How To Remove GPS Tracker From Any Car Safely

If a GPS tracker is installed on your car without your consent, the safest way to deal with it is to identify the device, understand how it’s powered, and remove it without interfering with the vehicle’s electrical system.

Finding and removing a GPS tracker from your car follows a clear process when done step by step.

But however, there are a few important things you must know BEFORE doing it. Because there could be serious financial, mechanical, and even legal implications of removing the GPS tracking device.

In this article, I’ll show you how to remove a GPS tracker from your car easily WITHOUT ruining the electrical system. Plus, you'll also learn when it’s better to stop and get professional help, along with the legal considerations that matter before taking action.

Ready to regain your peace, and finally stop worrying about what creep might be tracking your vehicle? I’ll show you how to do that step by step.

Before You Start: Important Safety and Legal Notes

Removing a tracker from your car is not always risk-free. Some tracking devices connect directly to the car’s electrical system, and improper removal can cause battery drain, blown fuses, or damage to onboard electronics. 

In certain situations such as fleet tracking or company-owned vehicles. GPS removal may also be legal to track a vehicle, which affects whether removal is allowed. If the car is not exclusively yours, or if you are unsure how the tracker connects to the car’s power, seeking professional help is the safest option.

Types of Vehicle GPS Trackers You Might Find on a Car

Most hidden vehicle GPS trackers fall into three categories; magnetic, OBD-II, or hardwired. Identifying the type first matters because each one connects to the car differently and requires a different removal approach.

The location of a hidden GPS tracker depends heavily on the type of tracker installed. Different power sources influence where they are usually placed on a vehicle.

1. Magnetic (Portable) GPS Trackers

Magnetic trackers are portable GPS trackers with an internal rechargeable battery. They do not connect to the car’s electrical system. Instead, they attach to a metal surface using a strong magnet or placed in a hidden space of your car and transmit location data independently.

What this means for removal:

• These are usually the easiest to remove
• Once detached from the vehicle, tracking stops immediately

2. OBD-II GPS Trackers

OBD-II trackers plug directly into the car’s diagnostic port, usually located under the dashboard near the steering wheel. And OBD-II GPS trackers draw continuous power from the car’s electrical system, allowing them to track location whenever the vehicle is in use.

What this means for removal:

• They stop working as soon as they are unplugged
• No cutting or tools are required

3. Hardwired GPS Trackers

Hardwired GPS trackers are connected directly to the car’s electrical system. They are often hidden behind interior panels, near the fuse box, or inside the engine compartment. Because they draw power from the car

What this means for removal:

• Removal requires caution to avoid damaging the electrical system
• Cutting the wrong wire can damage the electrical system
• Improper removal can cause battery drain or electrical issues
• Professional assistance is often the safest option

The next step is inspecting the most common hiding spots on a car with our first in category, finding the portable GPS tracker.

Step 1: Inspect the Magnetic or Portable GPS Tracker on a Vehicle

Magnetic and portable GPS trackers are usually placed where they are easy to attach, difficult to notice, and exposed enough to transmit location data reliably. 

Kickstart your search by focusing on the exterior and interior of your car then move inside once those areas are clear.

Common Exterior Hiding Spots In A Car

I usually start outside the car, because these places are easier to access, replace or recharge the device without getting access to your car.

• Wheel wells, where trackers blend in with suspension and brake components
• Undercarriage near the frame, often attached to flat metal surfaces
• Inside or behind bumpers, hidden from casual view but open to the sky
• Under the car on a metal surface, secured with a strong magnet
• Near exhaust heat shields or crossmembers, where dirt and road grime help disguise devices

These locations help the tracker stay concealed while maintaining a stable signal. Use a flashlight when you are going to check seams, brackets, and recessed areas. 

Next, look around the inside of your car. Because cheating spouses or overly curious individuals might hide GPS devices in less obvious places.

Common interior hiding spots

If nothing shows up underneath, I move inside and check the areas where a small device can be tucked away without drawing attention.

• Under seats, especially near rails or wiring paths
• Inside storage compartments, including center consoles or side pockets
• Behind trim panels, where devices can be tucked out of sight
• Beneath floor mats, close to the vehicle’s body structure

Interior placement is less common for magnetic trackers, but it does happen. When inspecting, move slowly and look for small boxes or puck-shaped devices that do not belong to the vehicle.

