What Is An AirTag And How Do They Work?

You probably have a basic idea of what AirTag is, right? In a nutshell, it’s a round, quarter-sized, internet-of-things (IoT) device created by Apple that you can attach to important items like luggage, purses, backpacks, devices and beyond—in order to keep tabs on them.

Before we get into the weeds, it’s important to note that AirTag only works for Apple users, since you’ll need Apple’s popular Find My app in order to track your AirTag. (Find My is the same app used by Apple lovers to track their compatible devices like iPad, AirPods and beyond.) That said, let’s take a closer look at Apple AirTags and how they can simplify your world.

How Do AirTags Attach?

AirTags will fit snugly into an array of compatible accessories like key rings with loops, wrist bands, or rugged little cases with carabiners or straps that you can easily attach to your all-important items like purses, backpacks, luggage and such. Some people even attach them to things like pet collars, musical instruments, eyeglass cases, kids’ items and so much more. Each is designed to fit your AirTag snugly, so you never have to worry about it falling out. (Some people don’t even buy an AirTag accessory. They just drop it directly into a bag, purse, side pocket or other item and let it start tracking!) From there, you simply set up your AirTag. For example, let’s say you want to attach your AirTag to your purse. A one‑tap setup instantly connects your AirTag with your iPhone or iPad. From there, you give it a nickname (e.g., Blue Purse), attach it, and you’re done.

How Do AirTags Work Exactly?

Using a combination of built‑in, ultra-wideband technology and Bluetooth, your AirTag can send out a signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. If you want to see where it is, you can then simply go to the Find My app and see it on a map.

In addition, you can put AirTag into Lost Mode once you notice an item is missing. Then, when it’s detected by a device in the network, you’ll be notified. If you simply misplaced your item nearby and need help finding it in your home or office, for example, you can have it play a sound on the built-in speaker using the Find My app, or just say, “Hey, Siri, where’s my purse?”

How Far Away Can AirTags Be Tracked?

Because AirTags use Apple’s Find My network, you can locate an item that has traveled hundreds, or even thousands of miles away from you… BUT…. only if your AirTag happens to be within Bluetooth range of an iPhone. For example, if you left your backpack (with AirTag) at a bustling café in Paris, you should be able to locate it, since there will likely be thousands of iPhones within range. But if you dropped that same backpack in a remote hiking location just 10 miles away from home, the network won’t find it until someone with an Apple device happens walks within range of the backpack.

What About Privacy?

While you can track your AirTag, rest assured that it’s not tracking you. In other words: your location data and history are encrypted and are never stored on the AirTag itself. So, nobody, not even Apple, knows where your AirTag is or which device you’re using to track it.

What if someone tries to track you using their AirTag without your permission? If someone attaches a rogue AirTag to your vehicle, backpack or some other item, the Find My network will detect it and send your iPhone an alert. If that’s not enough, AirTag will play a sound that alerts you to its presence. What if you’re an Android user that’s being tracked? Google added an alert for “unknown tracker” for Android 6.0+ users, so if there is an AirTag tracking you, your phone should let you know. Now that you know the magic behind Apple AirTag, it might be time to invest in one of these cool little accessories, so you’ll never misplace those important items again!

Want to learn more about staying connected? You may be interested in:

^Sources:

^{https://www.apple.com/airtag}

^{https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-find-out-if-an-airtag-is-tracking-you}

^{https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/apple-airtag-review-rcna95178}

^{https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/apple-airtags-distance-range-battery-life-faq}