Keeping tabs on your tiny humans can seem challenging at times. Just like Dora The Explorer, your little one could be inclined towards exploring the world while growing up, and although it is good to encourage a sense of independence, not every parent may be comfortable with their children starting this new journey all by themselves. Being a parent, it is normal to have safety concerns. However, if your concerns have peaked to the point where you are considering using AirTags for keeping track of your little one’s whereabouts, reading this blog can help you make an informed decision with better clarity. 

What Is An AirTag?

Apple has described AirTag as “a super-easy way to keep track of your stuff, and keep up with friends and family.” These tiny tags, which start selling at ₹3490.00 look like a small disc that can be easily secured to important items like keys, purses, backpacks, and even pet collars, allowing you to locate these anytime and with ease. This uses real-time signals to trace misplaced or lost items, using the Find My app which is available on Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. iOS allows you to share AirTag with as many as 5 people, making it easier to track all your important belongings. 

“They can help you locate anything they’re attached to; most of the time you’ll be listening for their little chirps as you hunt down the keys you inexplicably left sitting on top of the fridge instead of on the hook where they belong. For that purpose they work incredibly well, right on down to a little arrow on the iPhone’s screen pointing in the direction and little haptic taps as encouragement that you’re getting warmer.”- The Verge

How Do AirTags Work?

AirTags work by creating a connective web using Bluetooth technology, that catches networks from nearby Apple devices. This means that when you leave it behind, countless Apple devices help you track it down. The AirTag sends secure signals that can be easily tracked and traced by Apple devices in certain radars. As this happens, the device automatically shares the whereabouts of the tag with iCloud, making it possible for you to see the same on the Find My app. It doesn’t matter if you are a couple of blocks away or miles away.

“When youʼve left something far behind, like at the beach or the gym, the Find My network — hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad and Mac devices around the world — helps track down your AirTag.” - Apple

How To Set Up AirTags? 

Setting up an AirTag is quite simple. If you are using AirTag for the first time here’s what you need to do:

• A new AirTag comes with a battery tab that prevents it from turning on unnecessarily. In order to activate your AirTag you first need to pull this tab. 

• Once it wakes up, place the AirTag close to your device and you will see a prompt. 

• Tap on Connect on the device screen and you will see the option where you can name your AirTag and add emoji. 

• Once you have named your AirTag, tap on Continue and connect it to your device. 

You can also register your AirTag by using the Find My app. Tap on the + sign and proceed with Add AirTag. In case you are using a secondhand AirTag, the last user needs to remove it from his device first. 

“If you have an iPhone with UWB, it can locate the AirTag in physical space and point a little arrow at it when you get within four feet or so. It all works very well and is very satisfying.”-The Verge

How To Use AirTags On Children: Tips And Tricks 

1. Talk To Your Little Ones And Train Them

If you are planning to use AirTags for tracking your Children, make sure that they know about it. Help them understand what the device does and how it can keep them safe. It is crucial to make your little ones understand that AirTags are not toys, but rather a tool to ensure their safety. 

2. Secure And Set Up The Tag Properly

While you can easily attach the AirTag to wrist straps or Keyring, it is better to secure it in a way that it’s not evident. You can sew them inside the backpack or their clothes. Also, while setting up the device, you can easily set up notifications on your Find My app. This helps you to get timely notifications and alerts when your child is moving from one place to another. 

3. Use A Spare Tag

It is better to use two Tags rather than one if you are concerned that your little one may lose it. Secure both in different locations to make sure that even if they lose one, the other one is still there to help you track them.  

4. Don’t Forget To Update The Tags

It is important to keep your AirTags updated and get the latest firmware installed to ensure peak performance. This helps to improve overall function and make sure that your child is safe. Also, keep track of the battery health. Though it has a long battery life, it is better to be on the safer side, isn’t it? You can easily assess the battery health from the Find My app.

5. Run A Test

Before you trust the device completely, make sure that you run a test to ensure everything is working properly. Although Apple abides by stringent protocols to ensure their devices work well, there’s nothing wrong with making a double-check. 

Pros Of Using AirTags

1. Easy To Carry

AirTags are tiny and lightweight. You can easily hide them in your child’s backpack or clothes without them feeling any discomfort. They are around 3.2 cm in diameter and weigh not more than 11.5 gms. The disc-like design makes them compact.

2. Can Be Detected From Miles Away

AirTags not only work when they are within the Bluetooth range but also when they are far away. This is because the tracking device is capable of utilizing the Find My network from any nearby Apple Device and sharing the information to iCloud, from where you can access it. 

3. The Tags Can Be Shared

iOS 17 allows you to share AirTags with reliable connections. This means that when you are not around, you can easily invite a trustworthy friend or family member to keep track of your little one’s whereabouts. Isn’t that cool?

4. Phenomenal Battery Life 

What if AirTag runs out of battery? The tracker uses a CR2032 battery which lasts up to a year. So, you don’t really need to worry about that part. You can check the battery health with the help of the Find My app and get it replaced whenever needed. 

Cons of using AirTags 

1. Anti-Stalking Feature

In its recent update, Apple introduced an anti-stalking feature in AirTags which allows people to block alerts from AirTags that are away from their connected devices. You will see a notification that reads, “This item isn't certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner.”

2. Solely Depend On Apple Device Availability

AirTags work only when they are within the range of an Apple device that has Find My enabled. It will fail to send the live location if there is no Apple device nearby. This means that if an AirTag is lost in a sparsely populated area, the chances of being able to trace it are low. 

3. There Is No Liability

In case someone is not able to track their child using an AppleTag, they cannot question Apple’s liability. In simple words, you cannot sue Apple. AirTags have been designed to locate objects and it nowhere claims the same for tracing people. 

4. Keeping The AirTag With A Child Can Be Tricky 

If you are planning to get AirTags for your child, you’ll have to secure them in such a way that your little one is not able to remove them or else they may start fiddling and leave their Tags behind.  This can compromise the safety of the child and also create unnecessary confusion. 

Using AirTags has its own perks and cons, and it is important to weigh both before you decide whether you want to use it for tracking your little ones or not. I hope reading this blog will help you make an informed choice. 

FAQs

1. How much does an AirTag cost?

AirTag is priced ₹3490 for one and ₹10,900 for a pack of 4 however you can get great deals and discounts if you buy online. Check this link.

2. How long does an AirTag battery last? 

Air Tags have a very long-lasting battery that can last up to a year, even with daily use. 

3. Where can I buy an AirTag?

You can buy an AirTag at your nearest electronic store. You can also get it online at various sites like Apple, Croma, or Amazon

4. Does AirTag need WiFi or a phone network? 

No, AirTag does not need any WiFi or a phone network as it uses Bluetooth connectivity. 

Sources

• https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/22/22396693/apple-airtag-location-tracker-hands-on-find-my-privacy-safety 

• https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-airtags-everything-you-need-to-know/ 

• https://www.apple.com/in/airtag