Did you find anything? If a portable tracker hasn’t turned up, the next place to check is the OBD-II port.

Struggling to spot hiding spots or want a deeper look at where trackers are usually concealed?
👉 Read: Where to Hide a GPS Tracker in a Car, this article shows all the common and clever places people use.

Step 2: Inspect the OBD-II Port for Vehicle Trackers

OBD-II GPS trackers plug directly into the vehicle’s OBD-II port. And because they’re quick to install, this port is one of the most common places I see trackers in the cars.

On most cars, the OBD-II port sits under the dashboard near the steering wheel or driver’s door. The exact spot can change depending on the model, so if you’re not sure, check your vehicle’s user manual, it’ll point you straight to it.

Once you’ve found the port, slow down and take a close look. These trackers are meant to blend in, so rushing through this step makes them easy to miss.

• Confirm what belongs there. If you didn’t plug a device into the OBD-II port yourself, don’t assume it’s factory-installed.
• Use a flashlight and look around the port. I always check behind and above it as well. Some devices are tucked slightly out of sight or pushed back behind trim.
• Watch for small, unfamiliar devices. Many OBD GPS trackers look like thumb drives, compact black modules, or small data connectors and almost identical to diagnostic tools.
• Check for an OBD splitter. I’ve seen trackers hidden behind splitters that allow another device to use the port at the same time. If there’s more than one connector involved, look closely.

If you do find a tracker, removal is usually simple. If you need help locating the OBD port on your vehicle, please check out this link: Where is My OBD2 Port? 

Note: If you are unsure what should or should not be connected, check your user manual to confirm what factory-installed components look like.

Step 3: Check the Car’s Electrical System Carefully

If nothing has turned up so far, the tracker may be hardwired into the car’s electrical system. This is the most sensitive step in the process, so take your time here.

Hardwired GPS trackers draw power by connecting to ignition wires, fuse boxes, or constant power lines. When handled incorrectly, they can cause electrical issues or ongoing battery drain. So this isn’t the place to rush or guess.

Before you start looking, put on safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any potential sparks or battery acid and then do basic things first:

• Turn off the ignition completely
• Disconnect the car battery, starting with the negative terminal
• And give the system a few minutes to power down

This keeps you and your car safe while you inspect.

What I Look for When Checking the Electrical System

Most factory wiring is tucked away neatly. Trackers usually stand out because something looks slightly off. Common signs include:

• Loose or unfamiliar wires that don’t match the factory layout
• Electrical tape in places not shown in the vehicle’s user manual
• Unexplained battery drain, especially if it started recently
• Changes to the wiring setup, compared to diagrams in the owner’s manual

You should also check behind interior panels, under the dashboard, and near the fuse box. Hardwired trackers are often hidden where they’re easy to tap into power but hard to see at a glance.

A flashlight helps here. Wire cutters should stay in your pocket until you’re absolutely sure what you’re looking at, and cutting the wrong wire can turn this into an expensive afternoon.

Quick reality check: Car manufacturers don’t use mystery wires. If something looks added, it probably was.

A Note on Color Codes and Manuals

Wire colors vary by manufacturer. Red isn’t always power, and black isn’t always ground. Your vehicle’s user manual or wiring diagram is the safest reference before touching anything.

If a wire doesn’t match what the manual shows, stop and double-check.

Here is a helpful video on how to identify car battery's terminals

When to Stop and Call a Professional

If you’re unsure which wires belong to the tracker or if anything feels unclear, pause right there. Avoid damaging the car by bringing it to a professional mechanic or auto electrician. Paying for help now is cheaper than fixing electrical damage later.

Once you’re confident you’ve identified the tracker and how it’s connected, the next step is removing it safely.

Step 4: Safely Remove the Tracker Based on Its Type

Once you’ve found the tracker and understand how it’s getting power, removal comes down to staying calm and not forcing anything. Each type comes out a little differently.

Removing Magnetic or Portable GPS Trackers

Magnetic and portable GPS trackers are usually the easiest to deal with because they don’t connect to the car’s electrical system.

• Locate the device, often attached to a metal surface underneath the vehicle, inside a wheel well, or behind a bumper.
• Detach the magnet and remove the tracker. A steady pull is usually all it takes.
• Check the surrounding area. If someone placed one tracker, it’s worth scanning nearby spots to confirm there aren’t others hiding close by.

