How Do Airtags Work?
Contents
How far away will AirTags work?
What is the range of the Apple AirTag? Can you track one miles away? – AirTags do not have a defined range because of how they connect to Apple’s Find My network. You can locate an AirTag that’s thousands of miles away or even internationally, providing it is within Bluetooth range of an iPhone. AirTags do not have a defined range. You can track one thousands of miles away and even internationally overseas. Apple In other words, if you leave an AirTag in a coffee shop on the other side of the world, you should be able to locate it. However, if you lose an AirTag in a remote-but-nearby place like the woods behind your house, you won’t be able to find it unless someone with an Apple device walks into its Bluetooth range.
Do AirTags have GPS in them?
Does Apple AirTag have GPS? – No, Apple AirTags don’t have GPS. But the technology is similar. Instead of calculating a location using a network of satellites, AirTags use a network of around 1.8 billion iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs.
How AirTag works without internet?
Do AirTags work without Wi-Fi? Yes. AirTags do not connect to Wi-Fi at all, instead using Bluetooth connection to establish location. You must use cellular data or Wifi to open and use the ‘Find My’ app, however.
Can I use AirTag to track my car?
Conclusion – An AirTag has a different use case than a GPS tracker. Ideal for finding household and small items, but not for finding cars. A is the much better alternative to an AirTag. Ideal for far away distances (if you are on holiday for example), and for larger items such as vehicles.
Can I use an AirTag to track my kid?
Parents using AirTags to track their children The small device, priced at $29, can be tracked anywhere in the world as long as it’s within Bluetooth range of another iPhone device.
Can I track my AirTag from another country?
Does the AirTag work internationally? – Yes, AirTags work from anywhere in the world as long as it has Bluetooth signal and a nearby Apple device in the Find My network. Precision Finding uses a technology called Ultra Wideband, which may not be available in some countries and is subject to international regulatory requirements.
How long does AirTag battery last?
Apple states an AirTags’ battery should last around one year. However, the actual length of time a battery lasts will depend on the frequency of its use and the condition it’s kept in throughout the device’s life.
Do AirTags need a SIM card?
By now, you have probably seen something or other about these new little magical, $30, white buttons that you can attach to your keys, purse, throw in your luggage, or sew into your kid’s backpack. You can then pull up the location of this amazing little gadget with a couple taps into the ‘Find My’ app on your iPhone.
Sounds great, right? I don’t know anyone who loves loosing stuff, like keys and kid’s backpacks. But how the heck do these little Apple AirTags work? Brand new AirTags pair with their owner iPhone/iPhone User, sharing a crypographic seed. You could call this a “provisioning” process. The AirTag then begins emitting a Bluetooth Low Enery (BLE) advertising beacon every two seconds, broadcasting a time-sensitive encrypted message.
The AirTag does this forever and ever, until its little coin cell battery (3 volt, 2032 battery) dies. The BLE messages are not directed at any particular device. They are like smoke-signal messages, sent up into the air for anyone to catch. The AirTag has no way of knowing which one of the messages are being picked up, or what device is listening. The messages that the AirTags broadcast are mostly encrypted, but the first couple of bytes in the message are not. These first couple of bytes indicate to nearby iPhones and Macs that the message belongs to an AirTag. The operating systems of recently updated iPhones and Macs have instructions to listen for messages from AirTags – anyone’s AirTags – not just the ones that belong to the owners of the iPhones and Macs.
The global network of iPhones and Mac relay the AirTag messages up to the ‘Find My’ network. Before they relay the AirTag message to the cloud, the iPhone/Mac grabs their most recent location information (GPS, Wi-Fi or otherwise) and bundles that (encrypted) into the message. You see, the little AirTag doesn’t have a GPS onboard, nor does it have Wi-Fi or a network sim card, so it leverages the existing, vast, network of network-enabled iOS and Mac devices out there on planet earth.
When the owner of an AirTag opens the “Find My’ app on their iPhone, searching for their lost item, an interesting process occurs. The iPhone calculates, using the encryption data shared only with the iPhone and the AirTag, along with the current time, and generates the encrypted message that AirTag is also expected to generate and broadcast.
