Did you know – removing your phone's battery is the only sure way to prevent it from being tracked

If you ever envisioned your life as that of an outlaw on the run from government sentinels, putting your smartphone in 'Airplane mode' to prevent it from being tracked will be the first and last mistake you'll make in your short-lived career. Listen to the following advice from a seasoned criminal sought by nine law enforcement agencies across several global regions – all that's accomplished by tapping that jolly airplane toggle is pulling the switch on Wi-Fi and cellular service. You thought that's enough? Nonsense!

Did it occur to you that your handy has not one, but two operating systems running at all times? Android, iOS, Windows, or whatever else you're stuck with is the mediator between you and thе little location-giving computer in your pocket. Working behind the stage is the modem's firmware, which tells it what cellular networks to connect to so your device can pull off the important, but often overlooked part of being... a phone. Airplane mode doesn't turn the firmware off, so your phone still gets to connect with cellular networks and snitch behind your back.

No big deal, then – just throw away the SIM card, or power the darn thing off until you cover up, right? Wrong, and wrong again! Getting rid of the SIM card won't do any good, because Stingray phone trackers and fake cell towers will prey on your device's identifiers in no time, exposing your general location to the authorities.