No Monthly Fees, Just Peace of Mind!

Discover the freedom of Moto Watchdog GPS trackers — where tracking meets security without the hassle of monthly subscriptions.

✓ No Subscriptions
✓ No Renewal Fees
✓ No Activation Fees

Privacy Notice: We don't sell or share any data with any third parties which includes insurance companies or advertisers.

No activations fees
No monthly fees
No renewal fees
Nov 8, 2025

What Are AirTags Used For: A Complete Guide to Apple's Tracking Device Applications

What Are AirTags Used For: A Complete Guide to Apple's Tracking Device Applications

AirTags have changed how people keep track of their belongings. These small, coin-sized devices attach to almost any item and use Apple's Find My network to help locate lost objects through a smartphone app.

Close-up of Apple AirTags attached to keys and a backpack, with a person holding a smartphone showing a location map indoors.

AirTags are mainly used to track keys, wallets, backpacks, luggage, and other items that are often misplaced. They can also help monitor pets, share location data with family members, and protect valuable equipment.

The devices work through Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband technology, and crowdsourced location data from millions of Apple devices. They also offer privacy protections and work across Apple's ecosystem.

What Are AirTags?

Close-up of an AirTag device placed among keys, a wallet, and a backpack on a white surface.

AirTags are small, coin-sized tracking devices made by Apple. They help users locate misplaced items using Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband, and NFC technology.

These devices connect to Apple's Find My network to provide location tracking for everyday objects.

How AirTags Work

AirTags work as Bluetooth trackers and communicate with nearby Apple devices to report their location. When attached to an item, the AirTag broadcasts a secure Bluetooth signal.

AirTags do not have built-in GPS. Instead, they rely on nearby Apple devices to detect their signal and send location information back to the owner through the Find My app.

Each AirTag uses a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts about one year. The device enters low-power mode when not in use to save battery.

Users can make their AirTag play a sound to help find nearby items. AirTags also support NFC, so someone who finds a lost item can tap the AirTag with their phone to view contact information.

Apple's Find My Network Explained

The Find My network includes hundreds of millions of Apple devices that help locate lost AirTags. When an AirTag goes missing, nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs can detect its Bluetooth signal and send the location to Apple's servers.

This process is automatic and anonymous. The device that detects the AirTag does not know it is helping, and the AirTag owner does not know which device provided the information.

The network works even when the AirTag is far from its owner's device. If someone travels with a lost item containing an AirTag, any Apple device in the area can help update its position.

Apple encrypts all location data and requires authentication before revealing an AirTag's position.

Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband, and NFC Technology

AirTags use Bluetooth for basic communication with nearby Apple devices, with a range of about 30 feet. Ultra Wideband technology enables precise finding when users are close to their AirTag.

This feature works with iPhone 11 and newer models. It provides directional guidance and shows the distance to the AirTag in the Find My app.

The Ultra Wideband chip lets the iPhone display arrows and distance information, guiding users directly to the lost item. This works best indoors and in areas with little interference.

NFC is a backup communication method. Anyone who finds a lost AirTag can tap it with an NFC-enabled smartphone to view the owner's contact information, even if they do not have an Apple device.

Setting Up and Using AirTags

A person holding a smartphone next to an AirTag on a table with keys, a backpack, and a laptop in the background.

Setting up an AirTag requires an iPhone with iOS 14.5 or later. The device pairs automatically when brought near a compatible iPhone and connects to the user's Apple ID.

Pairing with iPhone

Users need an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 14.5 or newer. To begin setup, remove the plastic battery tab from the AirTag to activate it.

Hold the AirTag near the iPhone. A setup notification will appear on the screen.

Tap "Connect" when prompted. The iPhone recognizes the AirTag through Bluetooth.

Assign a name to the AirTag from Apple's list or create a custom name. Options include Keys, Wallet, Backpack, or Other.

Confirm your Apple ID password to link the AirTag to your account securely. A confirmation screen appears showing successful pairing.

The AirTag is now connected to the Find My network and ready to use.

Using the Find My App

The Find My app is the main hub for locating AirTags and attached items. Open the app and select the "Items" tab at the bottom.

All registered AirTags appear in a list with their names. Tap on a specific AirTag to see its last known location on a map.

For nearby items, select "Play Sound" to make the AirTag beep. This helps you find items within Bluetooth range.

The "Find" feature provides directions to the AirTag's location. It uses location data from the Find My network.

