How Do Apple AirTags Work: Pricing, Range & Setup Process

Get to understand How do Apple AirTags Work along with its advanced technology, activation process, cost, security features, etc in simple terms with examples:

AirTags are the latest smart device from Apple. These are little trackers shaped like pucks that you can use to locate something stolen or misplaced in coalition with the Find My app. You can attach it to your luggage, keys, and other personal items and use its periodical tags to find their location.

In this article on How do Apple AirTags Work, we will take you through the technology, how apple AirTags work, supported iPhones and OSes, and related concerns that users have relating to its use. So, read the article carefully before you stick Apple’s AirTags on every item you have.

How Do Apple AirTags Work: Step-by-Step Guide

AirTags from Apple are small round disks of metal. They are a bit bigger and thicker than one-dollar Australian coins. Once you pair this device with your belongings, you can track their location in the Find My app. To use it, ensure your location data is turned on and available.

They use ultra-wideband technology which means they can transmit information across a wide radio bandwidth ranging from 500MHz to several gigahertz. Since it doesn’t use the 2.4GHz frequencies, that means there’s no interference in the signal and it makes it compatible with other wireless technologies as well.

It is low power and sends pulses to every alternate nanosecond and that’s how it provides real-time data. It also uses the network of Apple’s existing devices like a crowdsourced beacon for pinging each other to discover the location of your missing item.

Each AirTag comes with a unique identifier that transmits using Bluetooth to any compatible iOS device within 100 meters. The device then relays that identifier and its location information to Apple’s server. You can then log into your Find My App and access the location details of your missing item.

These tags don’t have GPS. They just ping the nearest Apple device that has Bluetooth enabled and the location data of that device does the rest. Only iPhone 11 and more recent devices support this Ultra Wideband technology for precise location tracking that also extends to directional finding. That means your phone can point you toward your Tag, wherever it is.

Now you know how do Apple AirTags work.

How AirTags Work – Do AirTags Keep Information Private

What are the security features of AirTag? Does AirTag offer any features that can prevent its misuse?

[image source]

We just told you how Air Tag works and we know it feels a lot like stalking technology. Although the kind of data it transmits is not worrying, the number and scale of devices involved can be disconcerting. When you use AirTag, you effectively avail yourself of a monitoring network that’s global with millions and millions of devices.

We mean every iPhone with its Bluetooth turned on listens for AirTag and when it finds one, it uploads the identifier details of the tag and its location to Apple’s server. This highlights privacy concerns.

It also uses your data a little, which is fine unless you are traveling internationally. If you haven’t disabled data roaming, it can hit you with considerable unexpected charges. That’s how Apple Air Tag works, by transmitting data.

Apple has implemented certain safeguards to notice and prevent stalking by using AirTags. When it seems that the AirTag is with someone who isn’t its owner, it triggers an alert on the victim’s phone. However, the Tag can also receive an audible alert but can be easily evaded.

There was an experiment that revealed that you can put a tag on a person and as long as it regularly keeps connecting to the stalker’s device, it will not trigger any safeguards. Also, you can turn off the alerts. That means the aggressor of domestic violence can coerce the victim to turn off the Tag. It is more concerning.

The number of AirTags is increasing, so if you are an Apple user, you might get annoyed at receiving ‘AirTag found moving with you’ messages now and then. Dismissing the prompts can be very tiring, especially if it’s the same kind. It is also safe to presume that these devices will be hacked and put to nefarious use sooner or later. Abuse of technology is not unheard of.

However, you can avoid all of that by turning off your Bluetooth and location services. If you disable your Bluetooth, your device will not capture the beacons from AirTags and you will not be reporting Tag proximity without your location services.

That will also mean you will not be able to use Bluetooth devices like headphones, smartwatches, etc. You will not be able to locate your missing wallets and keys using AirTags.

