Here’s How Apple AirTags Actually Work

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AirTags may seem like a bit of magic. They’re tiny, fit perfectly in backpacks and on keychains, and can always somehow tell where your most important things are. Of course, this can also make them dangerous since it seems too easy for someone to slip an AirTag into your bag or car to track your location. These days, however, AirTags are pretty safe to use: they’re simple trackers that use Apple’s smart technology to operate privately and securely. And if someone decides to abuse AirTags for nefarious purposes, there are built-in tools to help thwart their attempts.

What is AirTag?

AirTag is a simple tracker based on Bluetooth, UWB (ultra wideband) and NFC. It looks like a thick coin and can be used to track almost any object it can be attached to. You can store it in your backpack, wallet, luggage, pet collar, Apple TV remote, or any other item you frequently lose. Some people effectively use AirTags to track checked luggage during a flight. People also use AirTags to keep track of their children, however they are not always effective for real-time tracking .

How do AirTags actually work?

AirTags do not have a GPS chip. Instead, they send Bluetooth signals that can be received by nearby devices connected to the Apple Find My network. This includes any device signed into iCloud, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This could be any device on the Find My network, not just yours, which is why AirTags can be so useful: any connected Apple device becomes a beacon for your AirTag. Once these devices connect to the Internet, they send updated location information about your AirTag, allowing you to find the item you tagged. AirTags are useless if they are in an area without a network or if there is no connected device nearby.

You don’t have to just rely on this Bluetooth tracking technology to find your AirTag. If you’re near your device, you can go to the Find Me app on your Apple device, tap your AirTag, and use Precise Search to find it. It works by using ultra-wideband technology to point you in the direction of the mark. Literally: Find My tells you exactly where to go to find your AirTag, plus haptic vibration to indicate when you’re getting close.

How much do AirTags cost?

Apple AirTags cost $29.99 each, but you can purchase a pack of 4 for $99.99 if you want to save some money. You can also wait for sales like Black Friday to get even better deals on AirTags.

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How long do AirTags last?

The AirTag battery lasts up to a year ; When your battery is close to low, you’ll receive a notification from the Find Me app on your iPhone. You can also easily replace the battery since Apple uses an affordable standard 3V CR2032 lithium coin cell battery.

AirTags and privacy

Apple says the entire AirTag search process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy . Apple doesn’t know which devices are sharing your location or where your AirTag is. AirTag doesn’t store location data or a list of places you’ve been, and the company says it doesn’t impact battery life or data usage.

You can share your AirTag’s location with other people , even if they’re not members of your iCloud family. This can help in situations where one AirTag needs to be monitored by multiple people, such as two tagged pet owners.

But let’s discuss the dangers of AirTag: If someone decides to use AirTag to track your movements, they will be helped by the built-in security feature: when the AirTag separates from its owner and comes within range of your iPhone or Android phone. , your device will alert you that an unknown AirTag is near you. You can ping the tracker if you don’t recognize it and deal with it accordingly.

AirTags Accessories and Engraving

While AirTags are fairly easy to place anywhere, there are a few cases where accessories can improve the situation. For example, you can use a key fob or AirTag holder to make it easier to keep track of keys or other objects. You can also buy AirTags accessories directly from Apple . If you buy AirTags through Apple, you can also have up to four characters engraved on them.

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