Can A GPS Tracker Be Detected? Find Out With Top Detection Apps
Summary
GPS tracking concerns: Car dealerships, angry exes, or stalkers can plant GPS bugs on your car without you knowing. Thankfully, detector apps can sense them easily.
Detection Apps: Tools like Detectify, Hidden Devices Detector, Tracker Detect Pro, Find My Kids, and All Devices Detector help find hidden GPS devices.
Buying Advice: Look for apps with simple notifications and set up, and ones that can detect a wide range of devices. You want something that finds a device in one take without taking all day to set up.
These Apps Work - But Are Limited: Detection apps may have limited range, false positives, and are not foolproof. Manual checking is always best.
Legal advice: Contact law enforcement if you suspect illegal tracking.
Welcome to our guide on the best apps to detect a GPS tracker.
The short answer is - yes, dealerships like CarMax or other 3rd parties can place tracking devices on your car, but there are apps that can detect GPS trackers that do so either for free or for very low prices.
However, you’ve got to be careful when selecting an app. Most location device sensor tools are unreliable, and this lulls people into a fall sense of security that could be dangerous.
We’ve researched and tested the top software for detecting hidden GPS devices based on accuracy, usability, and extra features. You’ll find our top recommendations for iPhone and Android below along with a buying guide, the shortcomings of these apps, and a much more accurate and powerful alternative.
Let’s get to it.
Best GPS Tracker Detector – Protect Yourself For Less Than $100
Before we share the top 5 apps to detect a GPS tracker on your car there is something you need to know - apps are NOT the best tools for finding surveillance bugs. Why? They have limitations when it comes to detecting GPS and RF signals, especially with hidden tracking devices that are designed to be covert in nature. So, if you are really worried someone might be secretly tracking your car - like a psycho ex-boyfriend or ex-wife - we would encourage you to invest in a more reliable GPS tracker detector.
5 Best GPS Tracker Detector Apps For iPhone or Android
Some apps for android or those that can be found at the Apple store may be free or require payment. We would encourage you to read the reviews and check out the ratings of any app at the Google Play or Apple Store before downloading.
Detectify App- Detect Hidden Devices Mobile App
One million downloads on the Google Play Store
4.4 out of 5 stars (8,280 reviews 11/28/23)
Free Download (With ads)
Detectify is one of the most popular and highest-rated GPS detecting apps, and it’s also one of the most accurate. You just need to download it onto your phone, fire it up, and scan it around your vehicle. It’ll start going haywire if there’s a hidden electronic device somewhere.
How does the app detect GPS and hidden cameras? The tracking app uses magnetometer readings to detect changes in the magnetic field. When it detects a deviation from the norm, it alerts you to the area where GPS tracking devices or hidden cameras might be.
Our favorite thing about the app is that it has an updated library of tips for manually detecting electronic devices of all kinds like cameras, location trackers, or hidden mics. If you’re worried someone is wearing a wire, you can blow their cover!
Below, you can read both a positive and a negative real user experience with Detectify.
You can download this app on the Google Play Store here.
Hidden Devices Detector App
One million downloads on Google Play Store
3.9 out of 5 stars (10,100 reviews 11/28/23)
Free Download (With ads)
Hidden Devices Detector is the second most popular mobile app for detecting spy devices such as a GPS tracker, hidden camera, or voice recorder.
This software is a must-have for Android users who want to protect their privacy. It helps you find hidden electronic devices around you or in your vehicle by using a magnetic sensor to pick up the radiation from nearby devices. Just tap the scan button, and you'll be able to detect any hidden gadgets in no time.
Another awesome feature of this mobile app is that it can detect devices that are emitting radiation, such as RF-based GPS vehicle trackers.
This app is probably the best in terms of overall functionality, but the ads are so annoying! The tracker is accurate, but the ad interruptions make you want to pull your hair out.
Another option would be to invest in one of the highly-rated GPS scanners on Amazon such as the JMDHKK bug detector.
Below, you can read both a positive and a negative real user experience with the Hidden Devices Detector App.
Tracker Detect Pro For AirTag
The AirTag Detector app is great for finding hidden Apple AirTags and other electronic devices in your car.
If you think someone might be using an AirTag to track your location,Tracker Detect Pro will show you where it is, so you can rip it off and return to sender.
Here’s how it works…
Tracker Detect Pro uses a magnetic sensor to spot the radiation from devices like AirTags or GPS location tracking devices. With just one click, it scans for nearby AirTags and tells you if one is tracking you.
Besides finding AirTags, the app shows you a simple graph of the magnetic field, making it easy to see if there's something hidden. It also gives tips for finding hidden devices by yourself if you want to do more searching on your own.
I used it not too long ago, because I had a hunch someone might be tracking my car. I found nothing suspicious, but the peace of mind was totally worth the money. Knowing for sure that there were no hidden trackers made me feel so much better.
Find My Kids – Family Tracker App
This next tracking app won’t help you detect a bug on your vehicle, but it will help you track your kids.
The family locator app is called Find My Kids, and it is designed to promote child safety while providing parental control.
A few things we love about this app are:
Location Tracking: The family locator app provides a map view of the child’s current location, location history, and GPS coordinates.
Listen In: The app allows you to “Listen In” from your android phone to monitor the child’s surroundings.
App Tracking: Kids are all addicted to their phones these days. This app lets you track app usage, so you can set limits.
More cool features of the app include text notifications when a child reaches school, returns home, or arrives at other custom locations.