When an AirTag is out of Bluetooth range, the app will show "No location found" until another Apple device detects it. The Find My network updates the location automatically when this happens.

Users can enable notifications for when they leave an AirTag behind in unfamiliar places.

Connecting to Other Devices

AirTags work only with Apple devices running iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, or macOS Big Sur 11.3 and later. They cannot connect to Android phones or Windows computers.

Family members can locate shared AirTags through their own Find My app if given access. The owner adds authorized users in the app's sharing settings.

iPad users have the same Find My features as iPhone users. Mac computers can display AirTag locations but cannot set them up or play sounds remotely.

The AirTag connects to one Apple ID at a time. To transfer ownership, the current owner must remove the device from their account first.

Other iPhone 11 or later devices help locate lost AirTags through the Find My network. They relay location data automatically and anonymously.

Primary Uses of AirTags

AirTags have three main functions: tracking everyday items like keys, monitoring bags and luggage during travel, and locating vehicles or bicycles in crowded areas.

Finding Lost Keys and Everyday Items

AirTags are great for tracking items that are often misplaced. Attach them to keys, wallets, purses, and remote controls.

The Find My app shows the item's last known location on a map. If the item is nearby, play a sound from the AirTag to find it quickly.

Bluetooth tracking works within about 30 feet of your iPhone. Beyond this range, the Find My network uses other Apple devices to report the AirTag's location.

Common uses include:

  • House and car keys
  • Wallets and purses
  • TV remotes
  • Reading glasses
  • Headphones and earbuds

The loud chime helps find items hidden in cushions or bags.

Keeping Track of Bags and Luggage

Travelers use AirTags to monitor their luggage during trips. The devices help locate bags that airlines misplace or delay.

AirTags fit inside suitcase pockets or attach to bag handles. Users can check their luggage location through the Find My app during travel.

Key travel benefits include:

  • Real-time luggage location tracking
  • Alerts when bags arrive at destinations
  • Peace of mind during connecting flights
  • Quick recovery of lost or stolen luggage

The Find My network covers hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide. This helps track bags even in remote locations.

AirTags give travelers independent tracking beyond airline systems.

Locating Vehicles and Bicycles

AirTags help users find their cars in large parking lots and garages. They work well at airports, shopping malls, and event venues.

Cyclists attach AirTags to their bikes for theft protection and location tracking. The devices can be hidden inside bike frames or under seats.

Vehicle tracking features include:

  • Precision finding with arrows
  • Distance measurements to the vehicle
  • Sound alerts for nearby searches
  • Location history and timestamps

Ultra Wideband technology in newer iPhones provides precise guidance to your vehicle. Users see arrows pointing toward the exact location.

AirTags are not a replacement for dedicated car security systems but offer basic location tracking.

Unique and Creative AirTag Applications

AirTags can be used for more than just keys and wallets. They help monitor pets, enhance child safety, protect valuable equipment, and enable shared tracking among family members.

Pet Tracking

Pet owners can attach AirTags to collars using special holders designed for animals. These holders protect the device from water and impacts.

AirTags work well for indoor pets that hide or escape. The Precision Finding feature helps locate cats under beds or dogs in large yards.

Important notes for pet tracking:

  • AirTags are not GPS devices and need nearby Apple devices to update location
  • Rural areas with fewer iPhones may have limited tracking
  • Battery life is about one year

The Find My network updates pet locations when other Apple users are nearby. AirTags are most effective in populated areas.

Special pet accessories include waterproof cases and breakaway collars. These keep the tracker attached and safe during normal activities.

Child Safety and Monitoring

Parents place AirTags in school backpacks to track their child's location during commutes and school hours. This offers peace of mind without the need for GPS watches.

AirTag holders for children include clip-on accessories for jackets and secure pockets in backpacks. These keep the device attached and hidden.

Precision Finding helps locate children in crowded places like amusement parks or shopping centers. Parents can use their iPhone to follow arrows and vibrations to their child's location.

AirTags placed in lunch boxes or instrument cases help ensure important school items return home.

Safety tips include:

  • Children should know the device's purpose and where it is
  • Replace the battery regularly
  • AirTags are a tool but do not replace direct supervision

Tracking Valuables and Equipment

Photographers attach AirTags to expensive camera bags and lens cases using adhesive AirTag holders. Discrete placement provides theft protection without affecting equipment.

