Apple AirTag offers us a cheap and simple way to keep track of all of our things like keys, wallets, purses, backpacks, and much more.
However, one question often asked is, does an AirTag work anywhere in the world? If you are perhaps wondering if AirTags work internationally, then read on!
An AirTag will work anywhere in the world, given it can connect to another nearby Bluetooth Apple device in the Find My network.
In this article, I explore does an AirTag work anywhere in the world, Apple AirTag Precision Finding, Can an AirTag be found anywhere, and much more.
Can An AirTag Be Found Anywhere?
An AirTag can be found anywhere as long as its within range of an Apple Bluetooth device that can send its location to iCloud.
Let’s say, for example, you have an AirTag in your luggage and your AirTag finds its way to be thousands of miles away from you, perhaps in a different state or even country. As long as someone with an Apple device passes by your AirTag and it can send that passing Apple device a Bluetooth signal, your AirTag’s location will be trackable within the Find My app.
If on the other hand, your AirTag finds its way to a less densely populated area, or perhaps a location where no one passes frequently, then it’s less likely that your AirTag will be found.
The bottom line, AirTags work internationally, but only if you’re in a part of the world where Apple devices are more common. Additionally, it’s important to know that when it comes to using Apple’s Precision Finding features, not all countries across the world currently support Ultra Wideband technology, and is subject to international regulatory requirements.
Single Apple AirTag
Pack of 4 Apple AirTags
Do AirTags Work Internationally?
AirTags work internationally as long as they can connect to a Bluetooth Apple device that’s in Apple’s Find My network.
Keep in mind when considering using AirTags internationally and you want to use Precision Finding, you need to be in a country or region that supports Ultra Wideband technology. See the list below of countries and regions that don’t support Ultra Wideband.
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Nepal
- Russia
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
Apple AirTag Range, Does An AirTag Work From Far Away?
According to Apple, when paring a Bluetooth accessory with an iPhone, it must be within 33 feet or 10 meters of the device.
Although Apple doesn’t specifically mention exactly how far away an AirTag works. Their iPhone User Guide gives a clear indication of Bluetooth range when connecting accessories.
However, it’s important to note that 33 feet (10 meters) would be considered the maximum with a clear line of sight between the AirTag and the iPhone and is the best reference point available to determine an AirTag’s range.
Bluetooth works at its best when there is a clear line of sight. Since AirTags do not use a cellular service, regardless of where in the world you are, it is important to know that obstacles such as buildings, walls, and metal can all have an impact on how effective and strong a Bluetooth signal is. All of these factors come into play when considering how far away an AirTag works.
How Does An AirTag Work?
An AirTag works by sending a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices on the Find My network. The nearby devices then send the location of the AirTag to iCloud, where the location of the AirTag can then be seen on the Find My app’s map.
All these signals happen in an anonymous and encrypted way to protect your privacy. One important thing to note is that only you can see your AirTag’s location, not even Apple, and it’s also important to know that your data and history are never stored on the AirTag itself either.
An AirTag also leverages Apple’s Precision Finding features, which I cover in more detail below. One final point to note on how an AirTag works, Apple has hundreds of millions of iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices around the world on the Find My network, so if you do lose your AirTag, there is a high chance it can be found.
AirTag Precision Finding
If your AirTag is near you, your iPhone can take you straight to it using Precision Finding. AirTags leverage Ultra Wideband technology, a short-range wireless communication protocol for Precision Finding. Unlike Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband operates at a much higher and broader frequency range and is capable of giving highly accurate spatial awareness data points.
Precision Finding takes advantage of the U1 chip within an AirTag, and compatible iPhone models, version 11 and up. Precision Finding also uses data from an iPhone’s camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope to guide you to your AirTag using a combination of sound, haptics, and on screen feedback.
Precision Finding can also work with the accessibility features built right into an iPhone’s operating system (iOS). The features can direct users who might be visually impaired, for example, to an AirTag using directions like, “AirTag is 7 feet ahead”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, I have answered all of your questions related to, does an AirTag work anywhere in the world. However, you may still have other questions surrounding Apple AirTags. If you do, below I have answered some common frequently asked questions.
Do AirTags have a monthly fee?
- AirTags do not have an monthly fee.
Do you have to charge an AirTag?
- You do not have to charge an AirTag, but you will have to change its battery around once a year.
Can I view an AirTag’s location history?
- You cannot view an AirTag’s location history. The Find My app will allow you to see the current location of the AirTag.
Do AirTags work in Europe?
- AirTags do work in Europe.
Do AirTags work in Mexico?
- AirTags do work in Mexico.
Do AirTags work in India?
- AirTags do work in India.
Final Thoughts On Does An AirTag Work Anywhere In The World
So, in conclusion. Does an AirTag work anywhere in the world? The simple answer is yes they do.
An AirTag will work anywhere within the United States and internationally in places like Europe for example. However, there are a few points to consider like, how populated is the location, how common place are Apple devices, does the Bluetooth signal strength have a clear line of sight, and does the country support Ultra Wideband technology.
The bottom line is that an AirTag is a low-cost and simple way to track your lost stuff with the potential of being found by hundreds of millions of iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices all around the world on the Find My network.