What’s an Apple AirTag and How Does It Work?
Apple trackers can help you find lost objects, including your lost devices. However, these trackers called AirTags, can be used to track someone’s whereabouts invisibly, and this is a big deal. We’ve got some suggestions to help you avoid stalkers.
What is an Apple AirTag?
A customers holds the new green colour Apple iPhone 13 pro shortly after it went on sale inside the Apple Store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., March 18, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Segar/
Apple’s AirTag is a Bluetooth device equipped with tracking ability.
However, they are not GPS trackers, but they emit secured Bluetooth signals that are detectable by adjacent Find My network devices like an iPhone. AirTags work as a tracker that aids in the recovery of a misplaced item.
Apple’s tracking devices claim to help you find lost keys, bags, or other items, but there’s a chance that someone may try to monitor you using one of the small discs.
Although Apple has built-in safeguards to prevent unwanted tracking, it’s still possible for someone to slip an AirTag into your luggage, coat pocket, or car without your permission and follow your movements.
Do AirTags Use My Location?
The AirTags themselves cannot track their whereabouts because they lack GPS technology. Instead, they just “ping” the nearest Bluetooth-enabled device, such as the iPhone, and leave the rest to its location data.
What if Someone Finds A Lost AirTag?
For AirTag Connected to an iPhone or iPad– It’s very easy to locate the Apple device separated from its owner, but is it such a big deal to locate lost Airtags, and what if lost mode is turned on for it? For instance, someone has lost AirTag, turned on Lost Mode, and is waiting for someone to find it. If a stranger encounters an AirTag in lost mode, there are several options to revert to a legitimate owner. For iPhone users, open the Find My app on the iPhone, scroll to the bottom of the item list, and tap Identify Found Items. The message and the AirTag owner’s contact info will be displayed for easy return.
Non-iPhone users do not have access to the Find My app, but Apple allows these users to find the owner of an AirTag in lost mode. If someone finds an AirTag in lost mode, all they have to do is hold the AirTag on the back of their Android device. AirTag uses NFC tap to send a secure URL to the FindMy website, and when that person is tapped, that person will see the AirTag owner’s message and phone number.
How Do Stalkers Use The AirTag?
The use of Airtags by stalkers to track unsuspecting individuals is a sad and worrisome new trend. People are discovering the wireless tags — that don’t belong to them — on their person or connected to or hidden in their things.
AirTags were discovered in expensive vehicles that were later stolen, according to Canadian law enforcement. Many reports have surfaced on social media in recent months about people discovering AirTags disguised in their things.
On Most Apple AirTag issues received gotten by Apple, they have been actively collaborating with law authorities. AirTag misuse is infrequent, according to research and talks with law enforcement, yet, each occurrence is one too many.
A serial number is assigned to each AirTag, and connected AirTags are linked to an Apple ID. In response to a legitimate subpoena or request from law enforcement, Apple can give the paired account details. This can be used to track an AirTag back to the perpetrator, who will definitely be captured and charged.
Do Stalkers Know Where I Am At With Airtag?
There are two ways you might be notified if an AirTag is near you and potentially tracking your whereabouts. If you are holding of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you may receive an unwanted tracking alert on your iPhone or any other device that says “AirTag found moving with you” and “The owner can view the location of this AirTag.”
You must take the following steps to receive this alert: Turn on Location Services in the Privacy section of your iPhone settings. Scroll down to System Services in Find My iPhone, then to Significant Locations and set it on. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled, then open the Find My app, select the Me tab, and enable Item Safety Alerts.
You must take the following steps to receive this alert:
Step 1
Turn on Location Services in the Privacy section of your iPhone or iPad settings.
Step 2
Scroll down to System Services in Find My iPhone, then to Significant Locations and set it on.
Step 3
Make sure Bluetooth connections are enabled, then open the Find My app, select the Me tab, and enable Item Safety Alerts.
Android users can download the Tracker Detect app from the Google Play store, which can locate nearby AirTags.
