AirTags are tracking devices developed by Apple. They were created to find your keys, wallets and other small devices that can be easily misplaced. But have you ever considered using them to track your pets?
Read on to find out how to use AirTags with dogs or cats.
How to set up AirTags
Although AirTags are not originally intended for tracking your pets, you can definitely use them for that purpose and it’s very easy to set up.
- Simply connect the AirTag to your device, add it to your pet’s collar, and you’re ready to go.
How do AirTags track my pets?
AirTags use ultra-wideband technology to send a signal to your device. Why is it called ultra-wideband technology? Because it can transmit information over a wide bandwidth, from 500 MHz to several gigahertz. It is, therefore, compatible with different wireless technologies without interrupting other signals.
Ultra-broadband technology is not new on the market. At the beginning of the century it was known as “pulsed radio” and was used in military and medical equipment. Since it is extremely accurate and provides real-time data, ultra-wideband technology found its purpose here: locating things.
Most pet trackers use GPS satellites and mobile connections to track your furry friends. Unlike other trackers, AirTags do not use this technology and cannot connect to the Internet. They send secure Bluetooth signals to iCloud, informing you of their location in real time. You can access the location by opening the “Find My” app on your Apple device.
However, if your pet runs away or gets lost, the AirTag will no longer be within range of your Bluetooth. In that case, you can put it in Lost Mode. Thus, if your pet passes by an Apple user, you will automatically receive a notification. If someone finds your pet and sees the AirTag, they can tap it and see the information you provided, such as your name and phone number, and contact you immediately.
The good thing is that AirTags aren’t just limited to Apple users: any device with NFC functionality, including Android, can get your contact information by tapping the AirTag.
Advantages of using AirTags with pets
There are many advantages to using AirTags to track your pets. Let’s take a look at them:
- Efficiency: AirTags allow you to see your pet’s exact location at any time. If you are an iPhone 11 or 12 user, you have the Precision Find option, which allows you to see the exact distance and direction of your pet when it is within range.
- Price: Unlike pet trackers that can cost up to several hundred dollars, AirTags are cheap! Their price starts at $29 each, which isn’t much for a product that can save you the hassle of searching for your pet for hours. You can also purchase a four-pack of AirTags for $99.
- Easy to set up: AirTags are very easy to use. You just take it out of the box and pull out the tab to activate it. Then, hold a compatible mobile device next to the AirTag and a notification will appear on your device to set it up. You can add a name to your AirTag, for example your pet’s name.
- Size: AirTags are small and lightweight, so they won’t be too heavy for your pet. The diameter of the AirTag is 31.9 mm (1.26 inches), its height is 8.0 mm (0.31 inches), and its weight is 11 grams (0.39 ounces).
- Battery life: AirTags have excellent battery life – lasting about a year! When the battery is low, you will receive a notification telling you to change it. What’s also great is the type of battery. AirTags use a CR2032 battery, often found in devices like remote controls. You can buy them in almost every store and they are cheap.
- Resistance: AirTags are splash, water, and dust resistant, making them a great tracking device for your pet.
- Personalization: If you order your AirTag from the Apple website or the Apple Store app, you can engrave your AirTag for free. So, for example, you can put your pet’s name on the AirTag, or add some of the 31 available emojis.
- Security: Location is never stored inside the AirTag and only you can access the location. Another great feature is that iOS devices can detect an AirTag that is not with its owner, thus improving security. This reduces the chances of your pet ending up in the wrong hands.
- Tracking multiple pets: You can connect up to 16 AirTags at a time, so if you have more than one pet, AirTags can be a great option.
Disadvantages of using AirTags with pets
- AirTags are not pet trackers; Although AirTags are used for tracking, they are designed to track objects.
- It doesn’t work everywhere: If you live in a city or town, AirTags can be great for tracking your pets. However, if you live in an area where there are not many Apple users, you won’t be able to track your pet if she runs away, since there will be no devices nearby that can mark the location of your AirTag.
- Resistance limitations: Although they are advertised as resistant to splashes, water and dust, AirTags have their limitations. For example, they are water resistant up to 1 meter and up to 30 minutes. Your resistance may also decrease over time. If your pet likes to run and swim, this will affect the resistance of your AirTag.
- Pets can damage it: Pet owners know how much they like to play. Pet trackers are designed to withstand this type of damage. Since AirTags are not designed to track pets, they can be damaged more easily, which can cause them to malfunction.
- Pets can lose it: If your pet gets lost or escapes and you lose the AirTag, you will be able to locate the AirTag, but not the pet. If the AirTag is loose or not securely attached to your pet, it can easily become detached from your furry friend. And since AirTags weren’t designed to track pets, Apple doesn’t offer any official accessories that can keep the AirTag securely attached to your pet.
- No family sharing options: Since only the owner can see the location of an AirTag, it cannot be shared with any family member. This can be a problem for people in the same household, especially when using AirTags to track pets. If someone in your household takes the dog for a walk and the dog disappears during the walk, she won’t be able to find the location of the AirTag. The same goes for tracking keys, wallets, purses, etc.
Should I track my pets with AirTags?
While AirTags were not designed to track your pets, you can use them for that purpose. They are cheap, reliable, have a long battery life, and if you live in urban areas, they will be efficient. However, if you want to be 100% sure that you can track your pet at any time and in any conditions, you should purchase a tracker designed specifically for pets.
Advice: If you decide to track your pets with AirTags, make sure the AirTag is properly attached to your pet, but also check to see if your pet is comfortable with it. If not, you could try to detach it.
Additional FAQs
Can I get pet-friendly accessories for AirTags?
Apple does not recommend using AirTags to track pets and does not offer any official accessories of this type. However, numerous manufacturers have already created different types of accessories that can keep your AirTag safe and your pet comfortable.
For example, you can buy a tag holder or a protective case to put the AirTag in and attach it to your dog’s collar.
Additionally, there are several options when it comes to necklaces. They come in a variety of different materials, colors, and sizes, with sleeves or pockets created specifically for AirTags. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the one you like best, just make sure the AirTag is secure.
How long do AirTag batteries last?
The AirTag battery has a long lifespan. Due to the technology used, the battery lasts approximately one year. When the battery is low, you will receive a notification telling you to change it. Since AirTags use a CR2032 battery, which is common for devices like remote controls, and they are cheap and easy to find.
The AirTag battery has a long lifespan. Due to the technology used, the battery lasts approximately one year. When the battery is low, you will receive a notification telling you to change it. Since AirTags use a CR2032 battery, which is common for devices like remote controls, and they are cheap and easy to find.
Tracking pets with AirTags
Knowing where your pets are at all times can be quite reassuring. After all, it’s a big world out there. Given their low cost, durability, and ease of use, using AirTags to track your cats and dogs is a choice many pet owners make. Even without Apple’s official approval to use it this way, AirTags can provide some security when it comes to keeping track of your pets.
