Stalkerware attacks jumped 29% last year. Here’s the phone checkup everyone needs to do right now.

I get calls on my national radio show every week from folks who think they’re being stalked. Sometimes they see signs that aren’t there. Other times, it’s clear something’s going on.

It’s getting worse. There’s been a 29% jump in stalkerware attacks. Almost 10% of Americans have been tracked by a hidden GPS device like an AirTag. GPS tracker use in stalking cases surged 317% in five years.

The good news? You have me. Grab your phone. I’ve tested these steps, but your screen might look slightly different, depending on the phone and operating system. No biggie. Poke around a little. You’ll find it.

🍏 Start here, Apple folks

1. Check who can see your location. This is the list of every person following your every move, 24/7. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Share My Location. Removing someone will notify them. Screenshot the list first if you need evidence.
2. Check who’s signed into your Apple Account. Anyone logged in can see your iMessages, photos, location, everything. Go to Settings > [your name], scroll to your devices. Tap anything you don’t recognize, hit Remove from Account.

While there, check for unfamiliar Face ID appearances or Touch ID fingerprints. Someone with access to your phone could have enrolled their face to unlock it anytime.

🤖 On to you, Android crew

Your Google account is the master key. Anyone logged in sees your Maps history, location and searches.

• In your Google account, go to Security & sign-in > Your devices > Manage all devices. Click anything you don’t recognize and hit Sign out. Then change your password immediately.

🗺️ Two more checks for all

1. Google Maps location sharing. Easy to turn on, easy to forget about. Open Maps, tap your profile pic (top right), then Location sharing. If someone shouldn’t be there, tap their icon, press Stop, then hit the three dots and Remove from list.
2. Check for hidden trackers. A $29 AirTag in your bag or taped under your car is all it takes.

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications and make sure Allow Notifications is toggled on. Your iPhone will alert you if an unknown AirTag is moving with you.
• Android: Check Settings > Safety & Emergency > Unknown Tracker Alerts. You can also download Apple’s free Tracker Detect app.

Physically check your car, bags and pockets. Stalkers tape AirTags under seats, inside purse linings, even in clothing. Find one? Remove the battery (twist counterclockwise), screenshot the serial number and call police. They can trace it back to the owner.

❤️ Important: If you’re in danger, removing a tracker could alert the person watching. Have a safety plan first. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, 24/7.

Here’s what I need you to do right now. Think about the women in your life. Your daughter. Your sister. Your best friend. That coworker who joked about her ex “always knowing” where she is. This article might be the nudge they need to check their phone. Hit one of those share buttons below. Facebook, X, LinkedIn, email. It takes two seconds. You don’t need to write a message. You don’t need to explain. Just send the link. That’s it. That might be the most important forward you make all year.

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