How far does an AirTag work ? (2024)

Chapter 4

The Apple AirTag has captured attention for its ability to locate lost items. However, an important question looms: what is its actual range? In this article, we'll delve into the technologies behind the AirTag, including Bluetooth, Crowd GPS, and Ultra Wideband, and explore their range and limitations in various contexts.

Reading time : 3 min

• Understanding AirTag technolog
• AirTag and pet tracking

Understanding AirTag technology

Bluetooth and the AirTag

The AirTag's core functionality hinges on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a technology that allows it to communicate with nearby Apple devices, such as iPhones, to transmit its location. BLE's key advantage is its low power consumption, which is essential for a small device like the AirTag that relies on limited battery life. This energy efficiency allows the AirTag to function for extended periods.

However, Bluetooth's range is relatively short, typically around 50 meters (or 160 feet) in open spaces. This means that once the AirTag moves beyond this distance from an Apple device, it loses its ability to communicate with it, rendering long-distance tracking impossible. For users hoping to track an item over extended distances, this can be a significant drawback.

Crowd GPS and ultra wideband

How it works

To address Bluetooth's limited range, the AirTag employs "Crowd GPS," a feature that enables detection by any nearby iOS device, forming a larger detection network. This network allows the AirTag to be tracked even if it is out of range of its owner's iPhone, provided there are other Apple users nearby. The effectiveness of Crowd GPS increases in urban areas, where there are more Apple devices.

Moreover, newer AirTag models include Ultra Wideband (UWB), a technology offering more precise short-range tracking compared to Bluetooth. UWB enables users to pinpoint objects with high accuracy, which is particularly useful in cluttered environments or indoors. This combination of UWB and Crowd GPS provides a comprehensive solution for locating items, even when they are far from their owner.

Limits

However, the effectiveness of Crowd GPS and UWB depends on specific factors, including the density of Apple devices in the area and the availability of UWB-compatible iPhones. In areas with fewer Apple devices or where older iPhone models are prevalent, Crowd GPS and UWB's effectiveness can diminish.

AirTag and pet tracking

AirTag's limitations for pets

The use of AirTags for pet tracking presents substantial challenges. The primary issue is Bluetooth's limited range. In a closed space, Bluetooth's effective range is only about 30 feet, making it insufficient for tracking pets that tend to wander far. An animal can quickly move beyond this range, making AirTag tracking unreliable, particularly in emergencies where every minute counts.

The second challenge arises from AirTag's reliance on Crowd GPS. This network's effectiveness hinges on the density of Apple devices nearby. In rural or less populated areas, where Apple devices are sparse, tracking can become ineffective. This inconsistency can be a major concern for pet owners living in or visiting rural areas.

Safety concerns

Another significant concern is safety. Apple has advised against using AirTags for pet tracking due to potential health risks. Veterinarians have reported incidents of animals swallowing these devices, posing serious health hazards. The Wall Street Journal also reported on these concerns, highlighting the importance of choosing tracking devices specifically designed for pets.

In comparison, alternative pet trackers use GPS and cellular networks, offering broader coverage and accurate tracking without depending on nearby devices. These trackers provide a more reliable solution for pet tracking.

Weenect: a better solution

Real-time tracking with no distance limits

Weenect provides GPS trackers specifically designed for dogs and cats. These trackers use a combination of GPS and cellular networks to offer extensive coverage and precise location tracking, regardless of distance. This provides real-time tracking, which is crucial in case an animal goes missing or escapes.

Features designed for animals

Weenect trackers are weather-resistant, securely attachable to pet collars, and include features such as a remote-activated flashlight, sound alerts for training, and activity tracking. This helps pet owners monitor their pets' movements, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Additionally, Weenect trackers offer long battery life, virtual safety zones, and personalized alerts, creating a comprehensive solution for reliable pet tracking. This ensures pet owners can track their pets effectively and securely, regardless of the environment or situation.