We weigh the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing Apple’s AirTag monitoring system to locate our lost dogs and cats.
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No dog or cat owner wants to go through the worry that occurs when a pet goes missing. GPS (Global Positioning System) pet trackers that follow your pet in real time can help you get back together if your best buddy gets lost, but the devices can be pricy (they typically cost around $200), and some also call for an expensive annual subscription. So you might be wondering what I did when Apple revealed their AirTag tracking gadgets in April: Could the $29 coin-sized gadget be used to track a pet?
GPS pet trackers send your pet’s location to your phone using satellite signals and cellular data, but Bluetooth-only trackers only do so when your phone is in Bluetooth range.
usually between 30 and 100 feet away, or if another person using the same tracking environment occurs to wander by.
The AirTag tracks the tracker’s location using both Bluetooth and the more accurate ultrawideband (UWB) positioning technology. If you’re using an iPhone close to the lost AirTag, UWB will work like a beefed-up version of Bluetooth to accurately direct you in the location of your AirTag. If you’re further away, Bluetooth from other iPhone users and Apple’s Find My App network can help you locate it instead.
This distinction—the near universality of Apple devices everywhere you go, assisting in the tracking of your AirTag—makes Apple’s tracker significantly more valuable than a Bluetooth tracker like the Tile Mate, which functions within a much limited user base.
However, although GPS trackers rely on satellites, AirTags and Bluetooth trackers depend on other hardware.
Actually, no. Apple has emphasized that the AirTag is intended for locating goods, not humans or animals, even though it is small enough to attach to a dog’s collar using Apple’s own key rings or loops (my colleague Brian X. Chen made the hack work). Nevertheless, the business has a patent on its UWB technology, and in the file it lists removable tags affixed to a child’s T-shirt or a pet’s collar as examples of potential applications.
Though using the AirTag as a pet tracker is now regarded as an off-label application, don’t be surprised if Apple releases pet-friendly trackers in the future.
Compared to specialised GPS pet trackers, the AirTag has less features. The Find My app now won’t alert you right away if you lose contact with an AirTag, but iOS 15 will introduce this capability. If your pet exits a certain region, GPS pet trackers will do this.
You must purchase an Apple AirTag Loop, which is as expensive as the AirTag itself, or a less expensive third-party holder in order to attach an AirTag to a pet’s collar.
Over the years, we’ve evaluated more than a dozen pet trackers, but the Whistle Go Explore consistently outperforms the competition. It is four times as expensive as the AirTag, but it works with both Apple and Android phones, is more accurate than any other GPS tracker we tested, and will quickly alert you if your cat escapes the house.
Although you must pay a $100 annual membership fee to continue using it, like the most other pet trackers we have tried, its GPS accuracy can be erratic when cellular connectivity is patchy. Additionally, the rechargeable battery only lasts three days in “lost pet mode, as opposed to AirTag’s expected battery life of three months in that mode.
The AirTag is more precise than a conventional Bluetooth tracker if you’re an Apple user on a budget, but it won’t be as quick as a GPS pet tracker.
The AirTag is far better than nothing, but the Whistle Go Explore is still the most dependable, precise, and quick way to notify you if your pet disappears if you don’t mind spending a little more money.
Make sure your pets are microchipped and that their ID tags are accurate regardless of the device you select. The more options you have for finding your missing pet, the better.
Can my dog get damaged by an AirTag?
The addition of an Apple AirTag to your dog or cat’s collar is probably not harmful, but for complete piece of mind, give your pet a GPS tracker.
For dogs and cats, GPS pet trackers enable owners to locate their four-legged companions at any time or place. A different use for the Apple AirTag is to monitor personal goods like keys, a laptop, purse, or bike.
An AirTag, which has a battery life of more than a year, could assist you in finding your pet if they go missing for an extended period of time and turn up in a location where there are many iOS users. You could be fortunate andping! The AirTag Bluetooth signal of your dog or cat might be picked up by an iOS device nearby.
The AirTag can only function, though, within the constrained Bluetooth range of other iOS devices. Additionally, since it needs other iPhones to function, it might not be the tool you want to rely on to find your lost dog quickly.
Can Apple AirTag be attached to a dog collar?
Don’t worry if this is your first time using an AirTag; setup only takes a few seconds. Pull remove the battery tab while holding the AirTag close to your phone. The Find My app opens when your iPhone’s Bluetooth recognizes the new AirTag and walks you through the setup process with ease.
There is no option in the setup process for a dog or cat because Apple didn’t intend AirTags for use with animals. However, you can select the appropriate emoji icon for your pet by going to the Custom Name option.
Remember that AirTags only function with iOS 14.5 or newer-powered smartphones. You should only experience this if your iPhone is more than seven years old. So, in order to utilize AirTags, you will need to upgrade your handset if you are still using an iPhone 6 or any other iPhone older than that. Additionally, you need a phone with the U1 chip, which is only available in iPhone 11 and newer models, in order to use the Precise Location function. Additionally, since the Find My app is required, Android devices are incompatible.
Can AirTags hurt animals?
AirTags do not have any sharp or rough edges that could damage a dog, so it is unlikely that they will hurt dogs while they are attached to a collar.
The AirTag could, however, be broken by a dog chewing on it, which could result in sharp edges and the risk of the CR2032 coin cell battery being swallowed if your dog like that sort of thing.
If you choose to track your dog with an AirTag, make sure it is securely fastened to the collar. Additionally, make sure your dog feels at ease wearing the AirTag since if it isn’t, it can try to take it off.
What can I do with AirTag?
