Do you want to know what are AirTags used for? I know people are curious about this tracking device from Apple. If you are a traveler always on the run from one country to another, wondering whether you can take Airtags with you. Whether they work internationally? Can you take it on an airplane?
You are not alone. Many people ask the same question. But unfortunately, there’s no comprehensive discussion on this matter on the internet. That’s why I’ve decided to answer these questions in this Article. So, let’s begin.
Do Airtags Work Internationally?
Apple’s Airtag is designed to work essentially from anywhere in the world. This tracking device is so well integrated into the Apple connectivity that you can track it from any distance. But it has to stay alive and within the Bluetooth range of a nearby Apple device registered to the Find My network.
Those who own Airtags know that this tracking device can send location information directly to its paired device within the Bluetooth range. You have to go to the Find My app on your iPhone and use its map to locate the lost Airtags.
Since Airtags have built-in speakers inside, you will be able to make sound from them while you look for them. Because of the Ultra-Wideband Technology and U1 chip, Airtags can send precise location information. And when you are within a few inches, you will get a notification on the app.
But what about if you lost your Airtag far away from you or lost it in another country? Apple has solutions for that as well. If you leave or lose your Airtag far away, you must put it on the lost mode. Then anyone who has iPhone and is registered to the Find My network can locate it and connect to it.
After connecting with your Airtag, they will be able to see your contact information if you allow them to. You will get a notification instantly. Eventually, they can contact you. So, we can see Airtags actually do work internationally.
Do Apple AirTags Work Far Away?
Yes, Apple Airtags can work from far away. This tracking device is designed to work from anywhere in the world. Because of the widespread use of iPhones around the world, Find My network has become bigger and more powerful. So, no worries if you somehow lose your Airtag far away from where you live.
Someone will locate your Airtag and connect with it. Then you’ll receive a notification that you can access from the Find My network database. Besides, you can share your contact information with that person who can call you and give the exact location.
Now Airtags send notifications if you tend to leave them behind. But if you accidentally leave it somehow, you won’t be able to locate it using the Find My app. However, you will be able to locate them indirectly using the help of others. But it does work from far away.
How Far Does Airtags Work From?
Airtags can work directly and indirectly while sending location. When it’s within the Bluetooth range of the paired iPhone, Airtags can send direct location data. So, you can see the precise direction of your Airtags. The Bluetooth radius is generally 30 feet from the phone in any direction. So, if you want to see a direction on the map, your Airtag will have to be within 30 feet of your phone.
But there is no range limit for Airtags to work indirectly. It can send signals from anywhere in the world. If you lose your Airtag and put it on the Lost Mode, it will start working indirectly. In that case, anyone with an iPhone can connect to your Airtag and get your information using their phone’s NFC.
So, we can say that there’s no limit for an Airtag. Thanks to Apple’s Find My network. Here’s a table showing Airtag connectivity strength based on distance:
| Distance | Signal Strength |
| 30-33 Feet | Precision Finding |
| Up to 800 Feet | Trackable Via Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Anywhere Within The Country | Indirect Finding Through iPhone Users |
| Internationally | Indirect Finding Through iPhone Users |
Can An AirTag Be Found Anywhere?
You can find an Airtag from anywhere in the world. Airtag can send signals indirectly to your iPhone using the help of other iPhone users, but you won’t need the Bluetooth connection or Ultra-Wideband for that. You will need the Find My app database.
Here I’ll show how you can find a Lost Airtag from a far away. Follow these steps:
- Firstly, you must put your Airtag on the Lost Mode. To do that, go to the Find My app and tap on the name of your Airtag. You will see the Lost Mode option. Click on it.
- Your Airtag is now on the Lost Mode, and you have to wait until someone connects to your Airtag.
- Now, a nearby iPhone user will be able to find your Airtag. They can connect it. If they tap on your Airtag, your contact information will appear on their screen. But they will have to have NFC enabled on their phone.
- In the meantime, you will receive a notification on your phone. You can access the location from your Find My app database.
- Finally, the person with your contact information can contact you and tell you the whereabouts of the Airtag.
This is how you are going to find a lost Airtag from anywhere. This way you can even find Airtags from another country.
How Does An Airtag Work In Precision Finding?
Find My app has brought a new feature called Precision Finding. You can find any lost item with Airtag attached to it using this feature. If your Precision Finding is turned on, your app will show a bright arrow towards the lost item.
Precision Finding is possible because of the U1 Ultra-Wideband chip. Apple is using this chip from iPhone 11. Here I will show how to find a lost Airtag using Precision Finding. So, let’s begin:
- At first, turn on the Bluetooth connection on your phone and connect the Airtag with it.
- Then go to the Find My app and enable Precision Finding.
- When your Airtag is misplaced, select your Airtag name from the Find My app and click on the Find button.
- Try to move around until your iPhone pick up signals from your Airtag. You will see the distance on your phone’s screen when it does.
- Finally, you have to follow the large arrow to find your Airtag. Once you locate it, click on the X button to return to the homepage of the Find My app.
As you can see, Precision Finding is very effective in finding lost Airtags. You will see the direction along with distances on your phone screen.
Can you travel with AirTag?
Of course, you can travel with Airtags. It will go anywhere you take it. And we already know that Airtags can work from any corner of the world. Having Airtags while traveling has many perks. You can use them to keep an eye on your luggage and valuable items.
So, even if you leave something behind, your Airtag won’t let you. It will alert you if you are about to leave something behind that has Airtag attached. Besides, you can keep track of your luggage in airports and stations.
Can You Take AirTags On A Plane?
Airtag uses only Low energy Bluetooth connectivity and Ultra-Wideband to stay connected to its paired device and send location data. That’s why they are safe to use in planes. You won’t even have to turn it off during takeoff and landing.
Besides, Airtags are allowed in airports. You can put them inside conveyor belts while scanning. FAA has no restrictions for Airtags. So, there is no security threat by Airtags, and you can safely use them inside airports, stations, and planes.
Do Airtags Need Cell Service Or Internet?
Airtag does not require any cellular service or internet connection to run. It only uses Bluetooth connections. We know that Airtag is connected to your phone via Low Energy Bluetooth. It is an advanced version of regular Bluetooth.
Besides, this tracking device has Ultra-Wideband technology and a U1 chip for tracking and sending precise locations. These are the main components of Airtags. Since it is an offline device, you won’t need any internet or cellular network to run this device.
Plus, Find My is offline. So, the whole Airtag system is run by Bluetooth and UWB. You won’t need any internet and cell service.
Final Thoughts
Imagine you are in an airport waiting for your luggage to arrive. If you have an Airtag attached to your luggage, you won’t have to worry since you’ll know how far it’s from you. So, now you know that Airtags work internationally. In fact, it doesn’t have any border. You can simply carry it with you wherever you go. But you must use it with an iPhone to enjoy all the features.
References
Krol, J. (2022, June 20). Why AirTags are the ultimate travel companion this summer. Retrieved from CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/travel/travel-apple-airtags
