You Can Disable a Stalker’s AirTag

If you get an alert that an AirTag is traveling with you, and you don’t know where it came from, Apple also offers the ability to disable the AirTag entirely using the Find My app.

According to Apple, this will stop sharing its location immediately, although it’s unclear what else happens to the AirTag. While you could obviously just throw the tag away entirely to avoid this kind of tracking, disabling it allows you to hold on to it in the event that you’re dealing with a serious stalker and want to get law enforcement involved.

In fact, Apple clearly advises users to contact their local law enforcement if they feel their safety is at risk, noting that they “can work with Apple,” and adding that the victim may need to provide the AirTag or its serial number. While Apple doesn’t come right out and say it, this strongly implies that an AirTag can in fact be traced back to its original owner if such a request is made by law enforcement.