Emily Martin
Jan 12, 2024
AirTags are small, lightweight tracking devices that can be used to track lost items. They are compatible with all iPhones and iPads running iOS 14.5 or later. AirTags use a combination of Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband, and the Find My network to help you locate your lost items.
What exactly do AirTags do?
AirTags are designed to attach to everyday items like keys, wallets, backpacks, luggage, etc. You can pair an AirTag with your iPhone or iPad in a one-tap setup and name it according to the item it is attached to. Then, you can use the Find My app to see the location of your AirTag on a map.
If your AirTag is nearby, you can play a sound on the built-in speaker or use Precision Finding to see the distance and direction to your AirTag on your iPhone screen. Precision Finding uses Ultra-Wideband technology, which is available on iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models.
If your AirTag is far away, you can use the Find My network, which consists of hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world, to track down your AirTag. The Find My network is anonymous and encrypted, so your privacy is always protected.
You can also put your AirTag into Lost Mode, which will notify you when it is detected by the Find My network. You can also set up your contact information so that someone who finds your AirTag can tap it with an NFC-capable smartphone and get in touch with you.
How far away can AirTags work?
AirTags do not have a specific range limit, as they rely on the Find My network to communicate their location. However, the accuracy of the location depends on several factors, such as the number of devices in the Find My network, the signal strength of Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband, and the interference from physical obstacles.
In general, Bluetooth has a range of about 10 meters (33 feet), while Ultra-Wideband has a range of about 40 meters (131 feet). However, these ranges can vary depending on the environment and the device settings.
The Find My network can extend the range of AirTags by using other Apple devices as relay points. However, this also depends on the availability and density of such devices in the area. The more devices in the Find My network, the better the chances of finding your AirTag.
Can AirTag be used to track a car?
AirTag can be used to track a car, as long as it is placed inside or attached to the car in a way that does not interfere with its functionality or safety. However, there are some limitations and risks involved in using AirTag for this purpose.
First of all, AirTag is not designed to be a car tracker, so it does not have features like real-time tracking, speed monitoring, geo-fencing, etc. It only shows the last known location of your AirTag on a map, which may not be accurate or updated frequently enough for tracking a moving car.
Secondly, AirTag is designed to discourage unwanted tracking by alerting the owner of an unknown AirTag that is travelling with them. If someone else’s iPhone detects your AirTag in their car for an extended period of time, they will receive a notification and hear a sound from your AirTag. This may alert them to the presence of your AirTag and allow them to remove or disable it.
Thirdly, AirTag relies on the Find My network to communicate its location when it is out of Bluetooth or Ultra Wideband range. This means that if your car is parked in an area where there are no other Apple devices nearby, you may not be able to locate your AirTag until someone with an Apple device passes by.
Therefore, while it is possible to use AirTag to track a car, it is not recommended or guaranteed to work effectively or reliably.
