how far can you track an airtag
The tracking range of an AirTag depends on several factors, including the presence of nearby Apple devices, Bluetooth signal strength, and the environment. Here’s what you can expect:
Typical Range:
- In ideal conditions, with a clear line of sight, an AirTag can be tracked up to 100-150 feet (30-45 meters) away from an Apple device (e.g., iPhone, iPad, or Mac).
- In a typical indoor environment, with walls and obstacles, the range is reduced to around 20-50 feet (6-15 meters).
Crowdsourced Tracking:
- When an AirTag is out of range of your Apple device, it can still be tracked using Apple’s crowdsourced "Find My" network. This means that if another Apple device (running iOS 14.5 or later) comes within range of the AirTag, it will anonymously send the AirTag’s location to Apple’s servers, which will then update the AirTag’s location on your device.
- This crowdsourced tracking allows you to potentially track an AirTag over much longer distances, even across cities or countries, as long as there are Apple devices nearby.
Limitations:
- AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which has a limited range and can be affected by physical barriers, interference, and other environmental factors.
- AirTags are not GPS devices, so they don’t have a direct connection to satellites and can’t provide precise location data without the help of nearby Apple devices.
Tracking in Remote Areas:
- If an AirTag is in a remote area with no nearby Apple devices, it may not be possible to track it using the "Find My" network.
- In such cases, the AirTag will store its location data and update it when it comes within range of an Apple device.
Keep in mind that AirTags are designed for tracking personal items, not for long-range tracking or surveillance. If you need to track something over long distances, you may want to consider using a GPS device or a different type of tracking technology.