Apple AirTag has gained popularity among iPhone and iPad users due to its utility in tracking valuables and the trust placed in Apple’s privacy measures. However, potential buyers often have questions, particularly about the range, an aspect Apple doesn’t explicitly clarify. This article will address those concerns and compare AirTag’s range with its primary competitors.
What is the range of Apple AirTag?
The response to this question is more intricate than anticipated. Typically, the range for making an AirTag ring or accessing live location data on your iPhone or iPad’s Find My app is around 33 feet (approximately 10 meters), determined by the Bluetooth radio range of the AirTag. However, this range may differ due to factors such as signal obstacles.
Each Apple AirTag features a U1 chip, enabling Precision Finding on most iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards. This utilizes a special ultra-wideband (UWB) radio, typically triggered within Bluetooth range. The iPhone SE is the only model without support. Precision Finding is also compatible with an Apple Watch when paired with an iPhone 15 and an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2.
For location tracking beyond 33 feet, reliance is on other users in the Find My network. When someone with an iPhone or iPad is within Bluetooth range, the AirTag’s location updates through anonymous encrypted data in iCloud. It’s not real-time tracking, with updates occurring every minute or two to preserve the AirTag’s battery and avoid straining the relaying devices.
How far can you track an AirTag?
Once an AirTag transitions from continuous tracking to periodic updates via the Find My network, there’s no distance restriction. For instance, if your AirTag-equipped electric unicycle is stolen in Chicago but surfaces in Shanghai, you’ll still receive location updates, barring AirTag tampering. This underscores the importance of discreet placement, even with protective holders.
The primary tracking limitation is the density of Apple devices in an area. Urban hubs like Shanghai boast numerous iPhones and iPads, unlike less populated regions such as Kolkata or Kinshasa, where Android devices dominate.
Regardless of location, AirTags’ effectiveness dwindles in rural areas. Placing an AirTag on a remote trail in Yosemite National Park may result in delayed updates, as it relies on someone with an iPhone passing by. In such wilderness scenarios, investing in pricier GPS trackers proves more reliable.
Why does your AirTag say “Not Reachable”?
If the Find My app displays an error message, it suggests that your Apple AirTag is currently in a location where nearby iPhones or iPads can’t establish a Bluetooth connection. This hinders the updating of your AirTag’s location data. While the advice is to “move around to connect,” it only works if you can personally get within the 33 feet Bluetooth range of AirTags. If you’re unable to reach your AirTag, you’ll have to rely on someone with an iPhone or iPad passing by to trigger a Find My update.
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