Ever lost something and wished you could magically find it?” Apple’s AirTags are like tiny helpers that can track your belongings using advanced technology. People use them to keep track of keys, wallets, bags, and even pets. But recently, some have started using Air Tags to track people, raising big questions about privacy and safety.

In this article, we’ll explore what AirTags are, how they work, and their good and bad sides. We’ll also look at other options for tracking devices and why it’s important to use them responsibly.

Key Takeaways

• What is an AirTag? A device for tracking items, not people.
• How Does an AirTag Work? Uses Bluetooth and Apple's Find My network.
• Can You Track People with an AirTag? Unethical, risky, and often illegal.
• Pros of Air Tags: Accurate, affordable for items, not for people.
• Cons of Air Tags: Privacy and legal issues limit their use.
• Real-Life Uses: Ideal for kids at events or the elderly in emergencies.
• Ethical Tracking Tips: Get consent and follow tracking laws.
• Best Alternatives: GPS trackers, smartwatches, and tracking apps.

What is an AirTag?

An Apple AirTag is a small, coin-shaped device. It helps you find and keep track of your belongings, like keys, wallets, bags, or even pets. If you often lose things, an AirTag can make life easier.

AirTags work with Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Here's how they function:

• Bluetooth Connection: AirTags use Bluetooth to connect to your Apple device.
• Find My App: You can see the location of your AirTag on the "Find My" app. This app shows a map to help you locate your item.
• Precision Finding: If your AirTag is close, your iPhone can guide you to it with arrows and distance.
• Lost Mode: If you lose something far away, AirTags can send location updates using nearby Apple devices.

How to Use an AirTag?

• Attach the AirTag to the item you want to track, like your keyring or backpack.
• Link the AirTag to your Apple ID through the "Find My" app.
• Check the app when you need to locate the item.
• Never use AirTags to track people without their consent—it’s against Apple’s rules and privacy laws.

Can You Track People with an Apple AirTag?

AirTags are designed to track items, not people. Apple has built safety features to prevent misuse, such as tracking someone without their permission. If an AirTag is travelling with a person who doesn't own it, their phone will alert them. These features are in place to protect privacy and prevent stalking.

Track People with AirTag: Pros & Cons

Apple's AirTag is a small tracking device designed to help you find lost items like keys, wallets, or bags. However, some people use AirTags to track others, like family members or friends. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of using AirTags to track people.

Pros of Using AirTags for Tracking People

AirTags are small, smart devices designed by Apple that make tracking people and belongings simple, reliable, and affordable.

• Safety and Security: AirTags can help parents keep track of their kids, especially in crowded places like malls, parks, or airports. It ensures that loved ones are safe and easy to locate.
• Emergency Situations: In case someone is lost or in danger, an AirTag can help you find them quickly, which could be lifesaving.
• Ease of Use: AirTags are incredibly simple to set up and use. With just a few taps on your iPhone, you can pair the AirTag and start tracking. Its user-friendly design makes it easy for anyone, even if they are not tech-savvy.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to other tracking devices, AirTags are budget friendly. They offer a reliable solution at a low price, making them a great option for those who want affordable tracking without compromising on quality.
• Accuracy: Air Tags use Apple’s vast "Find My" network, which helps provide highly accurate location tracking. Whether you’re looking for a misplaced item or tracking a loved one, the precision is remarkable.
• Peace of Mind: AirTags can help you feel secure by keeping track of important people or items. For example, parents can use them to monitor their kid’s whereabouts, providing a sense of safety and reassurance.

Cons of Using AirTags for Tracking People

Using Apple AirTags to track people may seem like a convenient option, but it has several serious concerns. Let’s examine the main drawbacks.

• Limited Range: AirTags use Bluetooth and nearby Apple devices to show location. They don’t work well in areas without other Apple users or good connectivity.
• Risk of Misuse: AirTags can be misused for stalking or spying on someone without their knowledge, raising ethical and safety issues.
• Battery Life: AirTags use a replaceable battery that lasts about a year. If the battery dies, the device stops working, leaving you unable to track it.
• Not a Real GPS Tracker: Compared to professional tracking devices, AirTags don’t give live, real-time tracking. They rely on nearby Apple devices to update their location, which might not be accurate.
• Limited Features: AirTags lack advanced capabilities like geofencing, SOS, real-time live updates and so more. They are primarily designed for finding lost items, not for detailed tracking of people.
• Privacy Concerns: AirTags can be misused for stalking or unauthorised monitoring. For instance, someone might slip an AirTag into a bag or pocket to track another person without their consent. While Apple has introduced safety features like alerts for unknown AirTags, these measures are not entirely foolproof.
• Legal Implications: Tracking people with AirTags without their knowledge is often illegal. Many countries have strict regulations regarding the use of tracking devices. Misuse could lead to fines or criminal charges.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Using AirTags to track someone’s location raises moral questions. Even if it’s not illegal, invading someone’s privacy without their permission can harm trust and relationships.
• Reliability Issues: AirTags depend on nearby Apple devices to update their location. In areas without Apple devices, the AirTag may fail to provide accurate or timely information, making it less reliable than other tracking tools.

