How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles (2024)

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Many vehicles today are equipped with a car GPS tracker that uses the global positioning system (GPS) and cellular networks to monitor and report the precise location of the vehicle. GPS trackers are popular among fleet and taxi companies and individual car owners as they help with theft recovery and vehicle monitoring. Most of the trackers are added by the owner, but any person can equip a vehicle with such a device without the knowledge or consent of the owner. If you suspect that your vehicle has been outfitted with a GPS tracker without your knowledge, there are some simple steps to take to determine whether you are being tracked.

Key Takeaways:

  • GPS trackers can be hidden inside or outside the vehicle.
  • They can be either active (real-time) or passive (data loggers).
  • Common places to check include bumpers, undercarriage, wheel wells, under the hood, OBD data port, and 12V receptacle.
  • Use an electronic bug sweeper for thorough detection.
  • Seek professional help if unsure or unable to locate the device.

What You Need to Know About GPS Tracking Devices

How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles (1)

GPS trackers come in all shapes and sizes, some more discreet than others, and they can be divided into two broad categories: real-time GPS trackers (active) and GPS data loggers (passive). Active trackers combine GPS location tracking with real-time data transmission using cellular towers. The main advantage of active GPS trackers is that they can be accessed remotely over the internet. Passive GPS trackers store location data in internal memory and can be accessed only in person.

While installing most modern GPS trackers on a vehicle is a very simple process, finding hidden GPS trackers is seldom as straightforward. However, because of how GPS trackers work, there are several places on a vehicle where you should always look if you suspect that someone is monitoring your location with a GPS tracker.

How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles (2)

Inspect the Exterior

Because bumpers are made of injection-melded ABS, they’re an excellent place for a GPS tracker, making this the most likely place for a tracker to be hidden. To look behind a bumper, we recommend you use a mirror on an extendable pole while illuminating the area with a flashlight.

If you don’t find anything behind both bumpers, continue by inspecting the vehicle’s undercarriage. Keep an eye on any part that’s noticeably cleaner than the rest of the undercarriage. Don’t forget to check the wheel wells. Even though that isn’t a recommended location for a tracker to be hidden, an inexperienced user may have placed one there.

Finally, carefully inspect under the hood. Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s best if you don’t disconnect anything. That said, pay special attention to any wires connected to the vehicle’s battery as they may lead to a GPS tracker.

How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles (3)

Inspect the Interior

The easiest GPS trackers to find are those that plug directly into either the OBD data port behind the dashboard or the 12V cigarette lighter receptacle. These will likely be visible from the cab of the vehicle and will not require any special inspection techniques. If you don’t find a GPS tracker in these locations, inspect the rest of the interior, including the dashboard, storage compartments, under the seats, and below the spare tire.

Because the interior plastic trim on most modern vehicles is easy to remove and often hides an abundance of free space, that’s where you’re very likely to find a hidden GPS tracker. If you’re not keen on disassembling half of your car to find one small box, you should use an electronic bug sweeper. Electronic bug sweepers detect the presence of GPS and radio signals and can point you toward them, helping you find a GPS tracker in no time.

Learn more about how a bug sweeper works.

When to Seek Professional Help

How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles (4)

Some GPS trackers are harder to find than others, but with the right counter-surveillance tools, finding even the most expertly hidden GPS tracker is possible, especially if you know where to look. If you find nothing but are still suspicious, it may be a good idea to have a professional car mechanic that you trust to examine the vehicle in search of a hidden GPS tracking device.

If you have questions about GPS trackers or counter surveillance tools like bug sweepers, the BrickHouse Security team is here to help. We invite you to contact our team for more information and assistance.

