An Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag Hacks and Tricks for Tracking Pets, Kids, Cars, and More

As a parent, pet owner, and someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience and peace of mind that technology like the Apple AirTag provides. What started as a small device to track personal belongings has evolved into a versatile tool that can help keep tabs on everything from pets to cars and even kids. Over time, I’ve discovered a handful of AirTag hacks that have made life just a little bit easier, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Whether you’re looking to improve safety for your kids or simply make sure you never lose your bike again, these AirTag tricks have you covered.

Use AirTag for Tracking Pets

One of the first AirTag hacks I tried was attaching it to my dog’s collar. Our family dog, Max, is a bit of a free spirit, always looking for an opportunity to explore new terrain. While he’s mostly well-behaved, there have been moments when he’s dashed off after a squirrel or a scent, causing me a momentary panic. Adding an AirTag to his collar gave me peace of mind, especially during walks in busy parks or populated areas.

The Find My app is an incredible tool in these situations. I remember one weekend when Max slipped out of the backyard while we were having a BBQ. Within minutes, I was able to track him down using the Find My network. The AirTag led me right to him a few streets over, sniffing around a neighbor’s garden.

That said, I’ve noticed some limitations when we’re in more remote areas, like when we took a camping trip last year. In these locations, without many Apple devices nearby to boost the network, the coverage can be spotty. While it’s not a perfect real-time GPS solution, it’s still a helpful tool for day-to-day pet tracking in areas with decent coverage.

Use AirTag for Tracking Kids

As a parent, I’m always thinking about my son’s safety, especially when we’re out in crowded places like festivals or amusement parks. While I don’t want to invade his privacy or make him feel restricted, I do want to make sure I can find him if we get separated. That’s where the AirTag comes in.

For younger children, AirTags are a non-invasive way to keep track of their location without the need for them to carry a smartphone. I’ve attached an AirTag to my son’s backpack on several occasions, and while we haven’t had any real scares yet, it’s comforting to know that I can locate him if needed.

One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that the AirTag’s tracking updates can be delayed if there aren’t many Apple devices around. This is something to consider if you’re in a more isolated area or if your child is frequently outside of the Find My network’s range. I’ve found that it’s most effective in populated areas, like malls or theme parks, where there’s a higher concentration of Apple devices nearby.

Use AirTag for Tracking Your Car

If you’re like me, you’ve probably experienced that sinking feeling when you can’t remember where you parked your car in a massive lot. I’ve been there countless times—shopping mall parking lots, stadiums after an event, or even at airports. That’s when I decided to hide an AirTag in my car.

While the AirTag isn’t a substitute for a real-time GPS, it’s incredibly helpful for locating your vehicle if it’s within the Find My network. I’ve tucked mine under the floor mat, making it discreet and hard to spot. There was this one time when I returned from a trip and completely blanked on where I’d parked in the airport’s multi-level garage. Using the Find My app, I quickly tracked the AirTag to the exact level and section where my car was parked, saving me from wandering around aimlessly.

This trick is also useful if you ever find yourself lending your car to a friend or family member and need to keep track of its location. Of course, the AirTag won’t give you real-time driving updates, but it’s perfect for helping you locate a misplaced or parked vehicle.

Use AirTag for Tracking Your Bike

As someone who loves biking, I’ve become extra cautious about bike theft, especially when leaving my bike locked up in public spaces. To add a little extra security, I’ve discreetly hidden an AirTag on my bike. It’s not foolproof, and I know that professional thieves might have ways around it, but for the casual opportunist, it can make a difference.

A few months ago, I parked my bike outside a cafe and decided to run inside for a quick coffee. Even though I had my bike locked up, I still felt uneasy. Thankfully, my AirTag was hidden beneath the bike seat, and I had the reassurance that if someone tried to take it, I could track it down using the Find My app.

While I haven’t had my bike stolen (thankfully), I’ve heard from fellow cyclists that AirTags have helped recover stolen bikes, especially in cities or other populated areas where there are plenty of Apple devices around. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s one more layer of security to help protect your bike.

Use AirTag for Tracking Luggage

Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to keeping track of luggage. I remember a family vacation where our luggage got delayed at the airport, and the uncertainty of where it was caused a lot of anxiety. Since then, I’ve started placing an AirTag in each of my suitcases whenever I travel.

During a trip last year, one of our bags didn’t show up on the luggage carousel. Using the Find My app, I was able to see that the suitcase hadn’t even made it onto our connecting flight—it was still at the previous airport. This information was invaluable when speaking to the airline’s customer service. I wasn’t just speculating; I had exact details about the bag’s location.

AirTags can also be helpful in hotels, where luggage sometimes gets misplaced by bellhops or storage services. You can always pull up the Find My app and check that your bags are safe and nearby.

Find My Compatible Devices for Wallet Tracking

I’ve also been guilty of misplacing my wallet more times than I’d like to admit. The good news is that there are ultra-slim AirTag holders designed specifically for wallets. They work seamlessly with the Find My app and can easily slip into the credit card slots of most wallets.

One particularly frantic morning, I was running late for an important meeting and couldn’t find my wallet anywhere. Thanks to the AirTag, I was able to quickly locate it between the couch cushions (of course, where else would it be?). It’s these small moments of relief that make AirTags such a valuable tool in my everyday life.

There are also third-party Find My compatible accessories for wallets, so you don’t have to rely solely on Apple’s AirTag if you prefer another design. These devices all integrate smoothly into the Find My app, ensuring that you’ll always have a way to track your most important items.


Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you replace an AirTag’s battery?

From my experience, AirTag batteries typically last about a year. I usually get a notification from the Find My app when the battery is running low, which gives me ample time to replace it. Changing the battery is easy and can be done with a simple coin-cell battery (CR2032). I keep a small pack of these batteries in my drawer, so I’m never caught off guard.

Can AirTags be used in areas with poor Apple device coverage?

This is one of the biggest limitations of AirTags. In areas with fewer Apple devices, like rural locations or when traveling internationally, the AirTag’s effectiveness decreases. That’s something I’ve personally noticed while hiking or camping in more remote areas. In contrast, urban environments or popular tourist spots usually have plenty of Apple devices around to boost the Find My network’s range.

Is it safe to rely on AirTags for real-time tracking of pets or kids?

I’ve found that AirTags are best used for tracking items in a broad sense rather than real-time monitoring. When it comes to tracking pets or kids, it’s important to remember that the AirTag doesn’t offer continuous location updates like a dedicated GPS tracker would. The updates are reliant on being near Apple devices, so while it’s great for casual tracking, it may not be the best solution if you need immediate real-time tracking in less-populated areas.

What accessories are available for securing AirTags to different items?
I’ve experimented with various AirTag accessories, depending on what I’m tracking. For my dog’s collar, I use a durable silicone AirTag holder that clips securely to his collar. For my bike, I opted for a hidden mount that tucks under the seat. There are also leather keychains, wallet inserts, and other creative accessories that cater to different needs. My personal favorite is the slim wallet holder—it’s so unobtrusive that I often forget it’s there.

How do AirTags compare to traditional GPS trackers for vehicles?

While AirTags are a fantastic tool for tracking items like bikes and cars, they don’t replace a real-time GPS tracker. AirTags are reliant on the Find My network, which means they update when they’re within range of an Apple device. For everyday tracking—like finding your car in a parking lot—they’re perfect. But if you’re looking for real-time updates on a moving vehicle, a GPS tracker would be a better option. That said, AirTags still offer a level of convenience for casual tracking that I find incredibly useful.


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