AirTags are able to make a connection by using Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband technology. The AirTag connects using ultra-wideband technology to Apple devices that have capabilities like the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and the U1 chip.
Bluetooth is then used to connect to other devices, like Android phones or tablet computers. The two use varieties of spectrum to work together and track location. Ultra-wideband technology uses very narrow channels with precise frequencies.
Unlike Bluetooth which is a 2.4 GHz radio frequency with a range of up to 300 feet, UWB is centered around 6 GHz with its range limited to only a few inches. This technology is able to enable high accuracy user tracking, as well as data transfers between two devices.
When a user’s Apple device is within about 3.3 feet of an AirTag, the U1 chip in the device sends a Bluetooth connection request to the AirTag. Once the request is accepted, the AirTag begins broadcasting a location signal.
This signal can then be used to determine the AirTags exact location and route a user to the AirTag’s exact location.
How far away can AirTags work?
The precise range an AirTag can work varies from one situation to the next, but typically AirTags can be detected within the range of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices, which is approximately 30-50 feet / 10-15 meters.
However, depending on the environment and how many walls, objects, etc. are in between the AirTag and the device attempting to detect it, this range will vary. Additionally, devices like iPhone SE (2nd generation) and Apple Watch SE that use Ultra-Wideband technology can detect AirTags up to twice as far away as they can be detected by other BLE devices.
Other factors like the size of the AirTag, battery levels, its orientation, etc. can also affect the range of detection.
Do AirTags work without cell signal?
No, AirTags do not work without cell signal. AirTags are part of Apple’s Find My network, which uses a combination of Bluetooth, ultra-wideband technology, and crowd-sourced location data to allow users to see the location of their AirTags.
Because this system relies on cell signal, AirTags cannot work without it. If a user is in an area without any cell reception, AirTags will not be able to show their current location or be tracked by the Find My app.
Can Apple AirTag track a stolen car?
No, Apple AirTags cannot track a stolen car. AirTags use Bluetooth low energy to track the items they are attached to, such as a bag, a bicycle, keys, or other small items. The range is limited to around 30 feet, so they would not be able to track a stolen car, which could be miles away.
However, there are other systems that can be used to track a car. For example, GPS trackers can be installed in a car to provide global positioning and can detect if the car is moved. There are also companies that use a combination of GPS and cellular signals to help track a stolen car.
Do AirTags only work with WiFi?
No, AirTags do not only work with WiFi. AirTags are Apple’s new precision tracking accessory that can be used to locate lost items. They use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to interact with nearby Apple devices, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for precision finding.
This means that AirTags will not require WiFi to connect with or be located by Apple devices. AirTags also connect to the Find My Network, a crowdsourced network of Apple devices using Bluetooth and location services to help protect items.
As long as an AirTag is within range of an Apple device, it can be located and tracked.
Does Apple Airtags have GPS?
No, Apple Airtags do not have GPS. Apple has not officially stated the exact technology used for their Airtags, though it is speculated that the Airtags use a combination of Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology.
Airtags connect to nearby iOS devices to keep track of their location and can be tracked through the “Find My” feature on iOS devices. The “Find My” feature will show the Airtag’s longitude and latitude, but this is not obtained by having an internal GPS.
The Airtags also allow users to configure alerts that notify them when an Airtag comes out of Bluetooth range. While the Airtags do not have an internal GPS, they provide an effective way to keep tabs on items and stay aware of their location.
How often does an AirTag update its location?
An AirTag constantly updates its location when it is connected to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 14.4 or later. When an AirTag is in range of an Apple device with Bluetooth turned on, it reports its location and time to Apple’s Find My network.
To update its location, an AirTag sends a signal periodically (every few seconds). The Find My network then records the AirTag’s location, time, and battery level, and this data is encrypted and stored in Apple’s secure servers.
The frequency of updating its location may vary, depending on several factors including the type of device being used, the speed of the connection, and the surrounding environment. Generally, an AirTag will update its location every few seconds when actively moving and a few minutes when still.
If an AirTag moves out of range of the iOS device, the location updates will switch over to Apple’s network of Bluetooth signal receivers, which includes iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. These Bluetooth signal receivers detect and report the AirTag’s exact location and time to the Find My network.
When an AirTag is in range of a device again, the location updates go back to the iOS device.
Can you track an AirTag anywhere?
No, AirTag is not a real-time tracking device like some other trackers on the market. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to alert you when your item is nearby (within Bluetooth range) and the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad to display the location of the AirTag when it was last in range.
For example, you can take the AirTag out for a walk or spin around the park and when you return, you can use the app to see where the AirTag was last located. However, if the AirTag is moved beyond Bluetooth range, you won’t be able to track its location in real-time.
Also, AirTag is not equipped with GPS, so you won’t be able to locate it globally.
Does Apple AirTag work in rural areas?
Yes, Apple AirTag is designed to work in rural areas. It uses advanced Bluetooth technology to track and find items on the go. The AirTag communicates with Apple’s Find My network, which is a global crowdsourced network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices, to detect its location.
This means that even in rural areas, an AirTag should be able to be discovered by other nearby Apple devices as long as there is adequate Bluetooth signal reception. Additionally, AirTags also feature an audible sound that may allow you to locate your items even in a rural area, as the sound can be heard up to 30 feet away.
How do I know if there is an AirTag on my car?
If you think an AirTag may have been placed on your car, there are several ways to tell. First, if you have an iPhone, you can use the built-in Find My app to detect nearby AirTags. If an AirTag is nearby, the app will alert you and provide instructions on how to remove it.
You can also manually inspect your car for an AirTag. AirTags are white discs about the size of a quarter with a glossy finish. If you notice any strange objects that you haven’t seen before, inspect them closely to see if they are AirTags.
If you want to be sure, you can also try disabling the Bluetooth on your phone or other device, and seeing if any app notifications appear on your phone when in close proximity to your car. Many apps, such as Find My, will use Bluetooth to register an AirTag.
If your phone encounters a nearby AirTag, you may be notified.
How do I find other peoples AirTag?
Finding other peoples AirTag is relatively straightforward, however it will depend on the type of technology being used to find it.
If you’re trying to find an AirTag using an Apple device with an A12 or later chip, you can find it via the “Find My” app on iOS. Open the app and select the “Items” tab at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up a list of any devices that are currently being tracked via the Find My app.
Select the AirTag you would like to find and use the instructions provided to locate it.
If you’re not using an Apple device, then you will be unable to use the Find My app to locate the AirTag. Instead, you need to turn on Nearby Notifications. On iPhones, you can do this by opening the Settings app and selecting “Privacy” and then “Bluetooth.
” You can then section “Nearby Notifications” and enable the toggle. With your Bluetooth function turned on, you will be able to see when an AirTag is nearby.
You can also download third-party apps to search for AirTags. These apps allow you to scan for AirTags in their proximity and can sometimes provide more detailed information about the location of the AirTag.
Overall, finding other people’s AirTags is not difficult. It just depends on the type of technology you are using.
Can AirTags be traced back to owner?
Yes, AirTags can be traced back to the owner. Apple has implemented a Lost Mode system that allows users to enter their contact information, like an email address or phone number, when setting up their AirTag.
If someone finds the AirTag and taps it with their iPhone or NFC-enabled Android device, their contact information will be displayed for them to contact you. Additionally, all AirTags are protected by Apple’s Find My network, which allows them to be located in the Find My app.
This uses Bluetooth, secure communication, and Apple’s vast network of devices to help locate lost items. By using the Find My app, people can not only locate the AirTag but also view the last known location of the item.
So while AirTags aren’t guaranteed to be returnable it is possible to trace them back to the owner.