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Posted by Todd Morris on Mar 6th 2024

How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles (5)

Todd Morris

Todd Morris is the Founder and CEO of BrickHouse Security, a leader in GPS tracking and security solutions since 2005. Featured on the Inc 5000 list, Todd has steered the company from its inception, applying expertise developed at Apple, Adobe, and MapQuest to deliver innovative, reliable solutions for both businesses and consumers. Recognized as an authority in the GPS tracking industry, Todd regularly contributes insights to major news programs. His practical approach includes using his sons as beta testers for products, from stroller tours to monitoring teenage driving, ensuring BrickHouse’s offerings are user-friendly and effective. This hands-on testing reflects Todd’s commitment to real-world application and safety.

How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles (2024)

FAQs

How to Find GPS Trackers on Vehicles? ›

GPS trackers can be hidden inside or outside the vehicle. They can be either active (real-time) or passive (data loggers). Common places to check include bumpers, undercarriage, wheel wells, under the hood, OBD data port, and 12V receptacle. Use an electronic bug sweeper for thorough detection.

Can a cell phone detect a GPS tracker? ›

An unknown tracker alert is sent when someone else's tracker device is separated from them and if your Android phone detects the tracker is traveling with you and out of Bluetooth range from the owner. The notification alerts you to the tracker and tells you how to find it and what to do next.

How do I find an unwanted tracker on my car? ›

Perform an exterior inspection: Use a flashlight and mirror to check areas like the wheel wells and under the vehicle. Most trackers are hidden in easy-to-reach locations. The tracker may be dirty and difficult to see. Perform an interior inspection: Check the data port first.

Is there a phone app that can detect a GPS tracker on your car? ›

Tracker Detect – Apps on Google Play.

How to tell if someone is tracking you? ›

10 Signs to Tell If Your Phone Is Being Tracked
  1. Unknown Apps Installed on Your Phone. ...
  2. Your Phone Gets Overheated. ...
  3. Higher Data Usage. ...
  4. Increased Battery Consumption. ...
  5. Your Phone Is Jailbroken or Rooted. ...
  6. Sudden Performance Deterioration. ...
  7. Unusual and Peculiar Permission Requests. ...
  8. Unusual Noise During Calls.

How do I get rid of a GPS tracker on my car? ›

To remove a magnetic GPS tracker, locate the device, typically placed under the car or inside the wheel well. Since they are attached via magnets, simply pull the tracker off the metallic surface.

Can my iPhone detect a tracker on my car? ›

If you click on that notification, Apple's Find My app will show you where you first picked up the unwanted tracker. To make sure you get notified, you must have location services and other settings enabled on your phone, and have Bluetooth turned on.

Can you scan a car for tracking devices? ›

One way to find a GPS tracker is to use a bug detector that can scan both the inside and outside of a vehicle. It is also possible to physically detect a GPS tracker in known locations, such as in the OBD port, under the backseat or underneath the car.

What does a tracking device look like on a car? ›

A vehicle tracking device will look like a small box, about 3-4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and about an inch thick.

Can the police put a GPS tracker on your car? ›

One can only install a GPS device with a warrant issued by a magistrate. It is an offense to install, hide or place an electronic tracking device on a motor vehicle without the permission of its owner.

How to find out if you have a tracking device in your body? ›

The best way to check for an implant would be to have an X-ray performed. RFID transponders have metal antennas that would show up in an X-ray. You could also look for a scar on the skin. Because the needle used to inject the transponder under the skin would be quite large, it would leave a small but noticeable scar.

How do I find out if my car has a tracker from a dealership? ›

First, check with the salesperson or manager who sold you the car. They may be able to tell you if a tracker was installed during the sale. If not, they should be able to give you the contact information for the person who installed any tracking devices on the car. Next, take a look around the exterior of your car.

How do you tell if your car is bugged? ›

How to Tell If Your Car Is Bugged
  1. Signs Your Car Might Be Bugged. ...
  2. Checking for Bugs and Trackers. ...
  3. Strange Noises and Buzzing Sounds. ...
  4. Inspecting the Interior and Exterior of Your Car. ...
  5. Looking for Wires. ...
  6. Looking for Out of Place Everyday Items. ...
  7. Checking Under the Hood and Behind Your Radio. ...
  8. Checking the Data Port.

References

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