Construction workers place AirTags in tool boxes and power tools. Specialized AirTags accessories include magnetic mounts for metal surfaces and weatherproof cases for outdoor sites.

Musicians track instruments by placing AirTags inside cases or attaching them to stands. The Find My network provides location updates when instruments move between venues.

Common valuable items for AirTag tracking:

  • Bicycles and scooters
  • Laptop bags and tablets
  • Sports equipment
  • Medical devices and mobility aids

Emergency responders attach AirTags to first aid kits and medical equipment. Quick location of life-saving devices can reduce response times.

Sharing AirTags with Others

Family members share AirTag locations through the Find My app. Parents track family cars while teenagers monitor shared bicycles or equipment.

Multiple users can receive notifications when shared items move unexpectedly. This is useful for family luggage and shared household tools.

Setup requirements for sharing:

  • All users need Apple devices with Find My enabled
  • Shared users must accept tracking permissions
  • Location sharing works with up to five additional people

Couples sharing vehicles benefit from mutual tracking. Both partners receive location updates and can trigger the AirTag's sound when searching for car keys or the car.

Business teams use shared AirTags for equipment that moves between locations. Project managers track tools while team members locate shared resources on their devices.

Compatibility and Device Requirements

AirTags require iOS 14.5 or later for iPhone and iPod touch. iPad users need iPadOS 14.5 or later. Android users can only interact with found AirTags through the Find My app but cannot set up or track their own devices.

Supported Apple Devices

AirTags work with Apple devices running recent operating system versions. iPhone and iPod touch models need iOS 14.5 or later.

iPad models require iPadOS 14.5 or later to support AirTag tracking. Older devices cannot access AirTag features through the Find My network.

iPhone 6s and newer models support AirTag tracking through Bluetooth connectivity. iPhone 11 and later models offer enhanced capabilities through Ultra Wideband technology.

Precision Finding works only on iPhone 11 and newer. This feature provides directional arrows, haptic feedback, and AR guidance to locate nearby AirTags.

Users need an Apple Account and the Find My app enabled. Setup requires Bluetooth and proximity to the AirTag during pairing.

Find My App on Android Phones

Android phones cannot set up or track AirTags through personal accounts. The Find My app for Android serves a limited detection purpose.

Android users can scan found AirTags using NFC to access contact information if enabled by the owner. This allows people to return lost items.

The Find My app on Android does not provide tracking or location history. It only helps identify and contact AirTag owners when items are found.

Android devices cannot join Apple's Find My network as detection points. They do not contribute to the crowdsourced tracking system.

Privacy, Security, and Safety Features

AirTags include end-to-end encryption for location data and built-in anti-stalking measures. Devices also feature NFC recovery options and Lost Mode for safe item retrieval.

Data Privacy and Encryption

Apple uses end-to-end encryption for all AirTag location data sent through the Find My network. Encrypted information is stored securely and remains inaccessible to Apple or third parties.

Each AirTag connects to the owner's Apple ID through secure authentication. The device generates rotating encryption keys to prevent unauthorized tracking.

Location history stays private on the user's device. The Find My network uses anonymous, encrypted data from nearby Apple devices to report AirTag locations.

Even Apple cannot access the specific location data of individual AirTags. Users control their tracking information through Apple ID settings.

Anti-Stalking Protections

AirTags detect when they separate from their owner and travel with someone else. Unknown AirTag alerts appear on iPhones when an unregistered tracker moves with the user.

The devices emit beeping sounds after being away from their owner for 8-24 hours. This helps people identify unwanted AirTags.

iOS 17.5 introduced enhanced anti-tracking protections that reduce false alerts. The system now provides clearer instructions for locating and disabling suspicious AirTags.

Users can disable unknown AirTags by removing the battery or using the Find My app. Apple provides safety guides for those concerned about unwanted tracking.

Lost Mode and NFC Recovery

Lost Mode lets users mark missing AirTags and receive notifications when others detect them. The feature displays custom contact messages to help finders return lost items.

NFC technology allows anyone with an iPhone or Android device to tap a found AirTag and view the owner's contact information. This works even without the Find My app installed.

The NFC feature displays a webpage with the owner's phone number or email address when Lost Mode is on. Users can customize the contact message for specific return instructions.

Found AirTags show their serial numbers through NFC scanning. This helps law enforcement identify owners when necessary.

