Apple Air Tag doesn't work

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Level 1

6 points

Apple Air Tag doesn't work

Just bought a new Apple Air Tag. I've gone through the set up process twice (unscrewed back, take out/in battery, re-screw 5 times), made sure my iPhone 12 is up to date, turned phone off/on, put NEW battery in air tag, but still getting same crummy result. I put the tag way out in backyard, about 100', and it tells me the connection is too weak and to move around. I end up having to move within 17' of the tag before it finds it. Same result with the battery it came with and the new battery. Any suggestions?

iPhone 12

Posted on Aug 24, 2022 5:13 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Chattanoogan

Level 7

26,061 points

Aug 24, 2022 5:46 PM in response to Kedmo

Airtag 101:

An airtag is a very low power device.

It has no onboard position-locating capability and can not directly communicate w/ the mobile network.

They DEPEND on other Apple devices “hearing” their beacons and on those devices sending their own position to Apple.

Your FindMy qerries the Apples servers and finds your tag’s location.

It leverages the power of millions of Apple mobile users.

But if your tag is “lost” in the middle of a forest w/o any Apple devices nearby … it will remain unlocatable.

If the tags don’t meet your needs, don’t loose track of Apple’s 14-day nearly-unconditional return window.

Related question: Where does Apple say they can be used to track dogs?

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Answer 2

Aug 24, 2022 5:32 PM in response to Kedmo

Got it. Thanks for the clarification.

Bluetooth range is generally limited to about 30’ max with good conditions and low RF “noise.”

Plus AirTags are VERY low-power devices, they are not continuously broadcasting their beacon.

Your 17’ experience doesn’t seem THAT terribly unusual.

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Answer 3

Kedmo Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 24, 2022 5:32 PM in response to Chattanoogan

Seriously? I bought it because it said I could put it in my luggage. I assumed the GPS could read it hundreds of miles away in case my bag gets transferred to the wrong airport. Seventeen feet isn't even far enough to find it at the baggage claim area. Why do they advertise you can put it on your dog too? If he's within 17' I can see him and I don't need this $29 gadget.

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Answer 4

Kedmo Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 24, 2022 5:42 PM in response to Chattanoogan

Thank you for the education. I guess I was just assuming it had more potential than it did. I'll still put it in my suitcase though because, as you said, there's a good chance someone with an apple device might be standing within 17' of it. Have a good evening.

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Answer 5

Aug 24, 2022 5:53 PM in response to Kedmo

You’re welcome.

They actually are pretty ingenious devices.

i think that once in-use, you’ll find that they are detected - and reported by “others” - at ranges significantly > 20’. (I KNOW that mine are)

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Answer 6

Aug 24, 2022 5:22 PM in response to Kedmo

It’s not clear from your post if the tag is actually paired to your AppleID.

Is the tag listed in your device’s FindMy -> Devices?

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Answer 7

Kedmo Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 24, 2022 5:22 PM in response to Chattanoogan

Sorry, yes, it's fully paired. When I'm in the My Find app it shows the name that I gave it and that it's "with you now". I retrieved it from the backyard and it's sitting next to my iPhone

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Apple Air Tag doesn't work

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