Quick answer: Yes! You can track an Apple AirTag from afar, even in another country, by using the Find My app and compatible devices, as long as it’s close to an Apple device within the Find My network.
In an age where our belongings seem to have a knack for going missing, technology offers a helping hand. Apple’s innovation, the AirTag, is a compact tracking device designed to keep tabs on your valuables.
But just how far can you track an AirTag? We’re here to unravel the details.
How Do AirTags Work?
Apple AirTags utilize Bluetooth technology to establish a connection with your Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Your AirTag emits a secure Bluetooth signal, detectable by nearby devices in the Find My network. These devices relay the AirTag’s location to iCloud. You can then view it on the Find My app’s map. The process is private, encrypted, and efficient, ensuring privacy protection and minimal battery and data concerns.
This seamless integration allows for real-time tracking of your belongings through the Find My app.
Understanding AirTag Range
The tracking range of an AirTag extends approximately from 15 to 25 feet. When using Bluetooth, this range widens to about 30 feet.
Although Apple hasn’t specified a particular Bluetooth range for AirTags, the assumption is widespread that each AirTag comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. This means that under optimal circumstances, the effective tracking distance could extend up to approximately 800 feet (244 meters).
Moreover, what sets AirTags apart is their precision finding capability, which employs Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology (available in devices with U1 chips) for more accurate tracking.
Read also: Why is My Apple AirTag Beeping and How to Stop it?
So, How Far Can You Actually Track an AirTag?
There’s no limit on how far you can track an AirTag as you can use the Find My app to locate its real-time location.
The tracking becomes virtually limitless when leveraging the Find My network, provided that at least one Apple device is in proximity to the AirTag.
Let me explain.
An AirTag utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which alone provides limited range.
However, what sets an AirTag apart is its capacity to link with the expansive Find My network, encompassing billions of Apple devices.
Without the Find My network, an AirTag would have a limited range of around 200 feet.
However, due to its connection to the Find My network, owners receive immediate alerts if an AirTag is within Bluetooth range of any active, modern Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Apple Watch.
Except when the AirTag is in a remote place like the Sahara desert or the Amazon rainforest, it’s highly likely that many Apple devices are nearby, making communication, location updates, and tracking via the Find My network possible for the owner.
As a result, you can track an AirTag globally, provided it remains within Bluetooth range of any connected Apple device.
Read also: AirTag Not Updating its Location – Why and How to Fix
How to Find a Lost AirTag
Misplacing your AirTag-enabled item doesn’t have to lead to a frantic search. Here’s how to locate it:
- Open the Find My app.
- Select the “Items” tab and choose the AirTag you’re looking for.
- The app will guide you using sound and on-screen directions, thanks to the UWB technology (if applicable).
Pro Tip: Android users can track AirTags using their devices. Learn how to track AirTags on your Android now.
Privacy Concerns
Apple has taken privacy seriously when it comes to AirTags. To prevent unwanted tracking, the AirTag will alert you if someone else’s AirTag remains in motion with you for an extended period. This feature safeguards your privacy and promotes responsible use of AirTags.
Conclusion
In a world where distance matters, Apple AirTags shine with their remarkable tracking capabilities. With Bluetooth and UWB technology, AirTags redefine the concept of keeping tabs on your belongings. Whether your item is nearby or miles away, AirTags bridge the gap, giving you peace of mind through every step of your journey.
FAQs
What if the AirTag is out of range?
If your AirTag is beyond the range of Bluetooth connectivity, it won’t be able to communicate directly with your devices. However, AirTags utilize the capabilities of the expansive Find My network. If another Apple device comes into Bluetooth range of your AirTag, it can anonymously relay its location data to iCloud via the Find My network. This means that if your AirTag goes out of your device’s direct range, it can still receive location updates as long as another compatible Apple device within the network comes across it.
Does AirTag only work when things are nearby?
AirTag works beyond close range. The Find My network supplements its limited Bluetooth range. If it’s out of Bluetooth reach, other Apple devices can still share its location. So, AirTag’s effectiveness spans beyond proximity, utilizing a larger device network for remote tracking.
How often does AirTag update its location?
The frequency of AirTag’s location updates varies based on its surroundings. In densely populated areas with numerous iPhones nearby, the location can update every one to two minutes. On the other hand, if the AirTag is in an isolated area with few iPhones around, its location might not update because there are no nearby devices.