If you do not use Apple products or iPhones, you’ll get a foreign AirTag alert through beeping sounds emitted by the Airtag. An AirTag has a built-in speaker that can play a sound to help locate AirTag.
Can AirTags Be Used To Track Me At All Times?
If Airtags follow iPhone users for a long time, Apple’s privacy protections will alert them. However, Android phones do not have software paired with Airtags that permits that alert. Instead, Apple has added extra security for spouses that are Android users, kids, or stalking targets by disabling AirTags that haven’t connected with their attached iPhone in three days.
After three days, the AirTag will beep to signal its presence.
If you’re being followed, the idea is that you’ll hear it and disable or remove the AirTag. Of course, if it’s in a difficult-to-find location, you might not hear it.
Furthermore, Apple will presumably disconnect devices for iPhone users from the Find My network remotely after a period of time. Apple won’t be able to do it in a timely manner, as this would jeopardize the AirTag’s ability to be found. After that, Apple should do it.
However, Apple must do so after a period of time to prevent precisely this type of digitally intensified stalking.
What Are The Risks To Using AirTags With Your Apple Devices?
The Apple AirTags are largely used to track down the automobile owner’s whereabouts and cars can be easily stolen through this process, but AirTags itself isn’t the reason for the actual theft. The burglars utilize traditional means to get access to the car, such as using a screwdriver.
To protect their customers, Apple has promised them that the entire procedure in using AirTags is totally anonymous and encrypted to keep some information private; not even Apple knows the location of your AirTags. The fact that only you can see your AirTag at first appears to be a huge plus for your security, but this is where the difficulty begins.
An AirTag can essentially be used as a tracking device for sinister purposes, such as compulsive partners stalking their other half, toxic ex-partners stalking their vulnerable former spouse, or even unscrupulous bosses tracking their employees’ movements in and out of the office, traveling, and the whereabouts of delivery staff. These devices throw up a potentially deadly box of worms, posing a slew of major privacy concerns.
It is vital that individuals learn how to verify if an AirTag is in their area and then what to do if one is found.
Apple AirTags have unrivaled efficiency in the industry, with a battery life of over a year, minimal data usage, and water resistance, so it will monitor you until you turn off the power.
What if I Discover One Airtag?
Removing the battery of an AirTag is the best way to turn it off. Flip the AirTag over so the metallic side with the Apple logo faces you. Turn the logo counterclockwise by pressing down on it. You’ll be able to pop out the battery now that the cover has been removed.
According to Apple’s AirTag support page, if you fear you are in a risky scenario, you should contact the authorities. “If you believe your safety is in jeopardy, contact local law enforcement, who can work with Apple to obtain information on the item.” The AirTag, AirPods, Find My network accessories, and the device’s serial number may be required.”
Holding the top of an iPhone or other near-field communication-enabled smartphone against the white side of an AirTag is one technique to figure out the serial number. The serial number will be displayed on a website. If you’re unsure about scanning the AirTag or don’t have the necessary equipment, a serial number is printed beneath the battery on the device.
How Long Is An Airtag Battery Life?
Apple Airtag battery life varies, and depending on how it is used; the AirTag battery life span is approximately a year. The Battery life based solely on the daily use of 4 PlaySound events and one Precision Finding event per everyday use, environmental factors, and other reasons.
However, the battery can be removed. To remove the battery, remove the metal side from the AirTag and remove the internal battery. If you try to replace your AirTag battery, you can replace the battery with another CR2032 Lithium coin.
You can get batteries from a good replacement battery manufacturer on any e-commerce site. Pansonic is a good place to start since It’s the standard battery for a lot of gadgets, and it’s also the standard battery for Apple AirTag. The Panasonic CR2032 button battery is mercury-free and environmentally friendly. It has a voltage of 3 volts and a capacity of 210 mAh.
How Do I Remove An Airtag From My Apple ID?
It is not possible to delete an Airtag from your Apple ID until you have checked in using a mobile device, such as an iPhone or iPad. This implies that you won’t be able to uninstall Airtag on Mac devices or any other computer. Listed below are steps to help you fix this.
