A method for locating an object hidden beneath a surface using a locating device is disclosed. At least one coupling signal dependent on the object is received by a receiving means of the locating device. Once the locating device has been placed on the surface, a first value Ci of the coupling signal is detected and the first value Ci is defined as value CBG for a background subtraction. In particular, whilst the locating device and the surface are moved relative to one another, at least one further value C of the coupling signal is detected and the value CBG for the background subtraction is re-calibrated by the at least one further value C if the at least one further value C is lower than the value CBG for the background subtraction. The re-calibration is suspended if a valid value CBG is identified for the background subtraction.