How Apple AirTag works, how far can you track?

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

“Hello Kurt, I put an AirTag on my cat. Your article on tracking stolen cars using AirTags suggests that you can track a stolen car the same way as someone you share locations with I haven’t found this to be the case. The app will only find the label if you are in Bluetooth range. Did I miss something. thing ?” Duncan writes.

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

Ask Kurt: How does an Apple AirTag work, how far can you track? — A person holding an AirTag

THE AirTag works through Apple’s Find My network, which uses hundreds of millions of other Apple devices around the world to provide near-perfect tracking of your stuff. The way it works is that every time an AirTag comes near an Apple device like an iPhone connected to the Find My network, that device transmits location information to the company’s servers, which in turn send that information back. location information data to AirTag. owner.

However, if you lose your AirTag in a remote area without any other Apple devices nearby, you won’t be able to track it. AirTags can be tracked using Apple’s Find My network, but the location may be less accurate if the AirTag is out of Bluetooth range.

Additionally, for the best experience, you’ll need a device with a 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.

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So, while the AirTag can be useful for item tracking within its limits, it may not always work as expected in all situations.

Is your Airtag about to die?

The main problem with using a AirTag As a pet tracker, the Precision Finder can be a little finicky at times. If you’ve used your AirTag to track a pet or even a lost pair of iPods, you’ve probably seen the dreaded “Signal is weak, try moving to another location” message. I encountered this message even when I was in line of sight with the AirTag in question, but the Find My app constantly refreshed and I never got too lost.

If you let your pet go outside or take him on hikes and he slips out of his harness or collar, an AirTag won’t be the best option for reuniting your four-legged friend. This is because if you’re hiking in a rural area, there won’t be any other AirTags to help you find your pet. If you are in a busy area, you should be able to track your pet more easily. One of the benefits of using a tracker like an Apple AirTag is that you can enable Lost Mode, and if someone else scans the AirTag, you can set up a message to contact you. What a relief, right?

How your Airtag can be shared with up to 5 other people

If you’re looking for a reliable tracker to keep tabs on your pets, consider exploring GPS trackers designed specifically for animals. These devices attach to your pet’s collar and provide real-time tracking with no distance limit, allowing you to always locate your four-legged friend. These trackers are designed for tracking pets and provide better results than general purpose trackers. Check out the best pet trackers here.

Heartless scammers prey on lost pets’ anxiety

While a Apple AirTag is a great way to find your lost iPhone or iPod, it is not the best tracking solution for pets due to the range of the Find My network and Bluetooth LE. However, if you want to track a pet, it’s worth looking into other tracking options available, particularly GPS trackers designed specifically for pets. When it comes to AirTags, they’re best used 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 encountered? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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