Then, it searches the Find My network for that value. When the match is found, the location data is decrypted by the owner’s iPhone and the user learns the last known location of their item. Apple says that an iPhone that relays the AirTag message to the Find My network is unknown to the owner of the AirTag and that Apple itself doesn’t know the cryptographic info shared between the iPhone and the AirTag.
The Vulnerabilities: AirTag Stalking? So, obviously, it isn’t going to take too long to think about the ramifications of people attaching an AirTag to the underside of someone’s bumper, or slipping one inside a handbag, to track a person’s movements without their knowledge.
For folks that have an iPhone, there are safety features that alert iPhone users that an AirTag that doesn’t belong to them is travelling with them. You don’t have to watch too many videos to see scenarios where users were alerted that they were traveling with an AirTag that didn’t belong to them only after they arrived home,
If your ‘home’ address isn’t known to your phone, you will get alerted at the end of the day. The jury is out on if these precautions are timely enough, useful, or simply annoying, when grandma picks up the kids from school and now her iPhone is bombarded with push notifications over your perfectly-safe kid’s backpack. The most worry-some gap here is for Android phone users. None of these security features are available to Droids and that makes Android users more vulnerable to AirTag Stalking. That’s why I wrote the AirTagLocator App for Android, This app just simply sorts through all of the BLE devices around the Android phone and identifies those that are advertising messages with the AirTag pattern. Apple says that AirTags that are ‘unattended’ (not near their owner for a period of time) will produce an audible sound. Of course, this feature can be disabled by the owner. So, it’s clear that this feature isn’t intended to discourage AirTag Stalking.
Excessive bandwidth use by unsuspecting iPhones? Imagine (in the before-times, pre-COVID) you are in a commuter train for 45 minutes each morning and each evening. Pretend there are 5 passengers in your train car that have an AirTag on their key ring or backpack. Think about your iPhone, adjusting it’s GPS data, encrypting, bundling and uploading messages for 5 local AirTags, for 90 minutes, five days a week.
Each AirTag emits a message every 2 seconds. It would be interesting to know if iPhones bundle AirTag messages and send them in an efficient manner, or if there is really just a ton of network traffic involved here. Let’s say they are bundled such that every 3 minutes ( as observed in this video ) a message is relayed up to the cloud. Obviously, if you are an iPhone user, discontinuing use of these hardware/software features is a bummer. It probably isn’t what you signed up for. Oh, the Ultra Wideband Precision Finding. There is no doubt that the tech behind an iPhone zeroing in on an AirTag is impressive.
At a coarse level, the ‘Find My’ Network data (longitude and latitude) is requires a global network of existing iPhones and Macs. On a finer grain, it appears that the AirTag BLE advertising can be picked up and used by the owner iPhone directly. You can see this with iPhones older than iPhone 11. On iPhone 11 and later models, Apple added the U1 Ultra Wideband chip.
This is the hardware that makes extremely accurate, real-time localization possible. So, if you are using an iPhone 11 or later, and running iOS 14.5 or later, your iPhone will use Ultra Wideband to locate your AirTag, with a compass-looking UI. This fancy technology makes it possible to locate your AirTag down to a couple of centimeters,
Check this video out for more details NFC and Apple AirTags Each AirTag has a serial number (printed inside, under the coin battery). If an iPhone user finds someone else’s AirTag, they can use NFC to identify the lost AirTag. Of course, within two weeks of AirTags being released, this feature was already hacked, with beautiful documentation, basically rendering a lost AirTag just about as dangerous as an abandoned thumb drive left in a parking lot.
Some folks online say that Android phones can use NFC to identify an AirTag, but I haven’t been able to confirm that in my tests with various Android phones. How long does the battery last? Apple says the battery lasts about a year. I bought an AirTag a few days after they were released. I pulled the plastic tag out when I un-boxed it, and it ran about 4 days before I started to get messages on my iPhone that my AirTag battery was running low.