How Much Do AirTags Cost and Where Can I Buy it

One AirTag costs $29 and you can buy a pack of four at $99. This price does not include accessories that you will need along with them. You can buy them from Apple stores or websites.

How to Use AirTag

Finally, we have come to the most awaited question for those still unfamiliar with AirTags- how to use Apple AirTag? This is the next important question: how does an AirTag work?

Here’s how to set up AirTag:

Things you will need to get your device ready for setup:

• An iOS 14.5/iPadOS 14.5 or later device
• Activated Find My app
• Activated Bluetooth
• Strong cellular or Wi-Fi connection
• Activated Location Services and Precise Location

How to Activate Location Services and Precise Location

#1) Go to Settings

#2) Select Privacy

#3) Turn on Location Services

#4) Scroll Down and select Maps

#5) Check the box beside While Using the App

#6) Turn on the Precise Location

How to Use Apple AirTag

Once your device is ready for setup, you can start the process.

#1) Remove the wrap-around AirTag and pull it out to activate the battery.

[image source]

#2) You should hear a sound from the Tag

#3) Hold your Tag near your device

#4) Tap Connect

[image source]

#5) Make sure only the AirTag you are connecting to is near your device

#6) Pick a name from the list or type a custom name and an emoji for your Tag

#7) Select Continue

[image source]

#8) Tap again on continue to register it with your Apple ID

#9) Select Done

Now Attach it to the item of your choice and track it using the Find My app.

Things You Can Track With AirTags

Anything actually. You can track anything with Apple AirTags. It could be your keys and wallets that we most commonly misplace. For example, you can use it on a remote because it can slip between the gaps of the recliner.

You can also use it on your bicycle, bike, car, or even your spouse, which we don’t recommend since it will be called stalking. It helps that these tags are extremely durable and can withstand harsh conditions like rough use, extreme weather, being stomped on, or machine washed. However, I advise you to handle them with care for their long life.

Now, you must be thinking, do AirTags need to be charged? The answer is no. Apple AirTags come with CR2032 batteries that can be replaced. They last almost a year and your iOS device will tell you when you need to change the battery. Now you know how the Apple Tag works and what you can track with it.

How to Remove an AirTag from My Apple ID

Removing an AirTag is very easy. Here’s how you can remove AirTag from your Apple ID.

#1) Open your Find My app

#2) From the list of AirTags, tap on the one you want to remove.

#3) Swipe it up to access the full settings.

#4) Tap on Remove Item.

#5) Tap again on Remove

It’s done.

How to Replace an Apple AirTag battery

Like every other battery, the battery of your AirTag will die as well.

Here’s how you can replace its battery:

• Press down and rotate the AirTags’s polished stainless steel battery cover counterclockwise
• Remove the cover
• Take out the battery
• Insert a new CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery
• Keep the positive side up
• Once the battery is connected, you will hear a sound
• Replace the cover with three tabs aligned with the three slots
• Rotate it clockwise until it stops moving

Can Apple AirTag be Used to Track a Child

Well, yes, you can use Apple AirTags to track a child. Whether they are within Bluetooth range or have moved further, as long as they have AirTag and you have an Apple Device, you can track them using the Find My app. AirTags works excellently as trackers, especially in big towns, cities, and other densely populated areas.

AirTag can work offline as well. You can track your child as long as they are within the range of any Apple device. The Find My app comes with end-to-end encryption, so no one else can see the identity of the devices involved. Also, the CR2032 used in AirTags can last for a year. So, you don’t have to worry about charging the tracker every time before your child goes out.

Further Reading => Spoof iPhone Location Quickly Using Dr.Fone

Frequently Asked Questions

Suggested Reading =>> Compare Top Apple Watch Apps

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to how do the Apple AirTags work? how to use it, and whether it is safe. We have also told you the versions of iOS it is compatible with.

If you keep losing things or if you wish to know where your things are at all times, AirTag can be very useful for you. However, we don’t recommend relying on technology a lot.