Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for testing of tracking tags. Tracking tags may include circuitry configured to operate in a normal operating mode for sending first beacon signals to enable the tracking of objects, and to operate in a testing mode for sending second beacon signals to enable testing of the tracking tag. A testing system may include a reader including an antenna configured to receive one or more beacon signals. The example system may also include one or more computing devices having one or more processors and being in communication with the reader. The one or more computing devices may also be configured to induce a tracking tag to generate the one or more beacon signals in a testing mode, the one or more beacon signals including an encrypted or unencrypted payload. The system may use the payload to determine whether to mark the tracking tag to be discarded.