AirTag is Apple’s small, coin-shaped tracker. You attach it to something you tend to lose, such as keys or a bag, and then locate it from your iPhone. It has no GPS and no cellular connection of its own, which is the part that surprises many people.
How AirTag finds your belongings
AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal. Nearby Apple devices in the Find My network detect that signal and anonymously relay its location to you. The result can work a long way from home, provided an Apple device passes close enough to it.
That also explains its main weakness. In remote areas with few Apple devices nearby, location updates can be slow or may not arrive at all.
Finding something nearby
- Play a sound: the built-in speaker helps you find something under a sofa cushion.
- Precision Finding: on compatible iPhones with an Ultra Wideband chip, your phone can point you toward the tag with on-screen directions.
What you need
You need a compatible iPhone or iPad and an Apple Account to set up an AirTag. It is designed for Apple’s ecosystem, so Android users should look at trackers built for their own platform. Each tag links to one account, although recent versions of Apple’s software allow sharing with family or friends.
Battery and durability
AirTag uses a replaceable CR2032 coin cell, the kind sold in most stores, and Apple rates it at around a year of typical use. It is water resistant, but it has no built-in hole, so you will need a holder or case to attach it to keys or a bag.
Privacy and unwanted tracking
AirTags are meant for finding belongings, not for tracking people. Apple includes alerts that warn iPhone users if an unknown AirTag appears to be moving with them, and Android has its own unknown tracker alerts. If you believe you are being tracked without your consent and feel unsafe, contact local police.
Is an AirTag worth it?
If you use an iPhone and tend to misplace keys, bags or luggage, it is a simple and inexpensive aid. It is less useful as a real-time tracker, because updates depend on nearby devices. Check Apple’s current specifications before you buy, since features and compatibility can change between models.
Comparing other gadgets? Browse our Electronics guides.