Accessories and Buying Guide

AirTags need accessories for attachment since they lack built-in mounting options. The right holder depends on intended use, and purchasing options include Apple stores and third-party retailers.

Types of AirTag Holders

Keychains are the most popular AirTag accessory. These holders have secure loops or clasps for keys, bags, or belt loops.

Adhesive mounts provide permanent attachment. They stick directly to items like laptops or inside car compartments.

Carabiner cases combine protection with versatility. These rugged holders attach to backpacks, luggage, or outdoor gear.

Pet collars enable animal tracking through specialized AirTag slots. These collars secure the tracker and remain comfortable for pets.

Wallet holders fit into card slots. These thin accessories allow tracking for lost or stolen wallets.

Choosing the Right Accessories

Security level affects holder choice. Items needing permanent attachment use adhesive mounts or screw-on cases. Temporary tracking uses keychain or carabiner styles.

Material durability matters for outdoor use. Leather holders suit professional settings, while silicone or plastic options handle weather better.

Attachment method affects usability. Loop-style holders work with keychains, while strap versions thread through bag handles.

Color options help with organization. Different colored holders make it easier to identify multiple AirTags.

Size constraints influence choice. Slim wallets need thin holders, while bulky items fit larger cases.

Where to Buy AirTags

Apple stores sell AirTags at $29 each or $99 for four-packs. Online ordering includes free shipping and pickup.

Major electronics retailers like Best Buy and Amazon stock AirTags. These platforms often bundle accessories with tracker purchases.

Wireless carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sell AirTags in stores. They may offer device financing or bundle deals.

Third-party accessories are widely available on Amazon. Brands like Belkin, Spigen, and Nomad produce quality AirTag holders.

Bulk purchasing reduces per-unit costs. Four-packs save $17 compared to individual purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

AirTag users often have questions about privacy detection, power requirements, and compatibility. There are also questions about operational range and internet dependency.

How can you determine if you're being tracked by an AirTag?

iPhones automatically detect unknown AirTags traveling with the user. The device sends notifications when an unfamiliar AirTag has been moving with someone for several hours.

Android users can download Apple's "Tracker Detect" app to scan for nearby AirTags. The app identifies any AirTags that may be traveling with them.

Unknown AirTags will also play a sound after being separated from their owner for 8 to 24 hours. This helps people locate hidden trackers.

Do AirTags require regular charging to function?

AirTags use a replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts about one year. Users do not need to charge these devices.

The Find My app displays the battery level for each AirTag. When the battery runs low, the app sends notifications to replace it.

Replacing the battery requires twisting off the back cover and inserting a new CR2032 battery. The process is quick and needs no special tools.

What is the typical cost for an AirTag?

A single AirTag costs $29 from Apple. A four-pack bundle is $99, providing a $17 savings.

Third-party retailers may offer slight discounts during sales events. Prices rarely drop significantly below Apple's standard pricing.

Accessories like leather loops, key rings, and cases range from $29 to $449 depending on materials and design.

Are there any AirTag-like options available for Android users?

Samsung offers Galaxy SmartTags and SmartTag2 for Android phones through the SmartThings Find network. These trackers provide similar functionality but only work within Samsung's ecosystem.

Tile trackers support both Android and iOS devices through their app. These devices offer cross-platform compatibility but have a smaller user base than Apple's Find My network.

Chipolo trackers also work with Android devices and come in various form factors, including card-style trackers for wallets. Their tracking network is more limited than Apple's.

How do AirTags maintain functionality over extended distances?

AirTags use Apple's Find My network, which includes hundreds of millions of Apple devices. When any iPhone, iPad, or Mac detects a nearby AirTag, it anonymously reports the location to Apple's servers.

This crowdsourced network allows AirTags to update their location even when far from the owner's device. The system works as long as other Apple devices pass within Bluetooth range of the AirTag.

Location updates happen automatically and securely. The process uses end-to-end encryption to protect privacy while maintaining tracking accuracy.

Can AirTags operate effectively when there is no internet connectivity?

AirTags do not need internet connectivity to function locally. They keep broadcasting their Bluetooth signal, even if there is no network available.

Location updates depend on nearby Apple devices with internet access. These devices send the AirTag's position to the Find My network.

Without internet, AirTags cannot update their location in the system. However, users can still find AirTags nearby using Bluetooth if they are within about 30 feet.

The Precision Finding feature also works locally. It uses Ultra Wideband technology on compatible iPhones.