AirTag is a powerful item tracking tool, and there are several ways to find lost items, but there are some limitations to keep in mind—distance is one of the most important factors. Like most item trackers, AirTag can ping its location to nearby devices using Bluetooth. Unlike other item trackers, AirTag also supports Apple’s Precision Search, which uses ultra-wideband to find items more precisely. In addition to these two solutions, there is also “Find My Network” support, which allows AirTags to be found with the help of other Apple devices connected to the same network.
The distance the AirTag can travel depends on which of the above tracking methods is used. Apple hasn’t announced the actual gap yet, but there are some clear indications that could help. According to Apple, AirTag uses Bluetooth to connect to the iPhone during initial setup, and the iPhone needs to be within 33 feet of it to connect to any Bluetooth devices. Therefore, regardless of the actual range of the AirTag, the operating distance is 10 meters. It’s worth remembering that this is also often considered the maximum range, as there are other factors that can limit the distance of a Bluetooth connection.
Find My Ultra Wideband fills where Bluetooth can’t reach
For example, Bluetooth relies heavily on clear vision, and obstacles like walls can affect connection. With that said, some users may find that they can be a few feet away from the connection, depending on item, location, and visibility. While the distance of Bluetooth devices can vary, 33 feet is generally associated with the Bluetooth Type 2 specification. Whether the AirTag will be rated as a Class 2 device is unclear, but it does. meaning. Class 2 chips are commonly used in mobile devices, including Bluetooth headsets. AirTags contain the newer U1 chip, but mainly for UWB support.
Regardless of level and distance, Bluetooth is more than just the sum total of AirTags, Find My and Ultra Wideband designed to support where Bluetooth can’t. For example, the “Find My” network can be used to find the general area of an AirTag when out of Bluetooth range, making it possible to initially locate a lost or misplaced item remotely. Once in range, Bluetooth can take over. Then, when the devices are close enough, the short-range UWB helps ensure the exact location of the AirTag is determined, even if Bluetooth has trouble identifying the item.
So how does all of this compare to other Bluetooth trackers? Looking closely at the AirTag’s Bluetooth range, it’s far behind some of the competition. For example, Tile Mate claims a Bluetooth range of 250 feet / 76 meters. The Tile Pro is more capable, offering a range of 400 feet/120 meters. The same goes for the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, which offers the same 400-foot range as the Tile Pro.
While these trackers easily beat AirTag when it comes to Bluetooth, it’s important to remember that AirTag is the only tracker that connects to the Find My network. If anyone with a modern Apple device gets close to a lost AirTag, that should be enough to notify the AirTag owner of its exact location. This is a significant advantage considering the hundreds of millions of Apple devices that power the Find My network.
Can you track an AirTag from miles away?
As long as the AirTag is within Bluetooth range of an Apple device on the Find My network, it can be tracked for miles and even across countries. There are almost a billion devices on the Find My network, so AirTag will most likely contact one of them and update the device’s location in the Find My app. While users won’t see real-time updated location, they will get a rough idea of the AirTag’s location.
However, in remote areas, such as wilderness or uninhabited areas, this is less likely. If the AirTag is out of range of the Find My network, only its last known location will be displayed in the Find My app. If you happen to connect to an Apple device afterwards, the location will be updated. Since AirTags have no practical limit on how far they can be tracked, users often carry them in their luggage. This makes it possible for them to find their luggage if it is lost.
How to use AirTags to find lost items
To find nearby AirTags, open the Find My app and tap theproject.’ Select AirTag and click ‘search nearby.’ Follow the onscreen instructions and move around the area until iPhone connects to the AirTag. The iPhone will now show the distance and direction to the AirTag. Once the iPhone is within Bluetooth range of AirTag, the user can click the ‘Make sound‘ plays a sound on the AirTag, making it easier to find smaller items like keys.
While this method is useful for finding nearby items, users can also locate the AirTag at longer distances, as long as it is within range of the Find My network. This is especially useful for locating suitcases lost by airlines or wallets left behind at restaurants. If a device on the Find My network has recently detected an AirTag, the user will be able to open the Find My app and see the location and timestamp. If the AirTag is out of range of the Find My device, the user will see its last known location. They can click “remind me‘ in the Find My app to be alerted if an AirTag is detected again.
Should you use an AirTag or a GPS tracker?
Users may wonder if AirTags can be used in place of GPS trackers, but there are some key differences between the two. Unlike AirTags, GPS trackers communicate directly with satellites using a built-in receiver, allowing them to locate objects or people anywhere in the world. As a result, a GPS tracker can provide accurate, real-time updates of an object’s location through a connected app. However, they are more expensive than AirTags. They also require a SIM card to transmit real-time location to the user over a cellular network, usually through an app. This means that most GPS trackers require an additional monthly subscription in addition to the cost of the tracker itself.
AirTags are great for tracking lost items like bags, wallets, and keys. However, when it comes to tracking something in real time, a GPS tracker is a better choice. They provide a more reliable way to monitor young children and pets, especially if access to their exact location is critical. GPS trackers are also great for tracking objects that can travel over long distances, such as cars. GPS trackers obviously offer greater distance and range than AirTags, but ultimately choosing between the two depends on the use case.
Source: Apple