Creativity around the use of AirTags has increased significantly since Apple introduced them in 2021. With the increase in creativity, there has also been controversy around how AirTags should be used. AirTags are usedIt has become common knowledge that stalkers will place air tags in their victims’ cars without their knowledge or consent and then use their cell phones to track their location.
In its latest iOS update, Apple introduced a new warning feature to mitigate against AirTags being used against a user’s will or without their consent, but what if you could leverage AirTags as a security measure in your car?
Interestingly, Android users You can use AirTags for this purpose, and while they’re primarily designed for iPhones, Android users can use an app like Tracker Detect to scan for nearby AirTags.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one vehicle will be stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022 alone. Rather than allowing AirTags to be used against you, it may be time to proactively use them to your advantage.
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Why Apple AirTags are the best solution for car theft tracking
At the time of publication, Apple AirTags retail for $29.99 for a single unit or $99.99 for a pack of four. While GPS and other navigation systems can cost hundreds of dollars, Apple AirTags, when used properly, can aid in locating a stolen vehicle. Below are some potential benefits and pitfalls of using Apple AirTags to track your car:
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4 Potential Benefits of Tracking Vehicles with AirTags
1. Size and weight: Weighing 0.39 ounces, 1.26 inches wide, and 0.31 inches tall, the tracking device is very discreet. Car thieves have a hard time visually recognizing and locating AirTags, increasing the time it takes them to track and locate your vehicle.
2. Battery life: AirTags are battery-powered, so they never need to be charged. Apple says that AirTags can last for over a year on a standard battery. The CR2032 coin cell battery is also inexpensive to replace. This means that you can leave AirTags in your car for long periods of time without putting yourself or your car at risk by having to charge the AirTags. iPhone warning It’s also time to replace the battery.
3. Privacy and Security: No tracking data is stored on the AirTags or by Apple, so your information stays private. The signals and information sent by AirTags are anonymous and encrypted, so no unwanted information about your location is revealed.
4. Wide range and precise location: AirTags transmit Bluetooth signals so they use nearby devices in a Find My network, and with the popularity of Apple devices, there are many devices that can send the location of an AirTag to iCloud to track it.
AirTags are equipped with Ultra Wideband technology, so your iPhone’s Precision Search feature can navigate to your AirTag, show you the exact distance, and guide you to your destination.
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Understanding AirTags’ limitations and privacy concerns
AirTags are designed to leverage the Find My network for location tracking. However, the effectiveness of this network depends on proximity to other Apple devices. In areas where Apple devices are less prevalent, the range and accuracy of AirTags may be significantly reduced. As a result, the usefulness of AirTags for tracking items such as vehicles may be reduced in such areas.
Additionally, Air Tags have a double-edged privacy feature built into them: If a car thief has an iPhone in their possession, they could receive an alert informing them that an unrecognized Air Tag is traveling along with them. While this mechanism is intended to prevent unwanted tracking, it could inadvertently help a thief find and remove the Air Tag.
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How to install AirTags for safe vehicle tracking
If you want to track a stolen or lost car (ever forget where you parked your car?), Air Tag Somewhere that is out of sight and safe from removal or interference. Possible locations include under your car’s floor mats, in the glove box, in the spare tire well, or between the seat cushions.
If possible, do so because car thieves may check your airtag before stealing your car. Place multiple AirTags in different locations If you hide an AirTag in your car, if a thief finds and removes one AirTag, they can still track your car with the second AirTag. Thieves often think you only have one AirTag, so hiding a second AirTag is a clever way to outwit thieves.
If you realize your car has been stolen or lost, you can locate it on a map using the Find My app on your iPhone.
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Important points about the cart
While there’s no substitute for a professional GPS tracking system, Apple AirTags are handy devices that can help you track a lost or stolen vehicle. Just like we can lose our keys, it’s common to forget where we parked our car. With an AirTag attached to your car, you can open the Find My app and see where you last parked it.
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In the worst case scenario, if your car is stolen, you can still track it as long as it’s within range of other Apple devices on the Find My network. Its discreet size, weight, and widespread Find My network make it potentially the best option for tracking your car. Of course, you should avoid using it on other people’s cars or belongings without their permission.
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