How to Block Vehicle GPS Tracking

Download Article
Download Article

A vehicle’s GPS tracker can be incredibly helpful for navigation, but how can you block it if you suspect someone is using it to track you? GPS tracker blockers are often expensive and illegal to use, but there are other methods to disable GPS signals for your privacy. We’ve put together a thorough list of ways to block, disable, and find your vehicle’s GPS trackers. If you’re ready to cruise in privacy, read on.

Best Ways to Block a Gps Tracker

  • Plug a GPS blocker into your car's cigarette lighter or power outlet.
  • Wrap your vehicle's GPS device in aluminum foil or a metal box whenever you want to hide your location.
  • Find the GPS tracker and remove the batteries to stop the signal from transmitting.
1

Use a plug-in GPS blocker.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Simply plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter or auxiliary power outlet. When you turn the car on, the blocking device also turns on and your vehicle disappears from GPS monitors. To deactivate it, turn your car off or remove the device. [1]
    • Double check the description before purchasing to determine if the blocker has a wide enough range to suit your needs.
    • Generally, more expensive trackers block signals within a wider radius than cheaper ones.
    • Keep in mind that it’s not illegal to own a GPS blocker, but it is illegal to use one in most cases since they can interfere with emergency communications.
    2. Advertisement
2

Carry a handheld GPS blocker.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Instead of plugging it into your vehicle, manually activate the device with a button or switch. Remember to turn off or deactivate the device when you stop driving (or else you’ll continue to scramble GPS and cell signals around you). [2]
    • Operating a GPS blocker is illegal in the majority of cases since it can jam or scramble emergency communications. Keep this in mind if you’re considering purchasing one.
3

Wrap the GPS device in aluminum foil.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The simplest, cheapest, and easiest option is to simply wrap the GPS device in aluminum foil whenever you want your location to remain hidden. The only catch is that you have to know where the tracker is and have access to it. [3]
    • A metal box can also effectively block your vehicle’s GPS tracker, assuming it can be easily removed and put into a box.
    • If you suspect there’s a hidden GPS device in your car, search the underbody, under the hood, in data ports, and under the seats or carpet to find, remove, and wrap it.
    2. Advertisement
4

Remove the GPS tracker’s battery.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    First, locate the GPS tracker. If it’s connected to your vehicle by a magnet or a data connector plug, just tug the device free and remove the battery to stop the signal. Afterward, dispose of the battery and GPS device to ensure it doesn’t continue to transmit your location.
    • If the GPS tracker is hardwired to your vehicle, it’s best to have a professional mechanic remove it to avoid causing electrical problems to your car.
5

Disable location tracking on your cell phone.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The easiest way to mask your location is to turn on “Airplane Mode” (this turns off the cell and WiFi radios). Then, turn off your location services, reporting, or history in your phone’s settings app to turn off the GPS tracking.
    • On some phones, Airplane Mode will also turn off the GPS radio.
    • Turn the phone off and remove the battery to ensure you can’t be tracked. The downside is that you won’t be able to use your phone at all while it’s off.
    • Some sources suggest using a cell phone jammer to block GPS signals. While this does work, it is illegal to operate a jammer in the United States. [4]
    2. Advertisement
6

Search the exterior of your vehicle.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Search for suspicious looking boxes , probably with antennas. Use a flashlight to look in hard-to-reach areas like the undercarriage or in the wheel wells. Here are some of the most likely places to find a tracker: [5]
    • The undercarriage, particularly on or near the fuel tank.
    • Inside the wheel wells.
    • Underneath the front or rear bumpers.
    • On the roof (if you have a tall SUV or truck).
    • Inside the sunroof’s retraction slot.
    • Under the hood (most likely behind the radiator, by the batteries, in the air ducts, or in the air filter).
7

Examine the interior of your vehicle.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is probably only the case if you suspect that someone you know (who has access to your car) planted a device, like a spouse or an ex. Search these common places where they might hide one: [6]
    • In the diagnostic port (usually to the bottom left of the steering wheel).
    • Under the seats (or even inside the upholstery).
    • Underneath floor mats.
    • Underneath the carpet.
    • In the trunk or hatchback.
    • Plugged into the data collector (usually on the underside of the steering wheel).
    2. Advertisement
8

Find the GPS device with a handheld locator.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Block-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use one of these if you can’t visually find the GPS device inside or outside your vehicle. Stand within 5 metres (16 ft) of your vehicle and do a full scan. If a GPS signal is detected, the locator will beep and flash.
    • Scan your vehicle multiple times since not all GPS systems transmit a constant signal.
    • Handheld GPS locators can be found online and are sometimes called electric sweepers.
    • Locating devices will find an active or real time GPS tracker, but can’t find a passive or logger tracker.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Warnings

      • In the US, it’s illegal to block or tamper with GPS devices that have been put in vehicles for law enforcement purposes. If you discover a GPS device and aren’t sure what its legal status is, ask your local law enforcement.
        Thanks
      • GPS blocking or scrambling is often a violation of federal law if it interferes with authorized radio communications. [7]
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If the GPS device is attached by a magnet or a plug, you can remove it yourself. If it’s hardwired into your car’s electrical system, it should be removed by a professional. [8]
        Thanks
      • These GPS blocking tips work for real time trackers that constantly transmit a signal. They will not do anything to a logger tracker, which stores location information and has to be physically hooked up to a computer to show the information.
        Thanks
      • If you suspect there is a GPS tracker in your vehicle and you can’t find it, consult a professional mechanic or GPS installer.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Fix the Car and Lock Light on Your Dashboard
      How to Find a Hidden GPS Tracker on a Car: Detection & Removal
      How to Diagnose and Fix a Cylinder 3 Misfire (P0303)
      How to Use a Car Jack & Where to Put It
      How to
      Find Your Car
      How to Check If Your Car is Bugged: What to Watch Out For and What to Do
      How to
      Get out of a Car Without Getting Shocked by Static Electricity
      How to
      Lock Your Car and Why
      How to
      Drive a Car Safely
      How to
      Handle Tailgaters on the Road
      How to
      Drive Safely in Heavy Traffic
      How to
      Drive a New Car
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://bikehike.org/how-to-stop-a-gps-signal/#How_do_you_disable_a_GPS_tracker_on_a_car/
      2. ↑ https://bikehike.org/how-to-stop-a-gps-signal/#How_do_you_disable_a_GPS_tracker_on_a_car/
      3. ↑ https://bikehike.org/how-to-stop-a-gps-signal/#Does_aluminum_foil_block_GPS_signal
      4. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/general/jammer-enforcement
      5. ↑ https://www.wired.com/2011/05/check-your-car-for-a-gps-tracker/
      6. ↑ ​​ https://www.wired.com/2011/05/check-your-car-for-a-gps-tracker/
      7. ↑ https://www.gps.gov/spectrum/jamming/
      8. ↑ https://gpstrackerreviews.net/how-to-remove-tracker-from-car/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 201,889 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement