Airtags are small tracking devices that are designed to help you find misplaced or lost items. Apple launched it in 2001. Since then they have enjoyed great popularity. But how does an Airtag actually work?
The Air tags from Apple are small devices designed to locate lost or misplaced items such as keys, wallets or bags. The tracking devices can also be useful when traveling or when keeping pets safe. To make this possible, they use a combination of several technologies.
How does an Airtag work?
Airtags use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This means they emit a weak Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices. For example, if the Airtag is attached to a lost key, the iPhone can detect the corresponding signal within a certain range.
In addition, the tracking devices are in Apples Find My Network integrated. This is an encrypted, anonymous network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices that helps locate objects. This means Airtags can be located even without an iPhone.
Any other Apple device nearby can also receive the Bluetooth signal and forward the respective location to iCloud. This process is typically anonymous and encrypted, ensuring privacy is protected.
Newer iPhones also have a U1 chip, which UWB technology used. This enables more precise location. In this way, an exact direction and distance to the corresponding Airtag can be determined using “precision search”.
Through the so-called Near Field Communication (NFC), other people who find an Airtag also have the opportunity to contact the searchers. If the device is in lost mode, NFC-enabled smartphones can read the chip. The prerequisite: Airtag users must have provided appropriate contact details such as a telephone number.
Activate AirTags
Before you can use an Airtag, you must first use it activate. To do this, you first add it to the “Find My?” network. You think the Airtag is that next to your iPhone or iPad. An action field will then appear on the respective screen. There you tap on “Connect“.
Then give your Airtag a name and click on “Further“. With another click on “Further“ you register it with your Apple ID. Using the button “Ready“ you complete the process.
From now on you can also find your Airtag via Bluetooth. If it’s nearby, the Find My app will show you its location. The application can also give you the exact distance and show you which direction to go.
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The article Apple tracking device: How does an Airtag actually work? by Beatrice Bode first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.