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Apple’s AirTag is a groundbreaking device that has revolutionized location tracking for iPhone users. Whether it’s your keys, wallet, or even your car, the Apple AirTag offers an easy and convenient way to keep track of your belongings.
But just how far can you track an AirTag? This question is essential for understanding the full capabilities of the AirTag and the Apple Airtag's range and how it compares to GPS trackers and other Bluetooth devices.
In this Mysterium VPN blog post, we’ll dive deep into the range of an AirTag, how it works over long distances, and the key technologies behind it, such as Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra Wideband technology.
What is an AirTag?
The Apple AirTag is a small, coin-sized tracking device that integrates seamlessly with Apple devices to help you locate your lost items.
The primary way it does this is through the Find My network, a vast network of Apple devices nearby that can anonymously detect and report an AirTag’s Bluetooth signal. The AirTag relies on several key technologies, including Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband, to offer both short and long-range tracking.
How Do AirTags Work?
To answer the question of how far you can track an AirTag, it's important to first understand how AirTags work. The AirTag communicates via Bluetooth Low Energy with your iPhone or any Apple device nearby.
This Bluetooth connection has a limited range, but it allows the AirTag’s location to be determined when it’s in close proximity to your Apple device. When the AirTag is out of Bluetooth range, it uses the Find My network to continue tracking its location.
The Find My network consists of hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide, all of which can detect an AirTag’s Bluetooth signal and relay its location information to the Find My app.
Bluetooth Range: The First Layer of Tracking
The most straightforward way to track an AirTag is through Bluetooth. The Bluetooth range of an AirTag typically extends up to 30 feet indoors and about 100 feet in open spaces.
This range can vary depending on physical obstacles like walls or interference from other Bluetooth devices.
In the best-case scenario, if your AirTag is within Bluetooth range, you can use your iPhone to track the item directly and even use Precision Finding if your phone supports Ultra Wideband technology.
However, Bluetooth has its limitations. In a busy area filled with electronic devices or a remote area where the signal may face interference, the actual range may be shorter.
Despite this, Bluetooth Low Energy provides the AirTag with a solid first layer of tracking capability.
Ultra Wideband Technology: Precision Finding
Ultra Wideband technology is the second layer that significantly enhances the accuracy of tracking lost items. Available on iPhone 11 and newer models, Ultra Wideband enables Precision Finding, which allows the iPhone user to get an exact location of the AirTag, even in tight, cluttered spaces.
This feature provides real-time, directional feedback on the AirTag’s whereabouts, down to the last few feet. For example, if your keys are lost under a couch cushion, Precision Finding will guide you directly to them.
How to Use AirTag on iPhone
Using an AirTag with your iPhone is simple. To begin, open the Find My app, and from there, tap on Items. Select the AirTag you want to locate, and if it’s within Bluetooth range, you can use Precision Finding to pinpoint its exact location.
If the AirTag is out of range, the Find My network will show its last known location.
The Find My Network: A Vast Network for Tracking Long Distances
So, how far can you track an AirTag when it’s out of Bluetooth range? This is where Apple's Find My network shines. The network leverages Apple devices nearby to detect an AirTag, even when it’s far from the owner’s iPhone.
Essentially, your AirTag’s location can be updated as long as it comes near any iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch that is part of the Find My network.
The reach of the Find My network is essentially unlimited, meaning that as long as your AirTag is near another Apple device, you’ll receive location updates.
In a busy area, your lost AirTag might be detected by one of the hundreds of millions of Apple devices within minutes, but in a remote area, updates may be less frequent, depending on the density of Apple devices nearby.
How to Track an AirTag on iPhone Over Long Distances
To track your AirTag over longer distances, follow these steps:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Items tab.
- Select your AirTag from the list.
- The app will display the AirTag's last known location if it’s not within Bluetooth range. As soon as another Apple device detects it, you'll receive a push notification with its current location.
This integration of Bluetooth Low Energy and Apple's Find My network allows for tracking over vast distances, answering the question of how far an AirTag can track.
Factors That Affect AirTag Range
Several factors can impact the range of an Apple AirTag, influencing how effectively it can track your items. Environmental conditions play a significant role; walls, floors, and other physical barriers can weaken the Bluetooth signal, reducing the AirTag’s effective range. Similarly, interference from other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity can disrupt the AirTag’s signal, making location tracking less accurate.
The distance from the AirTag to the nearest Apple device is another crucial factor. The farther the AirTag is from an Apple device, the weaker the Bluetooth signal will be, which can affect the precision of location tracking.
Additionally, the number of Apple devices in the area can significantly enhance the AirTag’s performance. In densely populated areas with many Apple devices nearby, the AirTag is more likely to connect and update its location frequently.
AirTag Location History
When it comes to tracking the history of your AirTag’s movements, the Find My app has some limitations. Unfortunately, it does not store the location history of an AirTag. This means you can only see the current location or the last known location if the AirTag is out of range.
However, the Find My app excels in real-time tracking, allowing you to monitor your AirTag’s location as long as it is within range of an Apple device.
AirTag Sounds and Notifications
AirTags are equipped with sound and notification features to help you locate them more easily. For instance, you can play a sound on the AirTag using the Find My app, which is particularly useful when the AirTag is nearby but out of sight. Additionally, if the AirTag is separated from its owner for an extended period, it will emit a sound to alert anyone nearby.
Notifications are another helpful feature. If the AirTag is moved by someone who is not its owner, or if the battery is running low, you will receive a notification on your iPhone or iPad. These features ensure that you are always aware of your AirTag’s status and can take action if necessary.
