Best Things to Put AirTags On

AirTags are small Bluetooth trackers that help you find misplaced items through the Find My app. The best things to attach them to are items you frequently lose or misplace, such as keys, wallets, bags, luggage, and even vehicles. Below, we explore the most practical uses, how AirTags work, and important limitations to consider.

How AirTags Work

AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to broadcast a unique identifier. Nearby Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) on the Find My network pick up that signal and anonymously relay its location to iCloud. You can then view the AirTag’s last known location on a map in the Find My app. The system is designed to be private: the location data is encrypted, and the relaying device does not learn the AirTag’s identity or your identity.

AirTags do not have built-in GPS. They rely on the crowd-sourced network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices. In urban areas, the network is dense, so location updates are frequent. In rural or remote locations, updates may be rare or nonexistent until another Apple device passes nearby.

Each AirTag contains a replaceable CR2032 coin battery that typically lasts about a year. You can replace it yourself by twisting the back cover counterclockwise. The AirTag emits a sound when you trigger it from the Find My app, and it supports Precision Finding on iPhones with a U1 chip (iPhone 11 or later), which guides you with directional arrows and distance cues.

Best Uses for AirTags

While AirTags are versatile, they are best suited for items that are valuable, frequently moved, or easy to misplace. Here are the most common and effective uses:

• Keys: The most popular use. Attach an AirTag to your keychain and you will never waste time searching for your house or car keys.
• Wallets: Slim card holders and keychain loops let you slip an AirTag into a wallet. The thickness is minimal, and it can save you from the panic of a missing wallet.
• Bags and backpacks: Whether it is a daily commuter bag, a camera bag, or a child’s school backpack, an AirTag helps you track it if lost or stolen.
• Luggage: Place an AirTag inside your suitcase when flying. You can see if your luggage made it onto the plane and where it is at the airport, reducing anxiety during travel.
• Bicycles: Hide an AirTag under the seat or in a handlebar bag. It is not a theft deterrent, but it can help you locate a stolen bike if the thief does not find and remove the tag.
• Remote controls: If you constantly lose the TV remote, an AirTag can be attached to the back with adhesive or placed in a remote holder.
• Pets: Many owners attach AirTags to their dog’s or cat’s collar. However, AirTags are not designed for pets—they do not have real-time tracking, and the collar could be removed. For pets, a dedicated GPS tracker is more reliable.
• Vehicles: You can hide an AirTag in a car, motorcycle, or RV. It helps you find your vehicle in a crowded parking lot or track it if stolen. However, be aware that thieves may use Bluetooth scanners to detect AirTags.

How to Choose What to Track

When deciding which items to track, consider the following criteria:

• Value: The item should be worth the cost of an AirTag (about $29 each, or $99 for a four-pack). Tracking a $5 umbrella is probably not worth it.
• Frequency of loss: Items you misplace daily, like keys or glasses, are prime candidates.
• Mobility: AirTags are most useful for items that move around—luggage, bikes, bags—rather than items that stay in one place.
• Size: AirTags are 1.26 inches in diameter and 0.31 inches thick. They can fit in small spaces, but you need a way to attach them securely.
• Privacy: Avoid tracking items that contain sensitive information (like a work laptop) if you are concerned about a thief accessing your data. The AirTag itself does not store data, but the device it is attached to might.

Common Problems and Limitations

AirTags are not perfect. Here are the most common issues users encounter:

• No real-time tracking: AirTags update location only when they come in contact with an Apple device. In remote areas, you may see a stale location for hours or days.
• Stolen item recovery: If a thief has an iPhone, they will receive a notification that an unknown AirTag is traveling with them. They can then find and disable the AirTag, making it useless.
• Android compatibility: AirTags work only with Apple devices. If you or your family use Android, you cannot track the AirTag at all.
• Battery life: While a year is decent, you need to remember to replace the battery. The Find My app will warn you when the battery is low.
• Not waterproof: AirTags are splash-resistant but not fully waterproof. If you plan to attach one to a boat or use it in heavy rain, consider a waterproof case.
• Precision Finding requires a U1 chip: Only iPhones 11 and later have the U1 chip. Older iPhones can still locate the AirTag, but not with the arrow-and-distance interface.

AirTags vs. Other Trackers

AirTags are not the only trackers on the market. Here is how they compare to alternatives:

• Chipolo and Tile: These are Bluetooth trackers that work with both iOS and Android. They have similar range and community-finding features, but the community is smaller than Apple’s Find My network.
• GPS trackers: Devices like the Garmin or Tracker (e.g., the Jiobit or the Tractive for pets) use cellular networks for real-time tracking. They are more expensive and require a monthly subscription, but they work anywhere with cell coverage.
• Smart tags from Samsung: Samsung SmartThings tags work with Samsung phones and use a similar crowd-sourced network. They are not compatible with Apple devices.

For most people, AirTags offer the best balance of price, size, and network coverage—if you are already in the Apple ecosystem.

Costs and Accessories

An AirTag costs $29, and a four-pack costs $99. You will likely need an accessory to attach it to your items. Apple sells key rings, loops, and luggage tags for $29–$39, but third-party options are cheaper. For example, you can buy a silicone holder for about $10 or a waterproof case for about $15.

If you lose an AirTag, you cannot track it after it is out of Bluetooth range. There is no subscription fee for using the Find My network, which is a significant advantage over GPS trackers that charge monthly fees.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Apple has implemented several features to prevent AirTags from being used for stalking. If an AirTag that is not registered to you travels with you, your iPhone will alert you with a notification and a sound. Android users can download the Tracker Detect app to scan for nearby AirTags. Additionally, if an AirTag is separated from its owner for more than three days, it will play a sound when moved.

These features are helpful, but they are not foolproof. A determined person could disable the speaker or modify the AirTag. If you are concerned about being tracked, check your phone for alerts and periodically scan for unknown AirTags.

When using AirTags, respect others’ privacy. Do not attach them to someone else’s belongings without their knowledge, as this is illegal in many jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AirTag to track my pet?
Yes, you can attach one to a collar, but it is not recommended as a primary pet tracker. AirTags do not provide real-time location, and the collar could be removed. For pets, a dedicated GPS tracker with cellular connectivity is safer.

Will an AirTag work with Android phones?
No. AirTags require an Apple device to set up and track. Android users can use the Tracker Detect app to find nearby AirTags, but they cannot use them to track their own items.

How long does the battery last?
The CR2032 battery lasts about a year under normal use. You will get a low-battery notification in the Find My app, and you can replace the battery yourself by twisting the back cover.

Can AirTags be used to track stolen items?
AirTags can help you locate a stolen item, but they are not a theft recovery guarantee. Thieves with iPhones will be alerted to the AirTag’s presence and can disable it. In remote areas, the location may be stale.

Are AirTags waterproof?
AirTags are rated IP67, meaning they can withstand splashes and brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. For full waterproofing, use a waterproof case.

How many AirTags can I have?
You can have up to 16 AirTags associated with one Apple ID. This is enough for most people’s needs.

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