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Airtags security question

If i understand the functioning right, it is possible to detect an airtag near me, if it is separated from its owner.

Assuming this true, here is a worrysome scenario…

I am travelling…. and i leave (or hide) my airtagged bag in my hotel room or rented appartment. If someone breaks in, can he not easily detect my bag’s location with his own iPhone, rip the airtag and leave with my bag?

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 15

Posted on Dec 31, 2021 6:28 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 31, 2021 6:50 PM

Great question and a very good example.

The AirTag has to be moving with an unknown iPhone and then that unknown iPhone will be notified of its presence. So, in your scenario, the thief will have to locate your bag manually first, steal it, and then begin moving with it, for a period of time, before s/he is notified of the AirTag's presence. Of course, the thief can then find the AirTag and disable it.

In the end, the AirTag is not designed to be an anti-theft device. As you know, it is designed to find/locate lost items by the owner.


Axel F.



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 31, 2021 6:50 PM in response to pyguy

Great question and a very good example.

The AirTag has to be moving with an unknown iPhone and then that unknown iPhone will be notified of its presence. So, in your scenario, the thief will have to locate your bag manually first, steal it, and then begin moving with it, for a period of time, before s/he is notified of the AirTag's presence. Of course, the thief can then find the AirTag and disable it.

In the end, the AirTag is not designed to be an anti-theft device. As you know, it is designed to find/locate lost items by the owner.


Axel F.



Airtags security question

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