Before knowing how to find tracker on car and disable it, if need be, you need to ascertain whether the tracker was an uninvited GPS spying device or one that the manufacturer had built in. Using a bug detector that can scan a car’s inside and exterior is one approach to finding a GPS tracker. In addition, it is feasible to physically find a GPS tracker in well-known places like the OBD port, the backseat, or the floor of the vehicle.
A mechanic’s mirror, a flashlight, and some basic equipment like a creeper or other form of mat to help you move under the car are also necessary. Thus, in this article, we’ll be discussing how to find a tracker on car.
So, let’s dive in!
Contents
How to Find Tracker on Car
The fundamental procedures for identifying a covert GPS tracker on your vehicle are as follows:
Conduct an evaluation of the outside
To check places like the wheel wells and under the car, use a flashlight and mirror. Most trackers are concealed in places that are simple to get to.
Make a thorough internal inspection
First, check the data port. The majority of GPS trackers are compact, so keep an eye out for any possible hiding places, including the trunk.
Use a bug detector to scan the car
Many of the same places where you can buy trackers also sell bug detectors. Be aware that sweepers cannot identify passive trackers and that certain trackers only broadcast while the vehicle is moving.
Detecting Hidden GPS Trackers: Where to Look
Interior
- In the diagnostic port
- Under the seats
- Underneath floor mat
- In the truck or hatchback
Due to their modest size, hidden GPS trackers can be hidden in almost any place in a car or truck. You should pay attention to potential hiding spots for such a gadget, but sometimes that won’t work.
Simpler systems are made to link straight into a vehicle’s data port, whereas most covert trackers are battery-operated. The data port is typically located under the dash, close to the driver’s knees. If you can find it and see that something is plugged into it, it is cause for alarm.
Use your flashlight and mirror to look behind the seats, behind the dash, inside and behind the glove box, and in the center console if you don’t see anything immediately apparent. Other places where trackers might be concealed include between seats, beneath sun visors, and in-seat pockets.
Because it could mix in with other parts, finding a hidden GPS tracker inside a car can be challenging. Small modules, such as the one that controls the power door locks, for example, could easily be mistaken for something more sinister.
Someone who is determined for their surveillance device to remain undiscovered may conceal a tracker beneath a seat cushion, behind a door panel, or in other awkward places.
These gadgets may also be stowed away in a trunk. Remove and examine your spare tire if you have one. You can also remove the trunk liner at that time, which can be used to conceal a small GPS tracking device.
Exterior
- The undercarriage
- Under the hood
- The bumper
- The wheels
Small GPS trackers can be buried practically anywhere; however, they are typically concealed in places that are reasonably simple to get to. Therefore, the first step in locating a hidden GPS tracker on your car is to visually check for potential hiding places that someone may easily and quickly access.
Inside a tire well is a popular area to conceal a GPS tracker, and it is also simple to check. Examine the interior of the front and rear wheel wells with a flashlight. To gain a clear view, you might need to use a telescopic mirror. You can also use your hand to feel around in areas where you can’t see.
Try to pull down the hard plastic wheel well liner if it is loose so you may peek or feel inside. It’s possible that someone unfastened the liner so they could fasten a magnetized tracker to the body or frame behind it.
You can inspect underneath the car with the aid of your flashlight and telescoping mirror. Use a creeper to slip beneath the car if the ground clearance is high enough and you want to give it a full check. Pay attention to places where a tracker could be quickly and cheaply hidden, and bear in mind that the tracker might be covered in road grime and grit.
Trackers may also be tucked within or beneath bumpers. A flashlight and mirror are also required for a complete inspection of this area. You might occasionally need to reach up and feel around within the bumper.
Finding a tracker on a car using a bug sweeper
The Bug Sweeper is a portable device that can pick up electromagnetic signals, such as those from telephones and radio transmitters.
Sweepers aren’t helpful for locating passive GPS trackers because they depend on detecting signals. However, they can be quite useful in locating active trackers that are well-hidden.
If you can, turn on the bug sweeper before taking a cautious stroll around your car. You might need to hold it close to each of the areas specified in the preceding sections, depending on the sensitivity.