Since I replaced the battery, it has been running fine now for about 12 days. How to I reset an AirTag? In various places online, I have read that if you want to re-set (unprovision) an AirTag, basically disconnecting it from it’s owner, you will need to do the following: Pop out the battery by pressing down on the chrome cover and turn clockwise.
The chrome piece should pop off and reveal the battery. When the chrome piece is removed, the battery contact is released. Remove the battery, then replace it and hold the battery down. The AirTag should make a cute little Star Trek-ish noise, then take the pressure off the battery again and remove it.
Repeat this five times, until you don’t hear the Star Trek sound. The AirTag will disappear from the owner’s ‘Find My’ map, like they never had the AirTag at all. Put the chrome cover back on, twist counter-clockwise and listen for another little Star Trek noise to confirm that it is working again. But BEWARE! I haven’t been able to confirm that this process alone works! In my experience, resetting a AirTag requires the process described above in addition to the owner iPhone to Removing it in the Find My Network app.
This makes sense in that if someone found a lost backpack with an AirTag and was able to basically factory reset the AirTag manually, it would completely defeat the purpose! Final Thoughts? The AirTags are clearly the result of a years-long endeavor at Apple.
Think about the alphabet soup of NFC, BLE, and UWB technologies all working in unison, packaged in a cute little button. It is a pretty cool product. After the euphoria of harmonious tech fades, I am left with a nagging fear that these things will be used for no good, and that is never a good feeling.
Be safe out there, folks.
Does AirTag work without iPhone around?
If you don’t have an iPhone, but an Android, Apple put its app ‘Tracker Detect’ in Play Store, which could do pretty much the same job. Or else, if an AirTag is separated from its owner, it beeps at a random time between 8 to 24 hours (previously 3 days), alerting people nearby.
Can I put an AirTag on my dog?
Here’s why you don’t put an AirTag on your dog’s collar Apple’s AirTag If you’re considering putting an on your dog’s collar, don’t — the risks outweigh the rewards. Apple has been clear about whether or not you should use an AirTag to track a pet — and the answer is no.
While attaching an AirTag to a pet’s collar sounds like a good idea in practice, it would only help find them while inside the home network. If they ran away and got picked up by someone, the person finding the pet would need an updated or iPad nearby to ping the network. Even if they had an Android device to tap the AirTag for more information, they’d have to know that it was a capability in the first place.
So, while there have been times when an AirTag has a lost dog, that doesn’t mean it’s a particularly good idea. Still, that hasn’t stopped countless numbers of accessory makers from creating AirTag-compatible collars, harnesses, and clips for doing just that.
And it certainly has not prevented many well-intentioned pet owners from attaching an AirTag to their pets, either. The Wall Street Journal stories that exemplify why you shouldn’t put an AirTag on your dog’s collar. One owner mentioned he had lost an AirTag that he’d previously attached to the collar of his dog Sophie.
When he triggered the AirTag sound alert, he tracked the beeping to the stomach of his foster dog, Sassy. Eventually, he got Sassy to throw the tracker up, and after purchasing a new AirTag holder, he reattached it to Sophie’s collar. Another couple had attached an AirTag to their dog, Rose, who proceeded to chew the device and ingest bits of metal and plastic while they were out of the house.
A trip to the vet showed that Rose had indeed eaten parts of the AirTag. Fortunately, the battery had not been ingested. The owner admitted that she’d thought it was a great idea without realizing the potential drawbacks. Another owner wasn’t so lucky. When her six-month-old puppy, Luna, ingested an AirTag, she took her to the vet.
Unfortunately, after failing to get Luna to vomit the AirTag out, the animal hospital had no choice but to attempt surgery. Unfortunately for Luna, the surgeon was unable to locate the AirTag and sent her home. Six weeks later, Luna eventually vomited up the AirTag on her own.
