Introduction
Apple’s AirTag, released in April 2021, is a small, coin-shaped tracking device that helps you locate and keep track of your everyday items. AirTag uses Bluetooth technology, and it connects with your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device to help you locate your items. But can you track AirTag miles away? Let’s take a closer look at its range and limitations.
AirTag: How Far is Too Far? A Look into the Range and Limitations of Apple’s Tracking Device
AirTag’s range varies depending on the environment, but it typically works within 30-50 feet when connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. While this range is similar to other Bluetooth tracking devices, keep in mind that it can be affected by obstacles such as walls and furniture. In an open environment, AirTag can work up to 800 feet from your iPhone.
It’s also important to understand the limitations of Bluetooth range. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology, so if your AirTag is out of range, you won’t be able to track it using Bluetooth alone. This is why you need to keep your iPhone close to your AirTag if you want to track it. Apple has, however, provided some options to locate your AirTags even when they are out of Bluetooth range.
Is Your AirTag Always Within Reach? The Pros and Cons of Tracking Miles Away
While it’s ideal to keep your AirTag within Bluetooth range of your Apple device, tracking it from a distance has some pros and cons. One advantage is that you can locate your lost items even when you are not close to them, which can be incredibly helpful if you’ve lost something while traveling or if you’re in a hurry.
The downside of tracking AirTags from a distance is that it can drain their battery life faster. When the Bluetooth signal is weak, AirTag needs to use more power to maintain the connection with your Apple device. Moreover, you need to have an iPhone or other Apple device in range that has the Find My app open to locate your AirTag when it’s miles away. This means that it may be less practical for some to track their AirTag from a distance, especially if they don’t have an extra Apple device to leave behind.
Stay Connected: Tools and Tips for Tracking AirTags Beyond Bluetooth Range
Apple has provided some tools and techniques to help you track your AirTags beyond Bluetooth range. For example, Precision Finding is a feature built into your iPhone that uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to give you more accurate location information. You can enable Precision Finding in the Find My app by pressing and holding your AirTag in the Items tab.
Another option is to enable Lost Mode for your AirTag. When you put your AirTag in Lost Mode, it will send you a notification when it is detected by any Apple device that’s connected to the internet. This means that even if you’re not close to your AirTag, someone else who has come across it can notify you using their device.
Maximizing AirTag Performance: Tricks and Techniques for Tracking from a Distance
If you want to maximize AirTag’s range, there are some tips and techniques you can use. One option is to use multiple AirTags. Placing a few AirTags on the same item can help you triangulate its location more accurately. You can also place them strategically, like one on your luggage and one in your wallet.
There are also third-party apps that can help you track your AirTags from a distance. These apps use Bluetooth to detect AirTags that are not directly connected to your Apple device. Some popular options include “Find My for AirPods & iPhones” and “Leatherman Link.”
Lost and Found: How AirTags Helped in Retrieving Misplaced Items From Miles Away
AirTags have already helped people locate lost items from miles away. For example, an AirTag helped a Massachusetts woman recover her dog after the animal went missing during a thunderstorm. The owner had attached the AirTag to the dog’s leash, and a neighbor located the dog using their iPhone the next day.
Another AirTag helped a New Jersey woman recover her lost purse, which had been stolen in a restaurant during a birthday party. The owner used the Find My app to track the location of her AirTag-enabled coin purse, and police were able to recover it from a nearby dumpster.
Conclusion
AirTags can be incredibly useful for tracking and locating lost items, but their range is limited by Bluetooth technology. However, Apple has provided some tools and techniques to help you track your AirTags beyond Bluetooth range, such as Precision Finding and Lost Mode. Additionally, you can use multiple AirTags and place them strategically to maximize their range, or use third-party apps to track your AirTags from a distance.
Ultimately, whether or not you can track AirTag miles away depends on the circumstances. While it may not always be practical to track AirTags from a distance, they can still be incredibly useful in helping you locate lost items. With the right tools and techniques, you can make the most of your AirTag and never lose track of your belongings again.