A bug detector will normally alert you by lighting up, vibrating, or buzzing when it detects a suspicious signal. Now is the time to use a fine-toothed comb to thoroughly go over that area.
You can come across a tracker that only sends when the car is moving. This kind of tracker is passive when the vehicle is stopped, so a bug sweeper cannot find it. Therefore, if you initially don’t see anything, have someone else drive the car while you keep an eye on the sweeper.
Disabling the tracker on a car
Hardwired GPS tracker
Disabling the GPS is challenging if it is hardwired. You’ll probably need to disassemble the dashboard; therefore, we advise taking the car to a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will then need to find any wires that are attached to the battery or ignition and cut them out. If a kill-switch relay is also connected to the car, they might also need to remove it.
The GPS is a mini tracker on a battery
There are two known methods for disabling these;
Wrapping a GPS tracker with tinfoil
Wrapping a GPS tracker with tinfoil is another method for turning it off. This prevents the device from receiving any cellular or satellite signal. Any metal that conducts electricity will obstruct GPS signals both coming in and going out. This is a simple and affordable way to stop being monitored.
Removing the batteries
Turning off a GPS tracker that runs on batteries is the simplest way to disable it. Usually, the unit’s top or front will contain a power button. The device is turned off when all of the lights are out. You could just take out the batteries if the tracker is powered by real batteries.
Reasons for using Hidden Tracker
GPS trackers, like many other technological tools, have both acceptable and undesirable uses. With a valid warrant, law enforcement agencies frequently employ these tools, as do private investigators.
Common reasons for using GPS tracker include;
- Management of fleet.
- Dispatching deliveries and taxis.
- Monitoring your minor teen.
- Assisting you to locate your parking spot.
- Theft recovery.
Related Article
- Best Car GPS Tracker you should buy
- How to track a car with GPS
- How to Find a Hidden GPS Tracker in Your Car
- How to track a car without a tracker
- How to prevent car theft
Watch the video below to learn more
FAQs
Pull up any inside seat coverings if there are any to check if the tracker has been hidden below. Look under the seat cushions and the floor mats. In order to check for any potential trackers, shine the flashlight underneath each seat and run your hands down the bottom.
Is there an app that can detect a tracker on your car?
If they download the Tracker Detect app from the Google Play store, Android users can search for nearby AirTags (and AirPods). Similar to this, Tile’s “Scan & Secure” feature in its iOS and Android apps can help you find any nearby trackers that are traveling with you.
Can a cell phone detect a GPS tracker?
Yes, there are a lot of apps that can tell if your phone has a GPS tracker installed. You can easily check your phone for GPS tracking apps and other viruses by downloading Certo Mobile Security for free from the Play Store if you have an Android phone.
What does a tracker look like in a car?
Depending on the manufacturer, tracking devices might be of varied sizes and forms, but most will resemble a small metal box with a magnet on one side. Some might additionally have an antenna or an indicator light.
Who can remove the tracker from the car?
Asking your neighborhood mechanic for assistance is the best course of action if you want to remove a hardwired GPS tracker from a car. They’ll make sure the tracker is correctly uninstalled and ready for usage again.
Do all cars have GPS tracking?
Turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates are provided by the GPS navigation systems used in many cars. These technologies locate the vehicle using GPS data and provide the driver with precise advice. Although not all automobiles have GPS trackers, they are becoming more and more prevalent.
Can a car be tracked without a tracker?
It is feasible to track a vehicle using SIM tracking rather than the driver’s cell phone or the built-in GPS tracking device. SIM monitoring uses a driver’s cellular network to capture their coordinates in order to follow their whereabouts.
What happens if you remove the GPS tracker on your car?
A tamper alarm will be triggered, nevertheless, if a consumer does take the GPS tracking device off. This indicates that it has been taken out of the car. It does have a backup battery, so the tracking device will keep running. The opportunity to speak with the borrower and learn that the loan is potentially in jeopardy is provided.
That’s all for this article where we discussed How to Find Tracker on Car and Disable if Needed. Hope it was helpful. If so, kindly share. Thanks for reading.