And it’s not just Apple who warns against using AirTags to track your dog, either. Vets have warned pet owners against using AirTags to keep tabs on their pets. Because AirTags contain batteries, there’s a significant risk that they could leak and cause organ damage. The dangers of battery leaks increase if the battery has been damaged by chewing or if it sits in the dog’s stomach for a long time.
Instead of putting an AirTag or other item tracker on your dog, it’s better to get your dog microchipped, as most dog shelters and veterinarian offices can scan them to bring up your contact information. Also, be sure to keep your dog licensed and keep their dog tags on their collar or harness at all times.
It’s also wise to practice preventative measures to avoid a dog escaping in the first place. Always keep your dog on a leash when not in fenced areas, and ensure everyone in your home knows to leave doors closed tightly when coming in and out of the house. If you absolutely must use an AirTag to track your dog, ensure that you purchase a collar that holds the AirTag flush.
Do not hang an AirTag from the collar where it could come loose or be pulled off by another dog. : Here’s why you don’t put an AirTag on your dog’s collar
Can two phones use the same AirTag?
Can I add an AirTag to two separate phones? – Unfortunately, no. AirTags are exclusively linked to the Apple ID they are added to, so to add an AirTag to a different phone with a different Apple ID, you’d need to remove it from the previous iPhone. Also: How to securely attach your Apple AirTag to things If you have two iPhones with the same Apple ID, however, then you can track the AirTag from either phone.
Can I track my boyfriend with AirTag?
AirTag lets you easily track things such as your keys, wallet, purse, backpack, luggage and more. Simply set it up with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and attach it to your item, and your AirTag will appear in the Items tab in the Find My app. AirTag and devices that are part of the Find My network accessory programme, and some AirPod models – AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro and AirPods Max – use the Find My network to help you keep track of and find your belongings.* After you’ve set up a compatible item, it will appear in the Devices or Items tab in the Find My app.
AirTag, AirPods and other Find My network accessories include features to guard against unwanted tracking. They should not be used to track people, and should not be used to track property that does not belong to you. Using these products to track people without their consent is a crime in many countries and regions around the world.
If an AirTag, set of AirPods or Find My network accessory is discovered to be unlawfully tracking a person, law enforcement can request any available information from Apple to support their investigation. AirTag, AirPods and Find My network accessories are designed to protect your privacy when you’re using them to keep track of important items.
Can I track my dad with an AirTag?
Apple AirTag Uses – Children and Dementia Patients Apple AirTag is a small, coin-shaped tracking device that can be attached to keys, wallets, or other items to help locate them if lost. While initially designed for everyday use, it has the potential to be a valuable tool for tracking children and dementia patients.
Children can be prone to wandering off or getting lost, especially in busy public places like malls or amusement parks. Dementia patients, on the other hand, may wander off due to confusion or forgetfulness. In both cases, it can be difficult and stressful for caregivers to find them. With the help of Apple AirTag, caregivers can track their loved ones’ locations in real-time, giving them peace of mind.
The device can be easily attached to a child’s backpack or a dementia patient’s clothing, ensuring that they are always within reach. The AirTag uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, to provide accurate location information.
- Using the Find My app on their iPhone or iPad, caregivers can see their loved one’s location on a map in real-time.
- They can also set up notifications to alert them when the person leaves a designated area or enters a specific location, such as a school or a caregiver’s home.
- This feature can be especially helpful for dementia patients who may wander away from home or get disoriented while out and about.
Apple AirTag is also designed with privacy in mind. The device uses end-to-end encryption to protect the user’s location data, and it can only be tracked by the owner of the device. Additionally, if someone else’s AirTag is found attached to a child or dementia patient, the Find My app will notify the person carrying the iPhone or iPad that the AirTag is nearby, giving them the opportunity to remove it and return it to its owner.
- While Apple AirTag can be a useful tool for tracking children and dementia patients, it should not be relied upon as the sole means of keeping them safe.
- Caregivers should always supervise children and take appropriate safety precautions, such as using child leashes or identifying landmarks for them to remember.
Similarly, dementia patients should be under the care of a responsible caregiver who can ensure their safety. Apple AirTag is a valuable tool for tracking children and dementia patients. With its real-time location tracking and customizable notifications, caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are always within reach.