Using the network of almost one billion iOS devices worldwide, Apple’s AirTags lets you track objects almost everywhere. You can use them to keep tabs on your bags, musical instruments, equipment, skateboard, and even your keys and luggage.
If you have an iPhone 11 or later, you can use the Find My app to find your marked items and, as you come close to them, receive specific directions until you find your lost item.
Here are links to articles we’ve written that go into further detail on everything you can do with AirTags and anything else you might want to know about them.
Setting up and using AirTags
Setting up AirTags is simple. An AirTag should be opened and held close to your iPhone. A card proposing to connect to the device will appear.
Locate AirTagged items using the Find My app on your iPhone (or even Siri), and get directions as you get near.
AirTag uses GPS, right?
Small discs called Apple Airtags have the ability to track whereabouts. To attach the gadget to your wallet, keys, phone, or other object, you can buy an adhesive for the back of the device. If you can’t find something, you can log into the Find My app on Apple and find out where it is. Let’s say your wallet has an Apple Airtag attached to it. You can log into the Find My App to find your wallet if it disappears.
GPS is not used by Apple Airtags to locate objects. Bluetooth signals are used by Apple’s Find My Network to locate and identify your things. By logging into your account on the Find My app, you may access the location data that Airtags send to iCloud.
Are Apple AirTags radioactive?
AirTags are always on, always emitting EMF radiation, and continuously tracking. When not in use, place them in a faraday bag to prevent EMF and tracking. The Airtag is constantly on after you turn it on and associate it with your phone, phone, or Mac device through Bluetooth.
Apple AirTags: Are they worth it?
The Apple AirTags are a priceless and simple-to-use solution for connecting you with your lost belongings. They are easy to set up and operate, and the Precision Finding feature can assist you in finding lost goods quickly. Apple has given privacy lots of consideration to make sure location trackers can’t be abused as well. But there’s no disputing that they’re an expensive addition, particularly if you want to add one to your bag straps or keys.
Is AirTag water resistant?
AirTag is made to operate for more than a year on a typical, easily replaceable battery.
2 Additionally, your iPhone notifies you when it’s time to replace the battery.
Why is the AirTag on my dog beeping?
No matter how much we adore them, some pets can be a little too nosy and end up biting us. The AirTag is made of stainless steel, which is also a common material for high-end pet bowls. Because of this, it’s usually okay if your pet decides to give it a little chew every so again. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to make sure your pet won’t ingest it.
Beeping
The frequency of the AirTag’s occasional loud beeps to aid in finding it will depend on how you utilize the Find My app. Although your pet is unlikely to enjoy it, this is helpful if you accidentally dropped your car keys down the back of the sofa.
Before attaching an AirTag to your pet’s collar, consider how your pet reacts to loud noises. Even if they have a good sense of hearing, being misplaced or stolen could cause their stress levels to spike.
I’m not sure where to put my AirTag.
AirTags can be quickly put into and concealed inside a pocket or compartment of any wallet, backpack, handbag, or piece of luggage, for example, with or without a dedicated holder. Additionally, you can attach them to a keychain or pretty much any other thing you’re concerned about losing.
But if you’re worried about something being stolen, don’t put an AirTag on the outside where it can be seen and taken off easily (or even accidentally torn off). Someone trying to steal an item with an AirTag won’t instantly notice the tracker if it is concealed inside one of these products, giving you time to determine its whereabouts.
Beyond the obvious applications for an AirTag, people have come up with creative ways to use these tracking devices to keep tabs on young children, dogs, sporting goods, checked luggage, and a variety of other valuable items. It’s ideal to reside in a city or other more populated region where a lost item and its AirTag are more likely to fall within range of another person’s iPhone in order to get the greatest results when using an AirTag for some of these uses.
Find Your Runaway Dog
If you live in an area where other iPhone users are likely to be nearby and your dog frequently escapes the boundaries of your home or yard, attaching an AirTag to their collar offers an easy and inexpensive way to locate them. Even while this is not a foolproof way to locate your pet, it is unquestionably a cheap gadget that could be useful.
There are numerous stand-alone AirTag holders available from independent firms (you may buy them on Amazon) that enable you to attach an AirTag to a dog’s existing collar in addition to replacement dog collars with built-in AirTag holders.
Keep Track Of Your Toddler And Their Stuff In Busy Places
If you take your eyes off of your toddler for even a little period, you run the risk of them running off and becoming lost in the crowd. Additionally, if your children have a backpack, a favorite toy, or a stuffed animal with them, they are more likely to drop or forget to take it with them when leaving a place like a restaurant, a playground, or a place of school.
If you’re taking your kids somewhere crowded, think about putting an AirTag on their wristband or fastening it to something else they’re wearing, like a belt buckle or backpack. By doing this, you might be able to quickly find your child if they get lost using the Find My app that’s installed on your iPhone.
In order to retrieve lost or forgotten objects quickly and avoid having to retrace your steps the entire day, it’s a fantastic idea to attach an AirTag to any favorite toys or items your children are taking on an expedition. Once more, this tracking technique is not infallible, but it is an additional tool to have in your parenting toolbox.
Insert An AirTag Into Each Piece Of Your Luggage During A Trip
Although Apple sells luggage tags that may be attached to the outside of luggage and carry an AirTag, it is preferable to place an AirTag inside any luggage you intend to check with an airline.
This gives you additional peace of mind knowing your luggage is traveling with you on the appropriate aircraft, which is helpful if you have connecting flights, for example. By doing this, you can frequently track the whereabouts of your luggage after you’ve turned it over to the airline you’re flying with. Of course, you should also place an AirTag inside of your carry-on, briefcase, and/or purse in case any of these items are unintentionally lost or stolen while you are traveling.
