a different technology, so even if it is placed in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag, a thief could still detect it with an iPhone or a tracker. Unlike radio waves used to search for credit cards and other data, Apple AirTags use Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. No technology can be protected with RFID blocking materials because those materials cannot block Bluetooth and UWB signals.
A person holding an RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
DO EMF BLOCKERS REALLY PROTECT US?
What can AirTag technology block?
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 being detected by thieves. The only problem with putting an Apple AirTag in a Faraday bag to hide it in your car is that if the car thief can’t read or locate the signal it emits, neither can you.
While the Apple AirTag may go unnoticed when in a Faraday bag, you also may not be able to use FindMy or any other tracking methods to locate it, because those methods require signals sent from the AirTag to other iPhones and Apple devices to track the location.
An RFID wallet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
Alternatives to AirTags for car security
While Apple AirTags Although they offer some benefits, there are other technologies and methods to consider to improve car safety. For example, GPS trackers provide current-time location data without the risk of being detected by a nearby iPhone. Additionally, physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks and alarm systems can act as effective safeguards. Combining multiple layers of security can better protect your vehicle from theft. Find out how to prevent your car from being stolen.
HOW TO OVERCOME CAR THIEVES WITH THESE SMART AIRTAG TACTICS
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
While Apple AirTags It can be a useful device to help you keep track of your vehicle whether it is lost or stolen, it does not replace the reliability of a GPS system installed in your vehicle if you are trying to outwit car thieves. Because car thieves can locate an Apple AirTag hidden in your vehicle, it may not provide the layer of protection you expect. Although the technology in RFID wallets will not block the signals from an Apple AirTag, making them detectable to trackers and scanners, Faraday bags will. Unfortunately, you will end up outsmarting yourself by trying to outsmart 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 outwit car thieves, Apple AirTags may not be the answer you’re looking for.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
What personal experiences have you had with technology to assist in theft prevention? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more tech tips and security alerts, sign up for my free CyberGuy Report newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask Kurt a question or tell us what stories you’d like us to cover..
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about CyberGuy:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
