Airtag: What is the range of the Apple Tracker?

The range of the Airtag depends on several factors. Apple uses several technologies in its tracker, so the chances of finding lost things actually increase.

Range of the Apple Airtag – what you should know

The range of Apple’s Airtag varies from fifteen metres to worldwide. In addition to Bluetooth Low Energy, Apple also relies on a U1 chip for its little tracker and, last but not least, its “Where is?” network.

• With the help of the Bluetooth Low Energy standard, a maximum range of 100 metres can be achieved in the best case. As a rule, however, the range is between 30 and 50 metres, as any obstacle has a disruptive effect.
• Apple has built a U1 chip into the Airtag, which works with ultra-wideband technology. However, this only works from the iPhone 11 model and software version 14.5.
• The range of the ultra-wideband technology goes up to 50 metres in the optimum case. However, in practice it is usually a maximum of 25 metres.
• Before you attach the waterproof tracker to your backpack, front door keys or purse, you need to activate it. However, this is usually done quickly.
• Hold the Airtag briefly on your iPhone. Once the Airtag has been recognised, tap the screen to pair the Airtag with your Apple ID. This completes the activation process.

The “Where is?” network – what’s behind it

The so-called “Where is?” network from Apple has an almost unlimited reach – worldwide.

• If you’ve lost your bag, with a bit of luck you’ll receive a message telling you where it is, even if you’re already somewhere else. For this to happen, another iPhone must be near your airtag with the lost backpack.
• To make this work, activate the “Lost” mode in the “Where-is- App”. After that, all Apple devices that are integrated in the “Where is?” network will automatically “search” for your bag or for the lost tracker.
• As soon as an iPhone locates your bag, that iPhone automatically sends the airtag’s location to your Apple ID. According to Apple, the communication between the devices is supposed to be completely anonymous. Even the distance between the two iPhones is irrelevant.
• Alternatively, any NFC-enabled smartphone can read out your contact details, for example your mobile phone number. All the finder has to do is hold their smartphone up to the Airtag.