Yes, there are many apps that can detect if a GPS tracker has been installed on your cell phone. If you have an Android phone you can download Certo Mobile Security for free from the Play Store and quickly scan your phone for GPS tracking apps and other malware.
Pretty much any bug detector can locate an Active GPS Tracker, under the right conditions. Immediately you can rule out being able to detect Passive Trackers with this technique.
The quick answer is that any sufficiently solid substance may easily block a GPS signal. The GPS signals can be scrambled by aluminum paper, concrete, or any wooden cover. GPS signals can pass through plastics and fiberglass, which is why GPS devices can maintain signal strength even while disguised within a car.
Placing the tracker on the undercarriage is the best place to hide if you've purchased a magnetic GPS tracker. It easily gets attached to the undercarriage or nearby areas, which are metallic. However, make sure to safeguard the tracker against water, dirt, or extreme conditions with a protective case.
For instance, wrapping things like aluminum foil around the GPS receiver creates a Faraday Shield, which blocks the GPS signals. Similarly, wet trees and plastic or tin containers filled with thick materials can also scramble these signals. These signals will help you protect your GPS data.
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.
A person may not knowingly install a tracking device or tracking application on another person's property without the other person's consent.
A car tracker allows the lender to recovery the vehicle easily. However, if a customer does remove the GPS tracking unit, a tamper alert will be sent. This means it's been removed from the vehicle. Since it does have a backup battery, the device will continue to track.
To ensure that your iPhone or iPad can alert you to any unwanted tracking devices, you'll need to make sure you are running iOS 14.5 or later and make sure the following settings are in place: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, and turn Location Services on.
This is dependent on the type of tracker you use. Most, if not all trackers operate by using the car's battery/electrical system to power it. So for some models of car trackers, they will not track the location of the vehicle if it is off.
For some wired GPS trackers, as long as they are well maintained and installed, the locator can be used continuously. If you want to use them for 5-6 years, this is no problem. Some of the more advanced manufacturers may try to use better, more durable chips, such as power protection.
Tracking devices look different depending on their manufacturer and purpose, but some general guidelines can help you locate one on your vehicle. It will typically look like a small box with a magnetic side. It may or may not have an antenna or a light on it.
If you want to know if your Android phone is being tracked, look for performance issues such as a rapidly depleting battery or an unusually hot phone. Here's how to check for performance issues that could indicate your phone being tracked: Open Settings > Battery and device care. Tap Battery > View details.
If a hacker installs spyware on your phone then there is a good chance they will be able to access your camera and turn it on/off as they please.
Android users can scan for nearby AirTags (and AirPods) if they download the Tracker Detect app in the Google Play store. Similarly, Tile has a feature in its iOS and Android apps called “Scan & Secure” that will help locate any nearby trackers that are moving with you.
The answer is yes, it's possible to track mobile phones even if location services are turned off. Turning off the location service on your phone can help conceal your location. This is important if you don't want third parties knowing where you are or being able to track your movement.
Remove the wires and device
You need to disconnect the antennas at the receiver and pull the GPS antenna. Bring the car back to its best form. Now that you have successfully removed the device from the vehicle, you need to reconnect all the ignition wires and put back the components in their original place.