It suffices to recall a few anecdotes shared on the networks to verify that the AirTag keeps its promises. Even airlines have to admit their mistakes, seeing how travelers locate their baggage themselves before they do.
Given this fact, some people wonder: What is the distance limit at which an AirTag can be detected? We can mention some raw numbers, although these are data that should not matter too much to us. Let’s see the reasons.
Counters don’t matter if the circumstances themselves do
If we want specs, we need to review how AirTags communicate with other devices. Apple’s beacon relies on the so-called UltraWide Band, equipped on the U1 chip, and which is based on the Bluetooth protocol combined with NFC.
This means, taking into account that NFC communications are intended for when we have the AirTag at our side, that the maximum range with which the AirTag can be located is the range of the Bluetooth protocol. If we talk about Bluetooth 5 (Apple does not specify which version it uses) it can be more than 200 meters.
Interference plays too big a role to rely on full Bluetooth coverage
Now: this is the theoretical maximum. As with all types of wireless communications, there can be an infinite amount of interference from other electronic devices that greatly reduces this coverage. Do not rely too much on these 200 meters, because in cities this could never be achieved.
The good news is that we shouldn’t worry about it. If we are unlucky enough to lose an item to which we have attached an AirTag, we are available for any Apple device that goes through. And the chances of that happening within 200 yards, especially in urban settings, are huge.
Beyond the maximum range, we must remember that the U1 chip also allows us to locate the AirTag with great precision using a special interface on the iPhone. This is intended when we search for this AirTag within the same house or the same premises, a few meters away
The bottom line is that between interference and the very high probability of proximity to an Apple device, you shouldn’t worry about the maximum distance at which the AirTag can be detected. Surely that won’t be a deciding factor when you have the misfortune to lose it, and hopefully that’s something that never happens to you with valuables.