Once removed, these trackers stop working immediately unless they’re reattached or powered back on.

Removing OBD-II Trackers

OBD-II trackers are usually the simplest to remove.

• Locate the OBD-II port under the dashboard near the steering wheel or driver’s side.
• Confirm the device doesn’t belong. If you didn’t plug it in yourself, it shouldn’t be there.
• Grip the device firmly and pull it straight out. Pull the device straight out of the port without twisting. Twisting can damage the connector pins, and that’s a headache you don’t need.
• Take a quick look at the port to make sure no pins are damaged before moving on.
• Confirm power loss. Unplugging the tracker cuts off the car’s power supply. Some models have a small backup battery that may send a final alert, but they can’t continue to track your vehicle without being connected to the vehicle.

If it didn’t fight you coming out, you’re doing it right. Once unplugged, the tracker loses access to the car’s power. 

Removing Hardwired GPS Trackers

Hardwired trackers require the most care because they’re tied directly into the car’s electrical system. Start slowly and don’t cut anything until you’re certain.

• Identify the tracker and follow its wires carefully. Most hardwired devices are connected near the fuse box, behind the dashboard, or inside interior panels.
• Confirm which wires belong only to the tracker. Factory wiring follows clean, organized paths. Added devices usually stand out once you trace them.
• Cut only the tracker’s wires. Never cut factory wiring. When in doubt, stop and double-check.
• Secure exposed wire ends with electrical tape to prevent shorts or electrical issues.

After removing any tracker, take a moment to recheck the area and make sure everything looks and works as it did before. Then start the engine, check lights, indicators, radio, and dashboard warnings If the car starts and drives normally, you’re in good shape.

If anything behaves oddly, don’t keep driving. Electrical problems are easier to fix early than after something fails completely.

Note: If this step feels uncomfortable at any point, that’s your cue to call a professional. Paying for help beats paying for repairs.

Using a GPS Tracking Detector to Find Hidden Devices

A GPS tracking detector can make the search easier, especially when a tracker is well hidden or tough to spot visually. These devices scan for radio frequency signals commonly used by GPS tracking devices and alert you when something nearby is transmitting.

They’re helpful tools but I treat them as a support step, not a shortcut. A detector points you in the right direction but your eyes finish the job.

How to Scan a Car Using a GPS Tracker Detector

Before you even turn the detector on, set up the environment properly. This part is more important than most people think.

• Shut down nearby electronics first. Turn off your phone, radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the car’s infotainment system. Electronic noise can trigger false alerts and make the scan unreliable. If possible, scan in a quiet area away from other vehicles.
  
• Get familiar with the detector. Every model behaves a little differently. I usually skim the user manual and test the detector near a known GPS device so I know exactly how it alerts. (Yeah, this is one of the rare times reading the manual actually saves time.)
• Start with the exterior. Walk slowly around the car and focus on wheel wells, the undercarriage, bumpers, and tight gaps. Change your distance and angle as you move, a small adjustment can make a big difference.
• Move inside once the exterior is clear. Open the doors and scan the interior methodically, working from the dashboard down to the floor. Pay close attention under seats, inside compartments, and around the glove box.
• Follow the alerts carefully. Beeps, vibrations, or signal spikes mean something nearby is transmitting. Slow down and narrow the area until you can pinpoint the source.

GPS tracking detectors are useful, but they are not perfect. Nothing beats the good ole’ eye test! What I mean is you should always do a manual inspection just to be sure the detector got it right. 

Trust the tool but verify with your eyes always!

What to Do After Removing a Tracker

At this point, you’ve done the hard part. The rest is about protecting yourself. Once the tracker is out, take a few simple steps before calling it done. This helps protect you if questions come up later.

• Store the device safely. Place it in a bag or container and keep it somewhere secure.
• Avoid tampering with it. If there’s any chance you may need proof later, leave the device exactly as you found it.
• Document the installation. I recommend taking clear photos of where the tracker was placed and how it was connected before removal.

If the tracker was installed without your knowledge, contacting local authorities may be appropriate, especially when unauthorized tracking is suspected. Having the device and photos on hand makes that process much easier.

Legal Considerations to Keep in Mind

Whether it’s legal to track a vehicle or remove a GPS tracker depends on a few key factors, and this part matters more than most people realize.