On Your iPhone:
Using Apple’s Find My app, you can erase Airtag from your ID. The steps are as follows:
- On your iPhone, open the Find My app.
- From the bottom menu, select the Items tab.
- This is where you’ll find the item to which your Airtag is attached.
- Tap this item and swipe up to see “Remove Item,” which you can then tap.
- On the following page, hit Remove and then Confirm.
That’s it; your Airtag will be deactivated and can be reconnected to another ID.
On iPad:
The steps for an iPad are almost the same as the iPhone, and all you have to do is utilize the iPad’s Find My app. Follow the instructions below:
- On your iPad, launch the Find My app.
- Next, go to the Items tab and tap on the item you want to get rid of.
- Swipe left and tap “Remove Item.”
- On the confirmation pop-up, tap Remove.
That’s it; your Airtag will no longer be linked to your Apple ID or that item, and you can use it with any other item and Apple ID.
How Safe Is It To Use AirTag?
Apple’s AirTags appear to be a logical solution for folks who are constantly losing their keys, phone, and other valuables.
Apple has built-in certain safeguards to prevent unwanted tracking with your AirTags. However, it is not the same as when AirTags are secretly installed in your items to stalk you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AirTag Water Resistant?
After a testing conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, the AirTag received an IP67 grade under IEC standard 60529, which implies splash, water, and dust resistance.
The IP67 rating of the AirTag is the same as the iPhone X. This means that AirTag is completely dust resistant and is waterproof when submerged in a maximum depth of one meter of water for 30 minutes.
In theory, an AirTag can be covered in dust or dropped into a deep puddle of a meter’s maximum depth or even a glass of normal water and will probably last for a few minutes. However, be careful about trying this as a party trick. Water or dust resistance can decline due to normal wear over time, and unfortunately, Apple does not cover liquid damage.
How To Dry Airtag
You can follow the cleaning and drying instructions that can be found in the Safety and Handling guidelines. Or follow the following steps below to dry it.
It is not recommended to blow off the AirTag or dry it with compressed air. This can cause more damage to the AirTag by blowing the liquid deep into the electronic device.
- First, wipe the water on the outside of the AirTag with a microfiber
cloth. Keep AirTag relatively stationary. If you move it too much, water droplets may slip inside and damage the battery. - After drying the outside, open AirTag. To do this, press and hold the AirTag’s metal battery cover, then twist it counterclockwise until the battery cover pops out.
- Then remove the AirTag battery. Place the AirTag, battery cover, and battery on a flat surface.
- If you have desiccants such as silica packets, consider wrapping them around AirTag components to speed up the whole process. Often, shoe boxes and shipping containers contain desiccants.
- Allow sufficient time for the AirTag to dry completely. This will probably take several hours. When all AirTag components are dry, reassemble the AirTag. If you want to test it, open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and see if you can make a sound.
How Does Apple Prevent Abuse?
Apple has built security features into all AirTags to prevent stalkers from tracking people. For individuals with iOS 14.5 or upgraded iOS devices, when you didn’t register an AirTag with your Apple ID is “following”, you’ll receive a push notification from the Find My app. Even if you’re using an older iPhone or Android smartphone that can’t run iOS 14.5, it will still detect AirTags that are out of range of your parent phone, so you’ll be alerted to isolated AirTags that may be nearby.
The noise begins after 3 days.
Since early 2022, Apple has announced that it will step up AirTag’s security measures after more and more cases of AirTag abuse that others use to track people in other to maintain the satisfaction of customers and also their safe. These new security measures include early notification if an unknown AirTag continues, and if you’re using an iPhone 11 or later, use an accurate search to get the exact AirTag.
How Often Does Airtag Update Its Location Data?
Depends on the situation! AirTag does not send its location directly to your iPhone. Instead, they transfer their location history to an iPhone or other nearby device on Apple’s “Find My” network.
These devices share that information automatically and securely. If the AirTag is in an area with lots of iPhones coming and going, that location may update every minute or two.
However, if AirTag’s location is a relatively uncrowded area, the AirTag literally can’t reach you unless there are other Find My devices within that area, so you can stop receiving location updates.