Real-Life Examples: How AirTags Help in Tracking People

Apple's AirTags, designed primarily to help users locate personal items, have been creatively employed in various real-life scenarios to track individuals, often enhancing safety and security. Here are some notable examples:

Mike Tindall, former rugby star and member of the British royal family, utilized an Apple AirTag to keep track of his 10-year-old daughter, Mia, during the Burghley Horse Trials. By discreetly attaching the device to her clothing, he ensured her safety amid the bustling event.

A California woman, frustrated by repeated mail thefts, mailed herself a package containing an AirTag. When the package was stolen, she tracked its location and informed law enforcement. Police apprehended the suspects and recovered stolen mail from over a dozen victims.

Parents and pet owners have adopted AirTags to monitor their children's whereabouts in crowded places or during travel by placing the device in backpacks or clothing, and some pet owners have similarly used AirTags to track their pets' locations for safety and peace of mind.

Best Practices for Ethical Tracking

Using tracking devices like AirTags can be helpful, but it's important to use them responsibly and ethically. Here are some best practices to ensure ethical tracking:

• Always get permission before tracking someone or their belongings.
• Explain why you need to use a tracker and make sure the other person agrees.
• Never track anyone without their knowledge—it’s a violation of their privacy and trust.

• Learn and follow the tracking laws in your area. These laws are in place to protect everyone’s privacy.
• Some places have strict rules about tracking people without consent, so always stay within legal limits.
• If you're unsure about the laws, consult local authorities or legal experts.

• Regularly check and monitor your AirTag usage to ensure it's being used for the right reasons, like finding lost items or keeping track of your luggage.
• Do not misuse AirTags to follow someone secretly—this is both unethical and illegal.
• Educate yourself on how AirTags work and how to handle any alerts they might send.

Best Alternatives to AirTags for Tracking People

If you're looking for options other than Apple AirTags to track people safely and efficiently, here are some great alternatives:

1. Dedicated GPS Trackers

Dedicated GPS trackers are designed specifically for tracking people. They often come with advanced features like real-time location updates, SOS alerts, and geofencing (setting up safe zones). Some popular options include:

• Tracki GPS Tracker: Mini, Affordable and versatile with worldwide coverage.
• Jiobit Smart Tag: Lightweight and perfect for kids.
• AngelSense: Tailored for elderly and special needs individuals.

These devices are reliable and can offer better precision and safety compared to AirTags.

2. Wearable Technology

Smartwatches and fitness bands are excellent options if you want to combine tracking with other useful features. Many wearables now include built-in GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking. Some recommendations:

• Apple Watch SE/Series: Comes with GPS and cellular options for easy tracking.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch: Offers great compatibility with Android phones.
• Fitbit Charge 5: Affordable and includes GPS functionality.

3. Smartphone Apps

If you prefer not to invest in additional gadgets, smartphone apps can help you track people easily. Apps like these are simple and effective:

• Google Maps: Use the “Share Location” feature to see real-time updates.
• Life360: A family-focused app offering location sharing, driving reports, and emergency alerts.
• Find My Device/Find My iPhone: Track phones linked to your account.

Conclusion

Apple AirTags are useful tools for finding lost items, but using them to track people raises privacy, legal, and ethical concerns. While they can provide peace of mind in specific situations, they are not always the safest or most reliable option for tracking people. Instead, explore better alternatives like dedicated GPS trackers, wearables, or smartphone apps, and always use tracking devices responsibly and with consent to ensure safety and trust.

FAQs

No, AirTags need nearby Apple devices to update their location, making them less reliable in isolated areas.

Yes, parents can use AirTags to track their children if done responsibly and with the child’s awareness.

Misusing AirTags for stalking is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines or jail time.

Yes, GPS trackers offer real-time updates and wider coverage, making them more effective for long-distance tracking.

Yes, apps like Google Maps or Life360 are cost-effective and safe alternatives, provided both parties agree to share their location.