Laura Hobson, Co-Founder & COO, YoursGlobal · · 4 min read
There are different ways someone can hunt you, and they require different defenses. Stalkerware is software installed on a phone. Bluetooth trackers are physical devices placed on a car, bag, or person.
Stalkerware can track location, record calls, read messages, monitor social activity, browse history, access photos, and sometimes activate a microphone. It typically requires physical access to a phone and then runs in the background.
AirTag, Tile, SmartTag, Tracki, and similar devices use Bluetooth and nearby phones to report the location of an object. They provide location, proximity, and last-seen information, but not your messages or calls.
Stalkerware requires access to your phone and can expose almost everything on it. A tracker is placed on your belongings or person and primarily exposes location. Stalkerware is harder to detect; a physical tracker can be found visually or through a Bluetooth scan.
Warning signs include unusual battery drain, heat, data usage, crashes, unexplained messages, or someone knowing details you did not share. On iPhone, review storage, account recovery activity, and App Privacy Report. On Android, review installed apps, special access, device administrators, and Play Store history. Use anti-malware tools and consider a reset only with a safe backup plan.
Pay attention to unknown-tracker notifications, unfamiliar objects, Bluetooth scans, and Find My or Android tracker alerts. Inspect your car, bag, and clothing. YourSweep and other detection apps can supplement a physical check.
If you suspect stalkerware, go to a safe location, use a different device, contact a trusted person or hotline, preserve important data, change passwords from another device, and report to law enforcement. Do not confront someone if doing so could escalate danger.
If you find a Bluetooth tracker, photograph it, preserve it, go somewhere public, contact police, and change your routine until you feel safe.
Digital stalking is real stalking. You deserve to know what is tracking you.