Apple AirTags are small and convenient devices designed to help people keep track of their belongings. They can be attached to different items and tracked using Apple’s Find My app.
While most people use AirTags to track simple things like their house keys, they can be used for much more.
Here are 10 surprising things that you can track with Apple AirTags:
Remote controls
Remote controls have a habit of vanishing just as you’re about to unwind with a movie or a game. Since remote controls are being made smaller and thinner for a sleeker aesthetic, this disappearing trick is bound to occur more frequently.
If you’re tired of flipping your cushions and turning your house upside down in search of your remote, try sticking an AirTag on it. Apple’s Precision Tracking will quickly guide you to the tagged remote control. For instance, if you have an Apple TV there are lots of cases on Amazon for the last two generations of Apple TV remotes that have a spot specifically for an AirTag.
You can also program your AirTag to play a sound whenever the tracking feature is activated, allowing you to locate it by ear.
Your wallet
Wallets are one of the most commonly misplaced items, so it makes sense to keep an AirTag inside yours. If your wallet is too thin, you can stick an AirTag on your keychain and attach it to your wallet, but avoid dangling the keychain as this may attract the attention of thieves.
You can also put an AirTag inside your favorite purse or backpack to protect your other belongings (keys, phone, laptop, etc.)
Presents
If you’re great at hiding gifts but need to remember where exactly you hid them, AirTags could be your new best friend. Simply attach an AirTag to the present and, when ready for the big reveal, use the Find My app to see its location.
This method is also helpful for hiding valuable items from children or untrustworthy visitors, such as heirlooms, jewelry, and expensive gadgets.
Your pet
Pets can be a handful sometimes.
If your adorable furry baby enjoys running and playing in the neighborhood and you’re afraid they might go missing or stay out too late, you can attach an AirTag to their collar to keep track of them. This is faster, cheaper, and more convenient (for you and your pet) than having them microchipped.
Late last year, Denise, an AirTag owner, was able to locate her missing dog at an animal shelter using the Find My App. If you want to try this, get a collar with a secure AirTag holder to prevent it from falling out.
Your bicycle
Nowadays, locks and chains are not enough to keep your bicycle safe from thieves. For extra security, consider buying an AirTag for your bike and placing it in an inconspicuous place like under the seat or inside the bell.
This way, if it is stolen, you can easily track it down. You must notify the police or any security guard around before tracking your stolen bike.
Your car
You’re not alone if you’ve ever forgotten where you parked your car. Using an AirTag to track your car could save several minutes of panicking and retracing your steps.
Although a GPS car tracker is still recommended, you can never have too many security measures! AirTags also help you find your car faster with Precision Finding. If car theft is your primary concern, hide an AirTag under one of your car seats, inside the glove compartment, in the air vent, or even behind the dashboard. Anywhere is fine as long as it’s not easily noticeable.
Remember not to take matters into your own hands. In case of a stolen vehicle, contact your local police and use the Find My app to guide them to the AirTag’s location.
Musical instruments and tools
It would be terrible if your musical instrument was lost or stolen, whether you play professionally or as a hobby. Apple’s AirTags are small enough to fit inside instruments like guitars and most instrument cases. Just make sure it’s well hidden and won’t fall out easily. You can also do this for your tools. Put an AirTag at the bottom of your toolbox or on a frequently misplaced tool so you can find it when you need it.
Your luggage
Nothing is more frustrating than losing your luggage at the airport. Even if you don’t normally pack essential items, you should permanently attach an AirTag to your luggage.
This will give you peace of mind and eliminate the stress of finding your luggage on the conveyor belt. Tracking your luggage with an AirTag also means you no longer have to play the risky game of “Is that luggage mine or not?”
Your kids
While an Apple Watch with the Family Setup feature may be more effective at tracking your child, it is more expensive and visible than an AirTag. If your children are too young for smartphones or other smart devices, you can use an AirTag to locate them.
An easy way to do this is to put the AirTag in their backpacks or attach the AirTag to their favorite bracelet, wristband, or necklace if they need to be reminded. Of course, the AirTag should be protected by a case serving as a pendant or charm; otherwise, the purpose is defeated.
Explain to your kids why the tracker is necessary and why they should not remove it.
Your kids’ toys
Every child has that one toy that they refuse to let go of. It’s safe to say that if that toy gets lost or left behind, there won’t be peace until it’s found or replaced.
You can use AirTags as a toy locator to prevent this from happening. Depending on your child’s age, an AirTag could be a choking hazard, so the best thing to do is to sew it into your child’s stuffed toy or ensure that it is firmly secured at the bottom of their plastic or silicone toys.
Alas, this is yet another technology that can be used for bad as well as good.
Witness the fellow who tracked down his stolen pickup truck and killed the thief – or the occasional stories about an abusive ex stalking their “loved one” using AirTags.
As with so many other technological innovations, we are told all about the marvelous “convenience” it affords but not the potential downside.
Hammers are – can be dangerous too.
Absolutely do NOT attach an AirTag to a dogs collar! AirTags operate in the same frequency range as dog’s hearing—it nearly killed our dog. When we put it on her, within 12 hours she started to become lethargic and within 24 hours she was on death’s doorstep. When we realized that the AirTag was the problem we removed it and she fully recovered with 8 hours!
Er, say what now? Do AirTags emit sound?
And here I thought they utilize electromagnetic frequencies (BlueTooth et al) – which, as I understand physics, do not cause vibrations of air molecules (i.e. – sound) in any way whatsoever.
AirTags operate in the 6 – 8.5 GHz frequency range, which is not within the hearing range of ANY animal.
“Tracking your luggage with an AirTag also means you no longer have to play the risky game of “Is that luggage mine or not?””
That’s why you are given a claim check that has a number you are supposed to match against the tag on the luggage.
Some airports used to even require you show the claim check to allow you to leave the area with your luggage.