How To Remove Target Security Tags Without Ruining Your Clothes

Skip to content Some Michael Saves articles contain affiliate links, which help support my work as an independent content creator.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you bought something at Target and left the store with the red security tag still on your item.

This happened to me the other day.

How to Safely Remote Target Security Tags

I bought a $24 hoodie and went through the self-checkout line. I didn’t even think to look for a security tag, but I found the tag after I got home.

I wanted to save a trip back to the store, so I researched a few ways to safely remove Target security tags.

Here’s what worked for me: I pulled the clothing to one side of the security tag to create a gap and stuck a large flathead screwdriver inside.

Then, I turned the flathead screwdriver a couple of times until I was able to pop open the security tag.

There is a pin inside the security tag, so you want to be careful when you pull the tag apart to avoid having the pin come into contact with your hands.

Lesson learned: Always check for the red security tags before leaving Target, especially at self-checkout!

Have you downloaded the Fetch Rewards app? Earn free gift cards by uploading your receipts from Target and other retailers. Sign up with my linkto earn a welcome bonus!

1 thought on “How to Remove Target Security Tags Without Ruining Your Clothes”

1. Thank you so much! I raced to Target to get a dress for my daughter to wear to a school event and didn’t have time to go back. You saved me!

   Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Comment

Name Email Website

Δ

Michael Timmermann

Personal finance writer and founder of MichaelSaves.com

My passion is helping people save money and that’s what I’ve been doing professionally for more than a decade.

I began writing about money back in 2010. Prior to going full-time with Michael Saves, I was the Director of Content and Senior Writer for Clark.com. I also produced TV segments for Clark Howard earlier in my career while working for CNN's sister network, HLN. My money tips have been featured on major websites like NBCNews.com and CNN.com.

Whether you want to cut the cable TV cord, find a cheap cell phone plan or explore affordable internet options, you’ll find plenty of ways to lower your monthly bills on my website.

MichaelSaves.com and my YouTube channel provide reviews that you can actually trust. When I test a product or service, I purchase it with my own money and thoroughly test it out before publishing a review. My goal is to lay out the pros and cons in a simple way to help you make an informed decision before buying. Learn more about me and my review process here.

To receive updates when I post new content, subscribe to my free weekly newsletter! You can also follow Michael Saves on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

NEW AND UPDATED:

• December 2025 Deal Alerts: Streaming TV, Phone & Internet
• The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Live TV in 2025
• Is Mint Mobile 5G Home Internet Worth It? 7 Things to Know
• Fubo Review: 7 Things to Know Before You Sign Up
• How I Got a Year of Walmart+ Basically Free

THE MICHAEL SAVES DIFFERENCE

The purpose of Michael Saves is to share my experience with products and services that I use or have used in the past. To support this work, some articles contain affiliate links. For example, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. With these affiliate links, I may receive compensation when visitors use the links and make a purchase. Read my Ad Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

© Michael Saves Media, LLC 2025 | Privacy Policy & Ad Disclosure

Search for: