An Apple AirTag is a low-cost and easy way to track your items such as keys, wallets, purses, backpacks, and more. However, one question often asked is, do AirTags vibrate? If you’re wondering the same, then read on!
Apple AirTags do not vibrate. When finding your AirTag, your iPhone however can vibrate to indicate you are close to the lost AirTag.
In this article, I dig a little deeper into do AirTags vibrate and help you understand what you can expect from an Apple AirTag and iPhone in terms of haptic feedback.
Definition Of Vibration
Move or cause to move continuously and rapidly to and fro. Oscillate.
Oxford Reference, 1996, print version
Can AirTags Vibrate?
AirTags cannot vibrate. As a user, you may experience haptic feedback in the form of vibration from your iPhone as you get closer to finding your AirTag, but don’t expect similar feedback from your AirTag.
So, why don’t AirTags vibrate? A great question. Let’s explore how vibration is created and why an AirTag cannot vibrate. Typically, for a device to vibrate, it requires a motor with an offset mounted to its shaft that, when spun fast, the off-center weight causes a vibration. This is called an Eccentric Rotating Mass or ERM for short.
Alternatively, manufactures can use a Linear Resonant Actuator or LRA for short to also generate vibration. Unlike ERM, LRA vibrates up and down, rather than rotating and relies on magnetic fields and electric currents. Exploring Apple’s AirTag technical specifications, you will find that there is no ERM or LRA within the AirTag’s design which means it’s unable to create any vibration.
Check out the teardown video below for a more in-depth look at what’s inside or not inside an Apple AirTag.
Do AirTags Make Noise?
An AirTag will make a noise. In fact, AirTags themselves can make four unique sounds depending on the what is happening at the time.
So what are the noises you can expect an AirTag to make? It depends on what task you are performing – for example, you will hear a welcome noise when you first set up your AirTag. You will also hear a different noise when your AirTag setup is complete and ready to use. You will also hear a repeating noise from your AirTag when you’re trying to locate it from the Find My app. And finally, you will also hear a noise when you have successfully replaced the battery.
So, as you can see, there are four distinct times when you can expect to hear your AirTag make a noise. Check out the video below to for an in depth look at AirTag noises and sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, I have answered all of your questions related to, do AirTags vibrate. However, you may still have other questions surrounding Apple AirTags. If you do, below I have answered some common frequently asked questions.
How often do AirTags need to be charged?
Can an AirTag hear me?
Can you use an AirTag in hot and cold environments?
AirTag Specs
| Diameter: | 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) |
| Height: | 0.31 inch (8.0 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.39 ounce (11 grams) |
| Water Resistance: | IP67 dust and water resistance |
| Connectivity: | Apple U1 chip, Bluetooth LE, NFC |
| Speaker: | Built-in |
| Sensors: | Accelerometer |
| Battery: | Single user-replaceable CR2032 |
| Software Requirements: | iOS 14.5 or later (iPhone), iPadOS 14.5 or later (iPad) |
| Color: | White |
Final Thoughts On Do AirTags Vibrate
So, do AirTags vibrate? No. AirTags themselves do not vibrate. With the lack of an Eccentric Rotating Mass or a Linear Resonant Actuator within the design, an AirTag is unable to produce vibration. You will, however, experience vibration from your iPhone as you track and close in on your AirTag.
Are you looking for some useful AirTag ideas? Check out my article for some fun ideas.