Have you ever wondered how Apple’s AirTag keeps track of your items even when you’re nowhere near an internet connection? In this enlightening blog, we’re diving deep into the innovative technology behind AirTag and its ability to locate your belongings without relying on Wi-Fi or cellular data. Discover the seamless integration of Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (UWB), and the expansive Find My network that allows AirTag to be a guardian angel for your possessions. Join us as we unravel the magic of AirTags and how they ensure that losing your keys, wallet, or even your pet becomes a worry of the past – all without the need for the internet. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply seeking peace of mind for your valuables, this is a must-read on the smart connectivity that keeps your items found, not lost.
How Does Airtag Work Without The Internet?
AirTag is a small tracking device that uses the Find My app to locate items. It operates via Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband technology for local tracking and leverages the Find My network for remote locations. You can set it to lost mode to share a message and contact number through NFC. Here is a possible step-by-step guide using bullet points on how to use AirTag without the Internet:
- Make sure your AirTag is paired with your iPhone or iPad. To do this, bring your AirTag close to your device and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also customize your AirTag’s name, emoji, and category in the Find My app.
- Attach your AirTag to the item you want to track, such as your keys, wallet, backpack, or luggage. You can use an accessory, such as a key ring or a loop, to secure your AirTag to your item.
- To find your AirTag when it is within Bluetooth range of your device, open the Find My app and tap on the Items tab. You will see a list of your AirTags and their locations on a map. Tap on the AirTag you want to find and then tap on Find. You can choose to play a sound on your AirTag or use Precision Finding to get directions to it. You can also ask Siri to find your AirTag by saying something like “Hey Siri, where are my keys?”
- To find your AirTag when it is out of Bluetooth range of your device, open the Find My app and tap on the Items tab. You will see a list of your AirTags and their locations on a map. Tap on the AirTag you want to find and then tap on Directions. You will see the last known location of your AirTag and the approximate distance and direction to it. The Find My app will also show you if your AirTag is being updated by the Find My network, a crowdsourced network of Apple devices that can help you locate your AirTag. You will get a notification when your AirTag’s location is updated.
- If you lose your AirTag or think it is stolen, you can mark it as lost in the Find My app. To do this, open the Find My app and tap on the Items tab. Tap on the AirTag you want to mark as lost and then tap on Lost Mode. You can enter a phone number and a message that will be displayed when someone taps your AirTag with an NFC-enabled device, such as an iPhone or an Android phone. This way, you can let the finder know how to contact you and return your AirTag. You will also get a notification when your AirTag’s location is updated.
What Is Airtag And How Does It Work?
AirTag is a circular device that measures 1.26 inches in diameter and 0.31 inches in height. It weighs 0.39 ounces and has a removable cover that allows you to replace the battery. AirTag uses a CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts for about a year and can be easily found in most stores.
AirTag has an Apple-designed U1 chip that enables Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Precision Finding. UWB is a wireless technology that uses very short pulses of radio waves to measure the distance and direction between two devices.
Precision Finding is a feature that uses UWB, along with the camera, accelerometer, gyroscope, and ARKit on your iPhone, to guide you to your AirTag with visual, haptic, and audible feedback.
AirTag also has Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) and NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities. Bluetooth LE is a wireless technology that uses low-power radio waves to communicate with nearby devices.
NFC is a wireless technology that allows two devices to exchange data when they are nearby. AirTag uses Bluetooth LE and NFC to pair with your iPhone or iPad, play sounds, and activate Lost Mode.
What Is The Find My Network And How Does It Work?
The Find My network is a crowdsourced network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices that can help you locate your AirTag, even when it is not connected to the internet. The Find My network uses advanced encryption and anonymization techniques to protect your privacy and security.
When you set up your AirTag, it is automatically linked to your Apple ID and added to the Find My app. You can see your AirTag’s location on a map, as well as its battery level and serial number. You can also rename your AirTag, assign it to a category, and customize its emoji.
When your AirTag is within Bluetooth range of your iPhone or iPad, you can use the Find My app to play a sound on your AirTag or use Precision Finding to get directions to it. You can also ask Siri to find your AirTag by saying something like “Hey Siri, where are my keys?”
When your AirTag is out of Bluetooth range of your iPhone or iPad, it can still communicate with other Apple devices that are part of the Find My network. These devices can detect your AirTag’s Bluetooth signal and relay its location to the Find My app, without revealing your identity or location to anyone. This process is done in the background, without affecting the battery life or performance of the devices involved.
If you mark your AirTag as lost, you can enter a phone number and a message that will be displayed when someone taps your AirTag with an NFC-enabled device, such as an iPhone or an Android phone. This way, you can let the finder know how to contact you and return your AirTag. You will also get a notification when your AirTag’s location is updated.
What Are The Benefits And Limitations Of Airtag?
Airtag Has Many Benefits, Such As:
- It is easy to set up and use with the Find My app and Siri.
- It is compatible with a wide range of Apple devices, including iPhone 6s and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad Pro and later, and iPod Touch 7th generation.
- It is water and dust-resistant, with an IP67 rating.
- It has a long battery life and a user-replaceable battery.
- It has a stylish design and can be personalized with free engraving and accessories.
- It has a low price of $29 for one or $99 for four.
However, Airtag Also Has Some Limitations, Such As:
- It requires iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 or later to work.
- It does not have a built-in speaker, so it relies on your iPhone or iPad to play sounds.
- It does not have a hole or a loop, so you need to buy a separate accessory to attach it to your items.
- It does not work with Android devices unless they have NFC and are used to scan a lost AirTag.
- It may not be available in some countries or regions due to regulatory restrictions.
Conclusion
AirTag is a smart and convenient way to keep track of your belongings, even when they are not connected to the internet. It uses the Find My network, a crowdsourced network of Apple devices, to locate your AirTag and relay its location to the Find My app. It also uses Ultra Wideband and Precision Finding to guide you to your AirTag with accuracy and ease. AirTag is a great accessory for anyone who owns an iPhone or iPad and wants to avoid losing their stuff.