It’s the perfect blend of being caring without being crazy and over-protective. You can use the app to see your child’s location, app stats, and surroundings, but they don’t feel like they’ve got a GPS tracking hardwired into their skull!
All Devices Detector
All Devices detector is a popular app with over 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, making it one of the top free security tools for Android.
This app uses your phone's magnetic sensor to detect hidden cameras, microphones, and GPS tracking devices. If it finds something, it alerts you with beeping and vibrations. The vast majority of positive reviews on the app store say that it’s extremely accurate.
What makes this app unique is its ability to find hidden devices in places like hotel rooms, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
One review from the app store reads: "This app saved me a lot of stress during my last trip. I felt much safer knowing I could check my hotel room for hidden cameras!"
Sometimes, it can give false alarms, which can be a bit annoying. But that’s a small price to pay. Just do several scans to make sure it isn’t hallucinating.
GPS Detector App Buying Guide - What to Look For in a GPS Detection App
Ease of Use
When looking for a GPS tracker detection app, you want something that’s easy to use. An app with a simple and intuitive interface will make your life a lot easier, and make it way faster to find the device you’re looking for.
Look for apps that provide clear instructions and easy-to-understand icons like Detectify or Hidden Devices Tracker. For example, when you detect a hidden electronic device with Detectify a notification pops up and an alarm sounds. You don’t have to do any thinking and there’s no guessing games. “Hey, you. There’s a hidden tracker here. Remove it”. That’s how easy it is.
You don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to use the app or setting up an account. The best apps will have a straightforward setup process and a user-friendly design that guides you through each step.
Accuracy
Accuracy is probably the most important feature, but since most of these apps offer the same level of accuracy, we put it second.
Look for apps with high ratings and positive reviews about their detection capabilities. Apps that use advanced detection technologies like magnetic field detection, RF signal scanning, and radiation intensity measurement tend to be more accurate.
An accurate app will save you from unnecessary worries by correctly identifying real threats and avoiding false alarms. Check if the app uses advanced algorithms and technology to ensure precise detection of hidden devices.
Real-Time Alerts
Real-time alerts are essential for immediate action, and can be a lifesaver in dicey situations (like driving a rental car off a lot without knowing there’s a tracker installed).
Choose an app that offers different types of notifications, such as audible alarms, vibrations, and on-screen messages.
Some apps even offer push notifications so you can receive alerts even if the app isn’t open. That could also be a lifesaver. Here’s why: Imagine you’re in a seedy motel room where the owner has installed a camera behind the ceiling fan. Normally, you’d be internet famous the next day. But if your app is on, you’ll hear a noise telling you to remove it! Life saved.
Range of Detectable Devices
Find an app that can detect a wide range of devices, including both passive and active trackers. Look for features like magnetic field detection and radiation intensity measurement. These tools help broaden the scope of what the app can find, ensuring you’re covered no matter what type of tracker is used.
For example, AirTags detectors can only detect AirTags. It’s hard to justify investing any time and money into something so limited.
Additional Features
Look for apps that offer extras like a graphical representation of magnetic fields, manual detection tips, and even logging features to keep track of previous scans. These additional tools can provide more in-depth analysis and help you better understand your surroundings. Again, that’s why Detectify is #1 in our book.
4 Shortcomings Of GPS Tracker Detectors – What You Need To Know
Limited Detection: Bug detectors on your phone usually can’t detect all types of GPS trackers. This is why the best way to find a tracking device on your vehicle is with a visual inspection. They’re good in a pinch, but not always reliable.
False Positives: GPS detection devices are not perfect. In fact, they may give false positives, indicating the presence of a GPS vehicle tracker when none is actually present. This can happen due to interference from other electronic devices, such as cell phones or Wi-Fi routers, which emit similar frequencies that can confuse the detector.
Price: The top-rated GPS tracker detectors on Amazon can be expensive, costing between $43.00 and $159.00.
Motion Sensors: Most wireless GPS trackers are designed with motion sensors that put the real time GPS into sleep mode. This stops GPS tracking devices from emitting any signal, making them impossible to detect.
If you believe that someone is using a GPS phone tracker to spy on you or has a hidden location tracking device on your vehicle we would encourage you to contact law enforcement for your personal safety.
Is There An App To Detect A GPS Tracker – Frequently Asked Questions
No Result
Can An App Detect Spy GPS Tracking On My Vehicle?
Yes, there are apps to detect spy GPS tracking on your vehicle. Detectify and Hidden Devices Detector are two types of solutions you can find on the Google Play Store. Want to ensure no one's tracking your car? Download one of these apps and follow the easy steps they provide to detect spy GPS tracking. But remember, no app offers 100% security. For absolute certainty, consider professional assistance. Also, read this article on the common places people hide a GPS tracker on a car, or by reviewing this helpful infographic below:
Is There an App to Keep Track of My Child’s Location?
Yes, the Find My Kids app is designed for this purpose. The app allows location sharing and provides text notifications for significant locations, such as when your child arrives at school or returns home. It offers parental control without being overly intrusive, ensuring both safety and freedom.
What Key Features Should Be Prioritized When Choosing a Personal GPS Tracker Detector App?
You should look for the following key features in a personal GPS detector app:
user-friendly interface
magnetic sensor capabilities
a clear graphical representation of findings
high user ratings on the app store.
What Legal Steps Should You Take If You Believe Someone Is Illegally Tracking Your Location?
If you suspect that someone is tracking your location illegally, such as a spouse or a suspicious entity, it's advisable to contact law enforcement immediately. They can investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action. Gathering evidence, such as using a GPS detector app, might also be helpful.
