The quickest way to find a GPS unit in your car is to first check your infotainment system screen for a "Navigation" or "Map" app, as this is the most common location for factory-installed GPS. If your car doesn't have built-in navigation, the GPS could be a standalone device mounted on the windshield or dashboard, or more covertly, it might be a small, battery-powered tracking device hidden for security or monitoring purposes.
For factory navigation, power on your car's central screen and look for a button or icon labeled "Nav," "Maps," or something similar. The system might require the vehicle to be in "Park" for safety to access all features. If you're searching for a portable device like a Garmin or TomTom, check the obvious spots: suction-cupped to the windshield, stuck to the dashboard, or possibly tucked away in the glove compartment.
If you suspect a hidden tracking device, a thorough physical inspection is needed. These are often magnetically attached and can be found in obscure locations. Use a flashlight to check:
- Exterior: Under the vehicle, inside the wheel wells, and around the bumpers.
- Interior: Under the seats, inside the glove box and center console, beneath the dashboards, and in the trunk or cargo area, including the spare tire well.
For modern cars, remember that your smartphone is often the primary GPS. When connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, your phone's navigation apps (like Google Maps or Waze) are displayed directly on the car's screen, making the car's system a display for your phone's GPS.
| Method | Common Locations | Key Characteristics |
|---|
| Factory Navigation | Integrated into the infotainment touchscreen. | Controlled via screen touch or a center console rotary knob. |
| Portable GPS Device | Windshield, dashboard, glove compartment. | Has its own screen, often with a suction cup mount. |
| Hidden Tracking Device | Under seats, inside bumpers, attached to chassis. | Small, black box (often magnetic), may have a blinking light. |
| Smartphone (CarPlay/AA) | Connected via USB or wirelessly; apps on car screen. | The car acts as a display; the phone does the processing. |
