Apple AirTags can be a great way to help recover a stolen vehicle, but there are important limitations to understand. A key drawback is that thieves who carry iPhones can be alerted to a hidden AirTag in the vehicle. These alerts are not immediate, but they often appear after the AirTag has been separated from its owner for a period of time, which can make hiding an AirTag more challenging than many people realize.
That’s why we were intrigued by Brian’s inquiry about using other ways to make Apple AirTags undetectable to car thieves or outsmarting them twice. He wrote to us asking,
If an AirTag is put in an RFID wallet and hidden in a car can the AirTag be located by a thief using a locator? I know the AirTag will function in the wallet but will it be undetectable by the thief? – Brian, LaSalle, IL
Below are reasons why using an RFID wallet might end up leaving you outsmarted instead.
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.
Apple AirTags use completely different technology. Even when placed inside an RFID-blocking wallet or bag, an AirTag can still be detected by a nearby iPhone. That’s because AirTags rely on Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra-Wideband technology, not the same RFID frequencies used by credit cards.
Most RFID-blocking materials are not designed to reliably block Bluetooth or Ultra-Wideband signals. While certain materials may slightly weaken those signals depending on thickness and placement, RFID wallets are not a dependable way to hide an AirTag from detection.
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What can block AirTag technology?
Faraday bags, on the other hand, use electromagnetic shielding and can successfully block Apple AirTag signals, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, from being detected by thieves. The only issue with putting an Apple AirTag in a Faraday bag to hide in your car is that if the car thief cannot read or locate the signal it emits, you cannot either.
The problem is that when an Apple AirTag is placed inside a true Faraday bag, it becomes invisible to everyone — including you. Because the AirTag cannot communicate with nearby Apple devices, Find My will not be able to update its location.
In other words, while a Faraday bag can prevent a thief from detecting an AirTag, it also prevents the AirTag from doing its job.
Alternatives to AirTags for car security
While Apple AirTags can help with vehicle recovery, they are not designed to prevent theft. Other options may offer stronger protection.
Dedicated GPS trackers, for example, provide real-time location updates and do not rely on nearby iPhones to report their position. However, GPS trackers often require monthly subscriptions, draw power from the vehicle or an internal battery, and can still be discovered if a thief knows where to look.
Additionally, physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and alarm systems can act as effective safeguards. Combining multiple layers of security can better protect your vehicle against theft. Check out how to prevent your car from being stolen. The most effective approach is often layered security – combining physical deterrents with electronic tracking rather than relying on any single solution.
Apple AirTag
At $29 or less for a single AirTag, Apple’s tracker takes advantage of a network of a billion devices.
- Single AirTag: Small, coin-shaped tracking device made from plastic and stainless steel to work seamlessly with an iPhone to help you keep track of your personal belongings using the Find My app.
- Four-pack of AirTags: A four-pack of AirTags is a bundle of four small, coin-shaped tracking devices.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple AirTags can be useful for helping locate a stolen vehicle, but they are not a foolproof anti-theft solution. Because detection alerts on iPhones are delayed rather than instant, an AirTag may still provide value in the early stages of a theft — but there is a real risk it will eventually be discovered.
RFID wallets do not reliably block AirTag signals and should not be relied on to hide a tracker. Faraday bags do block AirTag signals, but they also block your ability to track the device. If your goal is true theft prevention rather than post-theft recovery, AirTags should be viewed as a supplemental tool, not a primary security system.
If you are serious about outsmarting car thieves, a combination of deterrents, tracking technology, and smart habits will always be more effective than relying on an AirTag alone.
What personal experiences have you had with technology aiding in theft prevention? Let us know in the comments below.
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