Can I use an AirTag in my RFID wallet to outsmart thieves?

While Apple AirTags can be a useful tool in combatting car theft, it is important to be aware of their limitations. One major drawback is that thieves who also own iPhones can easily detect an AirTag hidden in stolen vehicles, making it challenging to conceal them effectively.

We were intrigued by Brian's inquiry about finding alternative methods to make Apple AirTags undetectable to car thieves or outsmarting them twice.

Can a thief locate an AirTag that is placed in an RFID wallet and concealed in a car? Although the AirTag will function in the wallet, will it be imperceptible to the thief? - Brian, LaSalle, Illinois

Using an RFID wallet may leave you vulnerable to being outsmarted.

Why RFID wallets might not outsmart car thieves?

RFID readers use radio waves to scan and read data from credit cards in wallets, but RFID wallets and bags block these radio waves to protect items or devices.

Even if an Apple AirTag is placed in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag, it can still be detected by a thief with an iPhone or locator. Unlike credit cards and other data, which are scanned using radio waves, AirTags use Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. These technologies cannot be shielded by RFID-blocking materials because they do not block Bluetooth and UWB signals.

What can block AirTag technology?

While Faraday bags use electromagnetic shielding to block Apple AirTag signals, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, from being detected by thieves, putting an AirTag in a Faraday bag to hide in your car may not be effective if the thief cannot read or locate the signal it emits.

The Apple AirTag may be undetected when in a Faraday bag, and you won't be able to use FindMy or any other tracking methods to locate it because those methods require signals pinged from the AirTag to other iPhones and Apple devices to track location.

Alternatives to AirTags for car security

While Apple AirTags have their advantages, it's worth considering other options for improving car security. For instance, GPS trackers offer real-time location data without the risk of detection by nearby iPhones. Moreover, physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks and alarm systems can be effective safeguards. A multi-layered approach to security can better protect your vehicle against theft. Learn how to prevent your car from being stolen.

Kurt’s key takeaways

While Apple AirTags can be useful for tracking your vehicle, they do not replace the reliability of a GPS system installed in your vehicle if you are trying to outsmart car thieves. Car thieves may be able to locate an Apple AirTag hidden in your vehicle, making it less effective in providing the layer of protection you hope for. RFID wallets will not block signals from an Apple AirTag, making them detectable to locators and scanners. However, Faraday bags will block signals from an Apple AirTag, making them undetectable. Unfortunately, using a Faraday bag will also prevent you from tracking the Apple AirTags, which may outsmart you in trying to outsmart car thieves. Therefore, the Apple AirTags may not be the optimal solution for outsmarting car thieves.

Can you share your personal experiences with technology aiding in theft prevention? Please write to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

To receive my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.