If you've ever misplaced anything, you know that feeling of dread when you can't remember where it is. That's what makes Bluetooth trackers like the Apple AirTag so useful. Though AirTags are exclusive to iPhone and iPad users, they make life so much easier by helping you keep track of your things. An AirTag can help you locate your backpack when you accidentally leave it at the office, and it'll reassure you that your keys are safe when your son just so happens to hide them in the pantry. Whenever an item has an AirTag on it, there's usually a way to track it down.
The product experts and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been testing luggage trackers and key finders since their inception, and I've personally been using AirTags on my backpack, keys, and suitcase for more than a year. They've reassured me when my suitcase has gone missing, as well as when I've misplaced my keys for the hundredth time.
Here's everything you need to know about AirTags and why you might want to buy some.
What is an AirTag?
Pros
- Intuitive set up
- Easy to use
- Leverages vast Find My network
- Uses Precision Finding to locate AirTag
- Great value
- Sleek, slim design
- Features Lost Mode
Cons
- Only compatible with Apple devices
- Doesn't feature real-time tracking or built-in GPS
| Dimensions | 1.26” x 0.31” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.39 ounce |
| Waterproof | Yes, IP67 rating |
| Battery | User-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery |
| Compatibility | iOS 14.5 or later |
Apple AirTags are Bluetooth trackers that enable you to keep track of important items, including everything from a checked suitcase to your wallet. You can find exactly where your AirTag is located (and the item that it’s with) in the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
Starting at $29, AirTags are a fairly inexpensive way to locate missing items, which is part of the reason why they’re so popular and accessible. To save a bit more, you can buy a pack of 4 for $99.
Bonus tip: You can engrave your AirTags for free so you never mix them up with other AirTags among family members.
How to set up AirTags
AirTags couldn’t be easier to set up. All you have to do is remove their plastic wrapping and place them close to your phone. Your phone should immediately recognize the AirTag and prompt you to connect. You’ll then name it and save it within the Find My app and, just like that, your AirTag is ready to use.
Design
We're not surprised that AirTags are as sleek as any other Apple product on the market. Their rounded design is both slim and compact, and slightly larger in circumference than a quarter. While they're not quite slim enough to fit inside a smaller wallet, we love that you can use them with a key ring or other accessories should you want to attach them to keys or a backpack.
When it comes to battery life, your AirTag should last at least a year. When it's dead, you'll be notified in the app so you can replace the battery.
Lastly, AirTags are pretty durable. I had one thrown in my backpack for over a year and the only signs of wear and tear are the tiny scratches on the metal surface. Other than that, it looks great. I also love that it's rated IP67, meaning that it's water- and dust-resistant and has been tested to be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Though you shouldn't drop it into the bottom of a lake, some rain or a quick dunk in the pool shouldn't affect it.
How do AirTags work?
AirTags live within the Find My app on your iPhone. Once you've activated them, you can keep track of those AirTags (and the items they're associated with) in the app. When you've lost something with an AirTag on it, you can navigate to it by following step-by-step directions (assuming it's close enough), thanks to Precision Finding, which operates via Ultra Wideband Technology. You can also have your AirTag play a sound to make it easier to locate, like if you left it buried inside the couch.
Should you lose an item far away from you, that's when things get interesting. According to Apple, "AirTag taps into the vast, global Find My network and can help locate a lost item, all while keeping location data private and anonymous with end-to-end encryption."
For instance, a few months ago, my suitcase was lost when traveling to France. When it didn't show up at my final destination's baggage claim, I checked on it in the Find My app and could see that it had been left behind in Paris. This means that the AirTag on my suitcase sent out a Bluetooth signal that another nearby device in the Find My network detected to confirm its location. The device that detected my AirTag then sent out the location of my AirTag to iCloud so I could see it on the map within the app. Though I wasn't happy about the situation, I was relieved to at least have a general idea of where my belongings were so I could go ahead and notify the airline.
Just keep in mind that if you lose something, like on a hiking trail, and there's no other Apple device around, your AirTag won't update its location. Another hiker with an iPhone would have to come close by for your AirTag to register its location in the Find My app. Also, AirTags don't provide real-time tracking; this means that their location is only updated intermittently and you won't be able to track your purse in real-time as the cab that you left it in drives around.
What if you can't find your AirTag?
You can also share your AirTag's location with a trusted person or an airline via "Share Item Location" on the Find My app. If you decide to share it with an airline, you'll provide them with a link that they can open up to see where the AirTag is at any given moment for up to seven days.
Bottom Line: Why you need an AirTag
If you’re a traveler like me, an AirTag is definitely one of the best luggage trackers you can get. Not only are they attractive, slim, and barely noticeable, but they give you some peace of mind when you’re waiting for your checked bag to appear on the turnstile. Though I never want to use my AirTags, it reassures me that I have them set up and ready for when I do. Plus, they really couldn't be easier to use. The only downfall is that they're exclusive to Apple users.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst Olivia Lipski has tested and reviewed the latest gadgets and gear in tech, travel, fitness, home, and more. She's covered both Tiles and AirTags as well as key finders and travel gear. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH, but as a frequent flyer and traveler, she regularly uses AirTags in her suitcases, backpacks, and attached to her keys to ensure she doesn't lose anything when on the go.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
