The Apple AirTag is one of the most powerful and user friendly tracking devices available. The AirTag seamlessly integrates with the Find My ecosystem to help you keep track of your belongings.
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Whether you’re looking to locate misplaced keys, luggage, backpacks, or even your car, AirTags offer precise location tracking using Apple’s vast network of devices.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up and track an Apple AirTag using an iPhone or Apple Watch, explore smart ways to use them in daily life, and discuss key features like Precision Finding and Lost Mode. Whether you’re a first-time user or looking to maximise your AirTag’s potential, this post will cover everything you need to know to get started.
My Own Application of the Apple AirTag
I have been using a number of Apple AirTags from their 2021 launch. The following cover my four main applications:.
- Luggage Tracking for Travel
Place an AirTag inside your suitcase to track its location at airports. If your bag is lost or delayed, you’ll know exactly where it is (as long as there are Apple devices nearby). - Wallet Tracking
Some wallets and third-party slim cardholders integrate AirTags seamlessly. Quite often the FindMy App has to locate my wallet in my own house. It’s oddly easier to locate an AirTag in a built up area (with other Apple devices), tracking at home is sometimes problematic. I should my AirTag is squeezed into one of the card slots, it works perfectly. - Camera and other Expensive Equipment Tracking
Photographers, videographers, and musicians can hide AirTags inside their camera cases, drones, guitars, or amplifiers to help locate misplaced or (stolen gear… see later on theft tracking). - Car Key Tracking
This my biggest AirTag application. The number of times the Find May app has rescued me is countless. Belkin offer some really nice (and low cost) Apple AirTag holder keyring.
How the Apple AirTag Works
The AirTag emits a secure Bluetooth signal, detectable by millions of Apple devices in the Find My network. These devices anonymously relay the AirTag’s location to iCloud, displaying it on your Find My map. Apple continues to prioritise privacy and encryption, ensuring tracking remains secure.
Apple AirTag Easy Setup
Setting up an Apple AirTag is nearly instantaneous. Simply unbox it, remove the tab, and your iPhone will automatically detect it. Assign a name such as “Camera Bag”, “Wallet” or “Car Keys”. It’s that easy.
Precision AirTag Finding & Ping Alerts
If your Apple AirTag is nearby, the precision finding feature (available on iPhone 11 and later) uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to guide you with on-screen directional arrows and distance indicators. For lost items further away, Lost Mode leverages the Find My network to help recover them.
Apple has continued refining anti-stalking features to prevent misuse. If an unknown AirTag is detected traveling with you for an extended period, you’ll receive an alert, and the AirTag will eventually play a sound.
See Apple’s Unwanted Tracking Update (February 2022)
Can AirTags Help Track Stolen Items?
Apple maintains that AirTags are designed for lost items, not theft prevention. Since AirTags alert nearby users of their presence, a thief may quickly detect and remove them. However, some users hide AirTags inside bags or gear to discreetly track stolen possessions.
AirTag Battery Life
The Apple AirTag battery lasts around 12 to 18 months, depending on usage. My key AirTag lasted around 14 months before it needed to be replaced. The AirTag is powered by the popular CR2032 battery and changing the battery is relatively easy. There are plenty of YouTube videos if are unsure.
How to Track an AirTag Using the Apple iPhone
Apple iPhone 11 and later models use the next-gen Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip, offering even more precise tracking indoors and in crowded areas.
Click the arrow to reveal tracking instructions for iPhone.
1. Open the Find My App
- On your iPhone, open the Find My app.
- Tap on the Items tab at the bottom.
- Select the AirTag you want to track.
2. Use Precision Finding 2.0 (If Nearby)
- If the AirTag is close by, tap Find Nearby.
- Your iPhone will activate Precision Finding 2.0, guiding you with:
- Directional arrows
- Distance in feet or meters
- Haptic feedback (vibrations as you get closer)
- Augmented Reality (AR) overlay on Pro models (if supported)
3. Play a Sound on the AirTag
- If the AirTag is nearby but hidden (e.g., under a couch), tap Play Sound to make it beep.
- This is useful for quickly locating misplaced items although I find it a little hit and miss.
4. View the AirTag’s Location on a Map (If Far Away)
- If the AirTag is not nearby, the map will show its last known location using Apple’s Find My Network (Millions of Apple devices anonymously help update its location).
5. Enable Lost Mode (If Needed)
- If you lose your AirTag, tap Lost Mode in the Find My app.
- Enter a contact number or email so whoever finds it can return it.
- Apple’s Find My Network will alert you if it’s detected anywhere.
6. Ask Siri
If it’s far, Siri will show its last known location.
You can say: “Hey Siri, where’s my [AirTag name]?”
If it’s nearby, Siri will ping it or activate Precision Finding.
How to Track an AirTag Using Your Apple Watch
Click the arrow to show Apple Watch Tracking Instructions.
1. Open the Find Devices App
- On your Apple Watch, open the Find Devices app (formerly part of Find My).
- This app is available on watchOS 8 and later.
2. Select Your AirTag
- Scroll through the list of devices linked to your iCloud account.
- Tap on the AirTag you want to track.
3. View the AirTag’s Location
- Your watch will show the last known location of the AirTag on a map.
- If the AirTag is nearby, you’ll see a rough estimate of its distance.
4. Play a Sound on the AirTag
- Tap Play Sound to make the AirTag emit an audible tone.
- This helps you find it if it’s nearby but out of sight (e.g., under a couch, in a bag).
5. Enable Lost Mode (If Needed)
- If the AirTag is far away or lost, scroll down and select Lost Mode.
- This notifies you when it’s found and allows others to contact you if they discover it.
Precision Finding Work on Apple Watch
Sadly, Precision Finding (the directional arrows and distance meter) is only available on iPhone 11 or later with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support. The Apple Watch doesn’t have a UWB chip, so it can’t provide turn-by-turn guidance to your AirTag.
Apple AirTag: Final Thoughts
After extensive use, AirTags remain a reliable way to keep track of personal belongings. Alerts haven’t spammed my family members when I’m away, suggesting AirTags may recognise familiar locations to avoid unnecessary notifications.
Apple continues refining AirTags. Some limitations still exist in terms of unwanted tracking and theft tracking. It would be great to see the Apple AirTag being integrated into the Apple Home system for custom location based automations. With all that said the Apple AirTag remains a must-have for Apple users who want effortless tracking within the ‘Find My’ ecosystem.
Links:
30 Days with the Apple Watch
The Apple AirTag (Amazon affiliate)
There was quite a bit of debate but we have concluded the AirTag is categorised as wearable technology rather than Smart Home… for now, anyway.
