If you’re not already familiar with them, AirTags, introduced by the renowned tech giant Apple in April 2021, have created quite a stir. These Bluetooth-enabled trackers are designed to keep tabs on your personal belongings like wallets, bags, shoes (should you choose), or practically any other precious item.
This raises the question: how far can an AirTag actually track?
We will delve into this topic in the article.
How Does AirTag Work?
Basically, AirTag is able to ping its location to a nearby device using Bluetooth, much like the majority of item trackers can.
And AirTag supports Apple’s Precision Finding, which makes use of ultra-wideband to locate items even more precisely than other item trackers along with Find My Network, making it possible to locate it using other Apple devices on the same network.
Since AirTags are so little, you can easily attach one to your keys, tuck one inside your handbag, conceal one in your wallet, or put one in your travel bag, and presto! You have a personal radar on whatever you select.
Apple has given the gadget Bluetooth for proximity finding, its own U1 chipset for precision finding that uses ultra-wideband, and NFC for interacting with iPhones.
Did You Know Airtags battery last upto a year only and you’ll need to replace them within a year.
Specifications of Apple’s AirTag
Below I’ve made a table of Apple’s AirTag specs if you didn’t already know:
| Specification | Details |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 31.9 mm, Height: 8 mm |
| Weight | 11 grams (with battery) |
| Battery life | Up to one year (replaceable CR2032 battery) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra-Wideband (U1 chip) |
| Compatibility | Requires iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS 14.5 or later |
| Location tracking | Uses Apple’s Find My network to locate lost items |
| Water resistance | IP67 rated (can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes) |
| Precision Finding | Uses Ultra-Wideband technology for more precise tracking |
| Personalization | Can be customized with engraving and a choice of four emoji |
| Privacy | Uses end-to-end encryption and anonymous location tracking |
How far do the AirTags actually track?
Using Bluetooth
You can find the Air Tag with your phone using only the Bluetooth signal for around 100 feet. However, this distance is determined outside, away from any walls or other obstructions that can block the signal.
The range decreases to roughly 80 feet once inside, and it decreases to 50 when a wooden or drywall is added. The range decreases to less than 10 feet once concrete walls are present and eventually disappears entirely if behind a concrete column.
When it comes to precision finding, it makes use of ultra-wideband technology to help devices with the U1 chip locate one another.
This is useful if the Air Tag gadget is hidden, such as behind furniture or behind a pillow. Until you locate the Air Tag, your iPhone will only point you in its direction.
Using Find my network
The Find My app will open a map and locate the Air Tag for older iPhone devices if you choose the directions option. Simply saying, “Siri, find my (wallet, keys, backpack, etc.)” will accomplish this.
The Air Tag leverages any nearby Apple devices linked to the Find My network for distances more than 100 feet. Every nearby device that picks up the Air Tag’s persistent signal will communicate the GPS coordinates of that device to the iCloud.
By using the Locate My app to locate that object on a map, you may find out where it is.
Apple has implemented several features, such as Precision Finding and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Precision Finding uses a combination of sound, haptic feedback, and visual cues to guide users to the exact location of a lost item.
UWB technology provides more precise location data by using radio waves to measure the distance between devices.
Apple AirTag Comparison With Other Tracking Devices
Comparing the capabilities of an Apple AirTag with other tracking devices:
| Options | Apple AirTag | Tile Pro | Samsung SmartTag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth range | Up to 100 meters | Up to 122 meters | Up to 120 meters |
| Precision finding | Yes | No | Yes |
| UWB technology | Yes | No | No |
| Crowd-sourced network | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | iPhone and iPad with iOS 14.5 or later | iOS and Android devices | Samsung Galaxy devices |
| Battery life | Up to 1 year | Up to 1 year | Up to 300 days |
| Waterproof | IP67 | IP55 | IP67 |
What Apple AirTag Cannot Do Compared To Other Tracking Devices?
Apple AirTag has several limitations compared to other tracking devices. Here are some of them:
| Options | Apple AirTag | Tile Pro | Samsung SmartTag |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS tracking | No | No | No |
| Cellular connectivity | No | No | Yes |
| Virtual boundary | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pet tracking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Limited to iOS devices | iOS and Android devices | Limited to Samsung devices |
| Integration | Limited to Apple ecosystem | Works with several third-party apps | Limited to Samsung ecosystem |
| Voice assistants | Siri | Google Assistant, Alexa | Bixby |
Overall, Apple AirTag is a useful tracking device for Apple users, but it has some limitations compared to other tracking devices available on the market.
Apple AirTag User Privacy Protection
Apple AirTag is designed with user privacy in mind. The AirTag’s unique identifier is encrypted and changes frequently, making it difficult for someone to track a user’s movements using an AirTag.
In addition, if an AirTag is detected that is not in the user’s trusted circle (i.e. someone else’s AirTag that has been unknowingly placed in the user’s belongings), the user will receive an alert on their iPhone.
Finally, AirTag has a built-in privacy feature that will cause it to emit an audible alert if it is separated from its owner for an extended period of time.
FAQs
Do AirTags require charging?
An AirTag doesn’t require charging, but you will need to replace its battery. A cylindrical CR2032 battery, which you can purchase on Amazon for a few dollars, powers each AirTag. Flip the AirTag over to the polished metal side, press down, and then turn the AirTag clockwise to remove the battery.
Can multiple people track the same AirTag?
No, each AirTag is linked to the owner’s Apple ID and can only be tracked by that person. However, the owner can choose to share the location of the AirTag with friends or family members in their trusted circle.
Does AirTags Need a WiFi to Operate?
It makes absolutely no WiFi connections. It communicates via Bluetooth with any nearby devices. For example, any Apple devices that are close by and can pick up the tag relay the tag’s location. The AirTag’s battery can be changed.
Conclusion:
- Although Apple has not yet provided the specific distance, there are a few clear indicators that may be useful. For an iPhone to connect to an AirTag using Bluetooth during the initial setup process, the iPhone and any Bluetooth device need to be 33 feet apart.
- With just the Bluetooth signal, your phone can locate the Air Tag within about 100 feet. Once inside, the range drops to about 80 feet, and when a wooden or drywall is installed, it drops to 50 feet.
- When concrete walls are present, the range is reduced to less than 10 feet, and if a concrete column is present, the range eventually vanishes entirely.
- For distances more than 100 feet, the Air Tag makes use of any nearby Apple devices connected to the Find My network. The GPS coordinates of each adjacent device that detects the Air Tag’s persistent signal will send information to the iCloud about that device.
