Ask Kurt: How does Apple AirTag work, how far can you track?

Ask Kurt: How does Apple AirTag work, how far can you track?


Apple AirTags have become a popular device for tracking personal belongings, but their functionality and limitations can sometimes be misunderstood. Today, we’re answering a practical question from Duncan in Keller, Texas, about the tracking capabilities of AirTags, especially when used with pets and vehicles.

“Hi Kurt, I put an AirTag on my cat. Your article is about tracking stolen cars Using AirTags suggests you can track a stolen car in the same way you can track a person you share location with. I didn’t think so. The app will only find tags if you are within Bluetooth range. I wish it wasn’t like this. Am I missing something?” writes Duncan.

This excellent question highlights some common misconceptions about AirTags. Let’s learn how AirTags work and explore their tracking capabilities and limitations.

person with airtag (Curt “Cyberguy” Knutson)

How does AirTag work?

airtag Operates through Apple’s Find My network, which uses millions of other Apple devices around the world to provide near-accurate tracking of your belongings. The way it works is that whenever an AirTag comes close to an Apple device like an iPhone that is connected to the Find My network, that device sends location information back to the company’s servers, which in turn Sends that location information back to Airtag’s servers. Owner.

However, if you lose your AirTag in a remote area where there are no other Apple devices nearby, you won’t be able to track it. AirTags can be tracked using Apple’s Find My network, but location may be less accurate if the AirTag is outside Bluetooth range.

Also, for the best experience, you’ll need a device with the U1 Ultra Wideband chip, which can more accurately determine the distance and direction of signals coming from the AirTag. These devices include the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max as well as the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

So, while airtag may be useful for tracking items Within its limitations, it may not always work as expected in all situations.

Ask Kurt: How does Apple AirTag work, how far can you track?

AirTag showing how to connect to iPhone (Apple) (Curt “Cyberguy” Knutson)

Is your AirTag about to expire?

Tracking a Pet with AirTag

Primary problem in using airtag As a pet tracker, the precision finder can sometimes be a little tricky. If you’ve used your AirTags to track a pet or even a lost pair of iPods, you’ve probably seen the dreaded “Signal is weak, move to a different location” message at some point. Try”. I also encountered this message when I was in the AirTag’s line of sight, but the Find My app refreshes constantly, and I never strayed too far.

If you let your pet out or take him for a walk, and he slips out of his harness or collar, the AirTag may not be the best choice for reuniting with your furry friend. This is because AirTags rely on nearby devices, such as an iPhone, to relay their location to the Find My network. In rural or remote areas, there may not be enough equipment to help locate your pet. AirTags themselves do not create a mesh network or relay the location of other tags. If you’re in a busy area, you should be able to track your pet more easily. One of the best parts of using a tracker like the Apple AirTag is that you can turn on lost mode, and if someone else wants to scan the AirTag, you can set a message about how to contact you. . What a relief, isn’t it?

Ask Kurt: How does Apple AirTag work, how far can you track?

A cat with an AirTag on its collar (Curt “Cyberguy” Knutson)

How to share your AirTag with up to 5 people

Alternative Tracker for AirTags

If you’re looking for a reliable tracker to keep track of your pet, consider looking for GPS tracker Specially designed for animals. These devices connect to your pet’s collar and offer real-time tracking with no distance limits, ensuring you can always locate your furry friend. Such trackers are designed for pet tracking, providing better results than general purpose trackers. Check out the best pet trackers here,

Ask Kurt: How does Apple AirTag work, how far can you track?

A person is using a GPS tracker to find his pet (Curt “Cyberguy” Knutson)

Ruthless scammers are preying on people’s lost pets

Kurt’s highlights

while one apple airtag While this is a great way to find your lost iPhone or iPod, it’s not the best tracking solution for pets due to the range of Find My networks and Bluetooth LE. However, if you want to track a pet, it’s worth looking into other tracking options available, especially those GPS trackers designed specifically for pets. When it comes to AirTags, it’s best to use them for what they’re designed for: finding lost Apple devices.

How have you used AirTags or similar tracking devices and what challenges or successes have you experienced? Let us know by writing here cyberguy.com/contact,

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter cyberguy.com/newsletter,

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover,

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most frequently asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.


Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *