How to Quickly Go Offline and Reduce Tracking from Systems Like Leonardo SignalTrace
Leonardo's SignalTrace is a surveillance tool that combines license plate readers with sensors to capture Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other signals from your phone, smartwatch, car, wireless earbuds, and more. It builds a unique "electronic fingerprint" to track you even without a visible plate.
To quickly minimize your digital footprint while driving or in sensitive situations, create a simple Offline shortcut.
On iPhone (Shortcuts app)
Step 1. Open Shortcuts → {+}.
Step 2. Create a new shortcut named "Offline Mode".
Step 3. Add these actions:
- Turn Airplane Mode On
- Turn Bluetooth Off
- Turn Wi-Fi Off
- Lock the screen
Step 4. Add the shortcut to your home screen as a widget for one-tap activation.
Step 5. Create an Online Mode shortcut to reverse it:
- Turn Airplane Mode Off
- Turn Bluetooth On
- Turn Wi-Fi On
- (Optional) Connect to your VPN
This is also a great idea for nighttime (when sleeping) or simply to cut off your phone and internet completely for a break.
On Android
Use Tasker or MacroDroid for similar profiles (manual or speed-based trigger).
Smartwatch, Wireless Earbuds & Wearables
- Apple Watch: Controlled via the iPhone shortcut.
- Wear OS / Galaxy Watch: Use quick settings or Tasker.
- Wireless earbuds (AirPods, Galaxy Buds, etc.): They are particularly leaky because they constantly emit Bluetooth signals. The same Offline shortcut will usually disconnect them, but for maximum effect, remove them entirely during sensitive moments.
Best Long-Term Solutions for Wearables
- Get rid of always-connected Bluetooth devices when possible.
- Use wired earbuds or RF/WiFi/BT-free options (passive wired only).
- Otherwise, put them in a Faraday bag or turn them completely off / into airplane mode the same way you do with your phone.
Not 100% invisible, but a strong practical defense.
Additional Physical Protection: Faraday Bags
For an extra layer of defense against signal-capturing tools like Leonardo's SignalTrace, consider using a Faraday bag. These portable signal-blocking pouches create a Faraday cage effect that prevents your devices from emitting or receiving Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, GPS, and other RF signals.
Recommended quality brands: Mission Darkness, GoDark, and SLNT (formerly Silent Pocket). These are frequently praised in independent tests and reviews for their reliable performance, often meeting military-grade or IEEE shielding standards.
Important disclosure: Many Faraday bags on the market, especially lower-cost options, do not perform perfectly despite aggressive marketing claims.