How AirTags Compare to GPS Trackers
Many people ask, “Is an AirTag the same as a GPS tracker?” While the AirTag performs many of the same functions as a GPS tracker, the technologies are quite different.
GPS trackers rely on satellites to provide real-time location data, regardless of the presence of other devices nearby. This makes them ideal for continuous tracking of vehicles or pets across regions with limited mobile connectivity.
On the other hand, Apple’s AirTag doesn't use satellite-based technology but instead relies on Bluetooth Low Energy and the Find My network. This means that the range of an AirTag is determined by the density of Apple devices nearby.
In urban settings, the AirTag can function similarly to a GPS tracker, but in more rural areas, it may be less effective. However, because AirTags don't require a subscription like some GPS trackers, they offer a more cost-effective solution for tracking lost items.
How Far Can an AirTag Track a Car?
Attaching an AirTag to your car can be a useful way to keep tabs on its location. So, how far can an AirTag track a car? As long as your car is within Bluetooth range of your iPhone or another Apple device, the AirTag can provide real-time updates on its location.
Even if it moves out of range, the Find My network will continue to track the car as it passes by other Apple devices. This makes the AirTag a handy, low-cost option for keeping track of your vehicle in urban areas where there are plenty of nearby iPhones and Apple devices to update its location information.
What is the Range of an AirTag?
The apple airtags range can be broken down into two categories: Bluetooth range and the range provided by the Find My network. The Bluetooth range is typically up to 100 feet in open spaces but can be shorter indoors or in areas with lots of interference.
The actual range of Apple AirTags expands dramatically thanks to the Find My network, which gives the AirTag the ability to track over long distances. The range of an AirTag is, for practical purposes, only limited by how close it is to Apple devices nearby.
AirTags and Android Devices: Can They Work Together?
Do AirTags only work with iPhones? Unfortunately, AirTags are designed to work exclusively within the Apple ecosystem, meaning they don’t have full functionality with Android devices.
However, Android users can still interact with an unknown AirTag by tapping it with an NFC-enabled phone to view the contact information of the AirTag's owner. However, overall, tracking lost items using an AirTag is best suited for iPhone users.
Are AirTags Waterproof?
Are AirTags waterproof? While they aren't entirely waterproof, AirTags are water resistant with an IP67 rating, meaning they can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
This makes them durable enough to handle most everyday situations, whether you're caught in the rain or accidentally drop your keys in a puddle.
Battery Life and AirTag Durability
Apple's AirTags come with a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts about a year under normal usage. You'll receive a push notification when the battery is low, ensuring that you never lose track of an item because the AirTag stops working.
AirTags are also built to be durable, with a sturdy design that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
How Close Does an AirTag Need to Be to an iPhone?
For Precision Finding to work, the AirTag needs to be within the Bluetooth range of your iPhone—typically around 30 to 100 feet, depending on your environment.
When the AirTag is further away, the Find My network takes over, allowing other Apple devices nearby to detect and report its location. In this way, how far an AirTag can track really depends on the presence of nearby devices and not just the owner's iPhone.
How Far Can You Track an AirTag in Real Life?
So, how far can you track an AirTag? In real-world usage, the AirTag’s Bluetooth range covers about 100 feet in ideal conditions.
However, the Find My network extends that range dramatically, allowing you to track your AirTag's location over long distances as long as it comes into contact with other Apple devices.
The effectiveness of this system means that your lost item could be found even if it’s far from your immediate location, thanks to the millions of Apple devices nearby that participate in the Find My network.
How to Use Air Tags Effectively
To get the most out of your AirTags, make sure to attach them securely to the items you want to keep track of. For example, you can attach AirTags to your keys, backpack, or even pet collars.
Once set up, simply open the Find My app, tap on Items, and select the AirTag to see its current location. In case it’s out of Bluetooth range, activate "Lost Mode" to receive updates whenever nearby devices detect it.
AirTag Security
Apple has implemented several security features to prevent AirTags from being used to track people without their consent. If an unknown AirTag is detected near your iPhone, you will receive a notification. You can then use the Find My app to locate the AirTag and disable it if necessary.
Precision Finding is another security feature that uses the Ultra Wideband chip in newer iPhones to accurately pinpoint the location of an AirTag. This feature is particularly useful when you are within range of the AirTag and need to find it quickly. Additionally, Apple has implemented strict anti-stalking measures to prevent AirTags from being used for malicious purposes, ensuring that your privacy is protected.
Using AirTags with Multiple Devices
One of the advantages of Apple AirTags is their ability to be used with multiple Apple devices, as long as they are all signed in to the same Apple ID. This feature is particularly useful for families, as you can share an AirTag with up to six people, making it easy to keep track of shared items like car keys or a family pet.
If you have multiple iPhones, you can use an AirTag with any of them, provided they are all signed in to the same Apple ID. This flexibility extends to other Apple devices as well, such as iPads and Macs, allowing you to track your items from any device within the Apple ecosystem. This seamless integration ensures that you can always keep tabs on your belongings, no matter which Apple device you are using.
Conclusion: AirTag Range and Limitations
In summary, how far can an AirTag track? While the Bluetooth range is limited to about 100 feet, the real power of the AirTag comes from Apple's Find My network, which allows tracking over vast distances.
The range of an AirTag is essentially unlimited as long as it can communicate with other Apple devices nearby. Whether you’re using the AirTag to track a lost item or a car, it’s a cost-effective, reliable solution that works best in areas with plenty of Apple devices to pick up its signal.
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