The UT Police Department has received numerous calls from members of the Volunteer community about concerns that they’re being tracked on their phones by unknown devices.

Receiving such a notification can be disconcerting and is not something to be entirely disregarded. However, there are certain viable explanations for this occurrence that are not related to stalking or human trafficking.

Recently, Apple sent out an update to Air Pods that is causing some iPhone users to receive phone alerts indicating that an “unknown device” is tracking their location. Incidents like this are being shared on major social media platforms and social media users are encouraging followers to report to police when they receive notifications these notifications.

Before a report is made to police with concerns of stalking or human trafficking, consider these questions:

• Do you own Apple Air Pods, Air Tags or other Apple devices? If so, check to see if your personal device is causing the notification.
• Do you live with or in close proximity to someone who has Air Pods or an Air Tag? If so, check with other residents living nearby.

If you’ve done the above and none of questions apply, consider the following:

• Turn off all location settings to prevent tracking
• Find a safe location and from there report to police

For more information, visit the Apple website to read a February 2022 statement related to these tracking alerts.

As always, the welfare and safety of the Volunteer community is our primary concern. If you are a victim of a crime on campus, please call the UT Police Department at 865-974-3114.

As a reminder, the university provides numerous resources for the personal safety of our campus community members. Download the LiveSafe app to access these campus services and resources.