AirTags are a new and innovative way to track your belongings. Leveraging Bluetooth technology and the Find My network, AirTags can help you locate your lost items, even if they are far away. Despite its compact size, the AirTag is packed with features that make it a powerful tracking device. But how does it work? Do you have to charge your AirTags? Not to worry!
In this piece, we’ll answer these common questions and more.
What is an AirTag?
An AirTag is a small, lightweight tracking device that you can attach to items such as keys, wallets, backpacks, or luggage for monitoring purposes. AirTags use Bluetooth technology to connect to your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to track their location in the Find My app.
These tags are about the size of a quarter and weigh just 11 grams. They have a durable design with a stainless steel exterior and water-resistant housing. To use an AirTag, simply attach it to the item you want to track and pair it with your iPhone or iPad. Once paired, you can view the location of your AirTag in the Find My app.
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How do AirTags work?
AirTags work by sending out a secure Bluetooth signal that nearby devices can detect in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud, which you can then view in the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
When you first set up an AirTag, it will be paired with your iPhone or iPad. Once paired, your AirTag will start sending out a Bluetooth signal. This signal is very weak and can only be detected by devices that are close to your AirTag. When another device in the Find My network detects your AirTag’s signal, it will send the location of your AirTag to iCloud. iCloud then updates the location of your AirTag in the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
This process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy. The devices that detect your AirTag’s signal do not know who you are or where you are. Only you can see the location of your AirTags in the Find My app.
Uses of AirTags
AirTags can be used to track a variety of items, such as keys, wallets, backpacks, and luggage. If you lose an item that has an AirTag attached to it, you can use the Find My app to find it.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about how AirTags work:
- AirTags are not GPS trackers. They rely on the Find My network of devices to track their location. This means that AirTags will not work if there are no Find My devices nearby.
- AirTags are designed to be anonymous and private. The location of your AirTag is encrypted and cannot be seen by anyone else, including Apple.
- AirTags are not designed to track people. If you are concerned about someone using an AirTag to track you, you can use the Find My app to detect and disable unknown AirTags.
Do you have to Charge AirTags?
No. You won’t have to charge your AirTags because they weren’t designed to be charged in the first place. A single CR2032 lithium coin-cell battery powers these nifty trackers. This is a standard type of battery that you’ll find in watches, car key fobs, and other electronic devices. CR2032 batteries have a long shelf life and can last for up to a year in an AirTag, depending on usage.
Factors that can affect battery life include how often the AirTag is used, the signal strength of nearby devices, and the ambient temperature. You can monitor the battery level of your AirTah from your iPhone or iPad.
To do this, open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad and tap on the Items tab. Then, tap on the AirTag whose battery level you want to check. You’ll see the battery level easily below the AirTag’s name.
When the battery in your AirTag runs low, you will receive a notification on your iPhone or iPad. While you can’t charge your AirTag’s battery, it is very easy to replace.
How to Replace AirTag Battery
To replace the battery in an AirTag, you will need a new CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available at most electronics stores and pharmacies.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to replace your AirTag’s CR2032 battery:
- Flip the AirTag over to the polished metal side.
- Push down and twist clockwise to remove the battery cover.
- Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2032 battery.
- Replace the battery cover and twist it counterclockwise until it clicks into place.
Here are some additional tips to consider:
- Make sure to use a new CR2032 battery. Old or used batteries may not have enough power to power your AirTag.
- Be careful not to overtighten the battery cover. Overtightening can damage the AirTag.
- If you have any difficulty replacing the battery, contact Apple Support for assistance.
Tips for Extending Your AirTag’s Battery Life
Let’s quickly review some tips to help you extend your AirTag’s battery life:
- Keep your AirTag away from extreme temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can shorten the battery life of your AirTag.
- Avoid using your AirTag in wet or humid environments. Moisture can damage the AirTag and shorten its battery life.
- If you are not using your AirTag for an extended period, remove the battery. This will help to prevent the battery from draining unnecessarily.
- Keep your AirTag’s firmware up to date. Apple releases firmware updates for AirTags on a regular basis. These updates often include improvements to battery life.
- Use the Find My app to track your AirTag less frequently. The Find My app uses Bluetooth to track your AirTags. The more often you use the app to track your AirTags, the more battery power they will use.
- Disable the “Notify When Left Behind” feature. This feature will cause your AirTag to send a notification to your iPhone if you leave it behind. This can be helpful, but it can also drain the battery of your AirTag.
Adapting these tips to your use of the AirTag will help you manage the AirTag’s battery healthily if you’re looking to extend the battery life.
That said, if you need to use your AirTags more frequently, feel free to ignore the tips about infrequent usage. The CR2032 battery line will ultimately serve you well. And when it is empty, you can easily replace it and get back to using your Tags.
Final Thoughts: Do You Have To Charge AirTags?
On the face of it, AirTags are a powerful and affordable tracking solution that can help you to find your lost belongings. However, it is important to note that they are not GPS trackers, and they have limitations. That said, if you are looking for a way to track your belongings, AirTags are a great option. They are easy to use, reliable, affordable, and, best of all, you don’t have to charge your AirTags. And thanks to its incredible battery life, you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries frequently.
