Apple Air Tag doesn't work

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?

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.

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)

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?