Apple AirTags Range – All You Need to Know

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airtag range

Apple AirTags is a small, portable tracking device designed to help you locate and keep track of your belongings.

Apple AirTags have a range of up to approximately 100-150 feet (30-45 meters) in optimal conditions with a Bluetooth 5.0’ iOS device. This range can vary depending on factors such as obstacles in the environment, the presence of walls or other barriers, and interference from other wireless devices.

In addition to the range, AirTags also use a feature called Precision Finding, which allows you to locate a lost item with greater accuracy. Precision Finding uses Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology to provide more precise location information, including directional arrows that guide you toward your lost item.

It’s important to note that the range and accuracy of AirTags may vary in real-world conditions, and the battery life of an AirTag can also impact its range and functionality over time. It’s recommended to keep your AirTag within the recommended range and to regularly check the battery life of your AirTag to ensure optimal performance.

Do AirTags Go Out of Range?

Yes, Apple AirTags can go out of range depending on various factors such as distance, obstacles, and other environmental factors.

However, the Find My app on your iPhone can help you locate your AirTag, even if it’s out of range. The app uses a network of millions of Apple devices to locate your lost AirTag and show you its last known location on a map.

You can also use the app to set up notifications for when your AirTag comes back within range or to play a sound on the AirTag to help you locate it. If you’re having trouble locating your AirTag, the Find My app is a helpful alternative that can help you find it even if it’s out of range.

Related: AirTags for Pets – Is It a Viable Option?

Can You Track AirTag Miles Away?

You can track your AirTags far away if someone in the Find My App tracks them. Although Bluetooth can help you track your items within the 100-150 feet distance for a Bluetooth 5.0 device, you can still get them if another iPhone user locates them.

To do that:

  • Tap the Items tab after opening the Find My app
  • Select the desired AirTag from the Items list
  • You can see the AirTag on the map if it is close to your device or if the Find My connection recently picked it up. Under its name are a timestamp and an updated location
  • You can view the AirTag’s most recent location and timestamp if it isn’t in range of your phone or any other devices connected to the Find My network. Switch on Notify When Found in Notifications to receive an alert when your AirTag enters the range of your phone or is picked up by a user in the Find My network

Related: Do AirTags Make Noise? – Complete Guide

Can Apple AirTag Track a Car?

While Apple AirTags can technically be attached to a car to track its location, it’s important to note that AirTags are not designed for this purpose and may not be reliable for tracking a vehicle. Factors such as the size of the car, the location of the AirTag, and the distance from your phone can all impact the accuracy and reliability of tracking.

Instead, if you’re looking for a reliable way to track a car, there are alternative GPS tracking devices designed specifically for this purpose. These devices can be installed in a discreet location in your car and can provide real-time location information, as well as other features such as geofencing and speed alerts.

Some popular GPS tracking devices for cars include LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker, the Spytec GPS Tracker, the Vyncs GPS Tracker, and the Bouncie GPS Tracker.

These devices can provide more accurate and reliable tracking for your car than an AirTag, and may be a better option if you’re specifically looking to track your vehicle.

Related: How to Spy on Devices Connected to My Wi-Fi? Follow These Steps

Apple AirTags Battery Life

Apple AirTags are designed to have a long battery life, with a typical lifespan of approximately one year. The battery in an AirTag is not user-replaceable, but when the battery gets low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone indicating that it’s time to replace the AirTag.

The battery life of an AirTag can be impacted by a number of factors, such as the frequency of use, the distance between the AirTag and your phone, and the conditions in which the AirTag is used. However, Apple has designed AirTags to be energy-efficient, and the device uses a low-power Bluetooth connection to communicate with your iPhone.

To conserve battery life, Apple recommends turning off Lost Mode for AirTags that are not currently lost, as well as minimizing unnecessary location access for the Find My app. Overall, the battery life of an AirTag should last for a long time with typical use, and the notification system can help ensure that you’re aware of when it’s time to replace the battery.

AirTag Range vs. Tile

AirTags and Tile devices use Bluetooth to track objects within a specific distance. Based on the model, the Bluetooth ranges of Tile’s trackers range from 250 to 400 feet, although Apple’s AirTag doesn’t have a precise range listed.

Adding to Bluetooth, AirTag also uses Ultra-Wideband technology UWT to enable “Precision Finding,” a function only available on Apple devices.

In contrast to Tile tackers, Precision Finding can direct you to nearby objects and estimate distances. 

AirTags Tile Sticker Tile Pro
Price $29 $29.99 $34.99
Range 35 feet 250 feet 400 feet
Features Bluetooth and Find My network Bluetooth tracker Bluetooth tracker
Durability IP67 water-resistant IP67 water-resistant IP67 water-resistant
Battery life One-year replaceable battery One-year replaceable

battery

One-year replaceable

battery

The function gathers data from your iPhone’s camera and other sensors to offer an accurate position. For it to work, you need an iPhone 11 or a newer model.

Because of the fine-tuning tool that lets you track your objects from a greater distance, AirTag surpasses Tile. Other iOS users can locate the AirTags and get in touch with you.

Related: AirTags vs. Tile 2023 – Which One Is Right for You?

How Often Does AirTag Update Location?

Apple AirTags are designed to update their location on a regular basis, but the frequency of these updates can vary depending on a number of factors. When an AirTag is in range of your iPhone or another Apple device, it will update its location in real-time, allowing you to see its current location within the Find My app.

Under normal conditions, the location may be checked as frequently as every 60 to 120 seconds if the device AirTags is in a congested area with many other iPhones nearby. 

However, if an AirTag is out of range of your iPhone or other devices, it will use a combination of Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband technology to update its location periodically. The frequency of these updates can vary, but Apple has designed AirTags to use an energy-efficient approach that balances location accuracy with battery life.

In general, you should be able to see the location of your AirTag within the Find My app within a few minutes of it being moved, even if it’s out of range of your iPhone. The app will also provide you with notifications when your AirTag comes back within range or when its location has been updated.

Conclusion

You can easily find your stuff now that you know the AirTags’ range. You can apply Precision Finding and simplify things if your iPhone has a U1 chip. Even better, privacy and safety were considered when designing these tiny trackers.

Any Apple device user within range of a lost AirTag is sufficient to notify the owner of the AirTag of its precise position.

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