Is It Possible To Trigger Airtag To Make A Sound?
Yes, if the AirTag is within the Bluetooth range of your iPhone, you can make a sound on the AirTag to make it easier to find. This is especially useful if your iPhone does not support the advanced precision finding feature.
To create a sound with AirTag, go to the FindMy application, click the Items tab, select the AirTag you want to search for, and select Play Sound.
You can also request for Siri to locate it by saying, “Hey Siri, find my (*insert the suspected object).”
How Is Airtag, Apple Tracker Different From Tile Trackers?
There are two main differences between Apple’s AirTags and Tile trackers. AirTags can anonymously communicate with any Apple device using the Find My network, such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Tile depends on the device with the downloaded Tile application. This means that you can track AirTag better in these scenarios, as there are far more iPhones and several other Apple devices than the device on the Tile application download.
Another big difference is that AirTag has a Precision Finding feature that leverages Apple’s U1 chip (and the iPhone’s accelerometer and gyroscope). When you’re within Bluetooth range, the Find My app will show an arrow to show you the exact location of your AirTag. The catch is that Precision
Finding is only available on iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models. This is because the iPhone with Apple’s U1 chip is the only one so far.
Can You Find Airtags With Apple Watch?
The ability to locate your AirTags using only your watch is an intriguing new feature.
1. Tap on the Home button on your Apple Watch screen.
2. Choose Find Items.
3. Select the AirTag you’re looking for by tapping its name.
4. To locate your AirTag, use either Play Sound or Directions.
5. The options to play a sound with the built-in speaker and Directions will turn gray if you are in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage, and you will need to try again once you are in an area with service or internet connection.
Can A Stalker View An Airtag`s Location Records?
The answer is no. However, the FindMy app will let you see the last known location of any given AirTag this is related to your account, but you can’t view the direction of an AirTag over time; neither is the place records of an AirTag contained in the tag itself.
This is partly an attempt to use Apple to limit AirTag’s applicability as a monitoring device, in combination with a few different security features, and the purpose of detecting and alerting you to AirTags that isn’t yours unless their owner is around.
How Do You Get Information On An Airtag, Find My Network Accessory, Or A Pair Of Airpods, As Well As Disable Them?
If you’ve got an unknown AirTag, you could observe these steps to locate an AirTag, AirPods, or other Find My network item if you receive a notification that one is traveling with you.
- First, see if you can play a sound on the unknown attachment using the Find My app on your iPhone: You should tap the alert.
- After that, tap Continue and then Play Sound.
- Keep your ears open for the sound. If you need extra time to find the object, you can play it again.
If you don’t have the option to play a sound, the object may no longer be with you. Its identity may have changed if it was with you overnight. FindMy utilizes the identifier to make sure you’re moving with the same item.
The sound feature will not work if the item is within the range of its owner.
Look through your stuff to see whether the choice to play a sound isn’t available or if you can’t hear the sound and believe the object is still with you. Look for this device on your person or anything you have in your possession that could contain it. It could be in a pocket of your clothing, the outside compartment of a backpack, or your vehicle, which you don’t check often. If you can’t discover the gadget and are concerned about your safety, go to a public spot and call law enforcement.
Related Articles
Is It Possible For People With Other Apple Devices To Track An Airtag?
No, your AirTag can only be possible for tracking with an Apple ID that belongs to only you.
This means that the same AirTag is not for sharing by more than one person, even if it’s a family-sharing group.
One AirTag is not compatible to multiple Apple IDs, so you can only track it by just this Apple ID.
AirTag’s connection is impossible to a series of iCloud accounts. Once an AirTag is in pairing with your Apple ID, only the owner can unpair it.
Conclusion
AirTags are fantastic small instruments for aiding in the recovery of misplaced items like your keys or remote controls. Unfortunately, they can easily slip into a luggage or attach to a vehicle for the purpose of causing injury.
However, Bluetooth trackers are continuously developing, and AirTags will soon be available that are relatively safe to use.
Always check your items for unknown AirTags and deactivate them if you find them.