The main things that affect legality include:

• Who owns the vehicle
• State laws, which can vary widely across the U.S.
• Why the tracker was installed, such as fleet tracking or business use

For example, removing a tracker from someone else’s car and even if you believe it shouldn’t be there, can create legal issues

On the other hand, a fleet manager may legally track company-owned vehicles used for work.

If anything about the situation feels unclear, pause before taking further action. Checking local regulations or speaking with a legal professional is the safest move when ownership or consent isn’t obvious.

To better understand how GPS tracking laws work across different states, see our detailed guide on GPS tracking laws in the USA →

A few minutes of clarity here can save you a lot of trouble later.

Final Thoughts

Finding and removing a GPS tracker from your car isn’t complicated, but it does require patience and a careful approach. 

Because most hidden GPS trackers follow predictable patterns, and once you understand how they’re powered, locating them becomes much easier. I’ve found that the biggest mistakes happen when people rush or start pulling wires without being sure what they’re looking at. 

Take it step by step, pay attention to what doesn’t belong, and stop if anything feels unclear.

When in doubt, protect the car first. Avoid damaging the electrical system, keep legal boundaries in mind, and don’t hesitate to bring in a professional if the tracker is hardwired or deeply hidden. Doing it right the first time saves time, money, and unnecessary stress.

The goal is simple: regain control of your vehicle and your privacy without creating a new problem along the way.

Author Disclosure

Written by Ryan Horban, GPS tracking specialist with over 15 years of hands-on experience testing vehicle GPS trackers in real-world conditions.

Over the years, I’ve worked directly with car owners, rental fleets, and small businesses to locate, install, and remove GPS tracking devices. That experience includes safely installing and removing GPS trackers without damaging vehicle electrical systems.

My goal is simple: help people recognize unauthorized tracking, protect their vehicles, and take the right next step. Whether that means safe removal, professional help, or understanding the legal boundaries involved.

👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn →

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Detect A GPS Tracking Device On My Car?

You can detect a GPS tracking device on your car by starting with a visual inspection, then focusing on common hiding spots like wheel wells, undercarriages, bumpers, and inside the car under seats or in compartments.

Use a flashlight to help spot unusual devices or wires. You can also use a GPS tracking detector to scan for signals emitted by tracking devices. Turn off all electronic devices to avoid interference. If you find anything suspicious, document it and consider seeking professional help to remove it safely.

Is it legal to remove a GPS tracker from a vehicle?

Legality of removing the GPS tracker depends on who owns the vehicle and how the tracker was installed.

• Removing a tracker from your own car is usually allowed
• Fleet or company vehicles may be legally tracked
• Removing a tracker from someone else’s car can create legal issues

When ownership or consent isn’t clear, checking local laws first can prevent unnecessary trouble.

Should I contact the police if I find a tracker?

Yes, especially when the tracker appears to have been installed without consent, you can take legal actions. Follow the simple step before contacting to police:

• Document where the device was found
• Store the tracker without altering it
• Look for serial numbers or identifying details

Local authorities can advise on next steps, and preserving the device makes that process easier.

Can Anyone Install A GPS Tracker On My Car Without My Knowledge?

No, installing a GPS tracker without your consent is illegal in many jurisdictions. However, some individuals, like ex-partners or business competitors, might unlawfully place trackers on vehicles. Always prioritize your privacy and safety. Regular inspections can help detect any unauthorized devices.

Can removing a GPS tracker damage my car?

Yes, if it’s hardwired and removed incorrectly, it can cause electrical problems.

• Hardwired trackers connect directly to the car’s electrical system
• Cutting the wrong wire can lead to battery drain or electrical faults

If there’s any doubt about how the tracker is connected, professional help is the safest way to avoid damage.

If I Find A Tracker, Should I Inform The Police?

Yes, you should report it. If a GPS tracker was installed without your knowledge or consent, it might be a breach of privacy and a legal matter. Preserve the device as evidence and contact your local authorities for guidance and assistance.

Also, look at the tracker to see if there is a serial number on it. If there is, call the manufacturer of the tracking device and see if they can give you some information on who purchased the device.

Can Hardwired GPS Trackers Damage My Car's Electrical System?

Yes, improper installation or removal can harm your vehicle's electrical system. Always approach these trackers with caution. If unsure about the removal process, consider seeking professional help. Your car's safety and functionality are paramount.