Can I put an AirTag in my luggage?
Can you put an AirTag in Your Checked Luggage? – Yes, you’re allowed to put your AirTag in your checked luggage. When you check in for a flight and plop your bag on the luggage scale, the attendant at the desk will ask about you having lithium batteries in your suitcase, but AirTags don’t have enough lithium to be worth mentioning.
Are AirTags worth it?
These compact, easy-to-use Bluetooth trackers make it easier for Apple iPhone users to find their lost items. AirTags are easy to loop onto a keyring or keep in a bag.
Are AirTags allowed in checked luggage in Europe?
Are European Airlines Allowing AirTags in Checked Bags? – Lufthansa, renowned for its strict adherence to rules, has confirmed that AirTags are allowed in checked bags in Europe. After a brief ban due to a misunderstanding of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, the airline has retracted its stance.
Can AirTag work without service?
In Short, Does Apple Air Tag Need WIFI? – No. Apple Air Tags only use Bluetooth to communicate with your phone. Because of this, you do not need an Internet connection for the AirTag to function. However, since this device uses the Find My app to locate your things, you will indeed need to turn on your WIFI for the best possible experience.
Can I track AirTag without phone?
1 Answer. As of the date of this answer, Apple doesn’t include AirTags in the list of items you can locate on iCloud.com. Your only option is to ‘borrow’ a different Apple device (Mac, iPhone, iPad), log in using your Apple ID, try to locate the AirTag, then log out of your ID on the device.
Is AirTag GPS or WIFI?
Why is the Airtag not a GPS tracker ? – The Apple Airtag is often referred to as an object tracker, but it is not technically a GPS tracker, Although the Airtag is a useful tool for finding lost items, it is not a GPS tracker, This is because the Airtag uses a technology called “Ultra-Wideband” (UWB) to communicate with nearby Apple devices and help them locate the Airtag with great accuracy.
- Unlike GPS trackers that use satellite signals to provide accurate, real-time location information, the Airtag uses only Bluetooth signals to communicate with nearby Apple devices.
- Its geographic location cannot be used directly by the user to locate the Airtag in real time.
- Unlike GPS trackers, the Airtag does not have real-time tracking or mapping capabilities.
It cannot be used to track an object’s movements in real time or to display location history. It is primarily designed to help users quickly locate nearby lost objects. In short, the Airtag is a key finder that uses Bluetooth technology to connect to an iPhone or iPad and help users quickly find nearby lost objects, but it is not a GPS tracker with real-time tracking and mapping capabilities.
How do AirTags work without charging?
CHARGING AIRTAGS – Unlike a regular cell phone, the Apple AirTag does not need a wireless charger, nor does it have a charging port. The circular AirTag is built to accommodate CR2032 batteries that can last for an entire year. This makes it convenient as you can simply put the AirTag into an AirTag case, place it on the item you’d like to track and forget about it for a year.
- You must, however, check your AirTag’s battery level from time to time to ensure that it’s working well.
- To find out if your battery level is low, use the Find My app.
- Then, tap the Items tab.
- Your AirTags will be listed there.
- If you own more than one AirTag, tap the one you’re inquiring about.
- If the battery is low, there will be a “Low Battery” sign.
Since Apple estimates that the battery lasts for about a year, consider purchasing a new CR2032 lithium 3V battery about 10 to 11 months after you purchased your AirTag. This adequately prepares you so that you aren’t caught in an emergency. You also want to make sure you purchase the right CR2032 lithium 3V battery because it shouldn’t have a bitterant coating since it may not work in an AirTag.
Press down on the AirTag’s battery cover, and rotate the cover counterclockwise.Remove the cover and the battery once the cover stops rotating.Place your new CR2032 lithium 3V battery inside. The positive side should face up.Listen for a sound indicating that the battery has been correctly inserted.Put the cover back on, and make sure that the three tabs align with the slots on the AirTag.Turn the cover clockwise to close it.
