Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Thieves are getting good at disabling finder tags.
- Make sure to check that your tag actually works.
- Finder tags should only be a part of your security preparations.
I’m “senior” enough to remember when pretty much every bit of consumer tech not only came with instructions, but also a how-to guide that offered the proud new owner hints, tips, and suggestions on how to get the best out of their new purchase.
Those days are gone. Nowadays, most things just come with the scantest of instructions that tell you where to download the app and what button to press to turn the device on, and maybe a booklet stuffed with global regulatory gibberish.
As such, people are left to their own devices, and while most of the time that seems to work, there are times when it doesn’t.
I’ve done a fair bit of travel this year, and it’s been quite varied. I’ve relied on my feet, wheels, rails, and wings to take me places, and I’ve carried my stuff in suitcases, rucksacks, and pockets. One constant during all that travel — as well as day-to-day life — has been my Apple AirTags. If something is important to me, I have a finder tag on it.
Sidenote: Tracker tags vs finder tags — These terms refer to the same thing, and you’ll see them used interchangeably, although I tend to go with finder because it sounds less weird and stalkery, especially since tags are mostly used to find things.
But during my travels, I can’t help but notice the mistakes people are making with their finder tags. Mistakes that not only make it easier for them to lose the stuff they’ve spent good money on a tag for, but also make it easier for bad guys to steal their stuff.
But fear not! I’ve been using finder tags since they came out, and carried them over thousands of miles in a dozen countries, and I think I can turn you from a finder tag beginner to an expert with a handful of tips.
Tip 1: Give your tag a descriptive name
When you set up a new tag, you get the chance to give it a descriptive name — make it descriptive. “Adrian’s Orange Suitcase” or “Adrian’s Car Keys” is a lot more descriptive than “Adrian’s Tag” or something similarly vague and lazy.
Map is blurred for privacy.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Tip 2: Have spare batteries handy
A lot of the tags out there use button cells, with the CR2032 being the most common since it is the one the AirTag uses. These batteries will last about a year (depending on how much you use the tags), and the app will warn you when it’s time to replace them.
Also: The only lithium button battery brand I recommend now – for serious safety reasons
My advice is to replace batteries promptly, because I’ve seen tags die and go dark over a few days. The easiest way to do this is to keep a few spares on hand (I have a stash at home and take a couple with me).
Tip 3: Charge rechargeable tags regularly
More and more tags are turning to rechargeable batteries. The thin tags that go into wallets and purses — or those built into things like passport holders — use wireless charging, while some traditional tags use USB-C.
Whatever the charging method, if you have a rechargeable tag, it’s a good idea to top it up every few months.
Tip 4: If a tag is visible, it’s vulnerable
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen finder tags just dangling off purses, handbags, backpacks, and luggage. I think the tag owner believes that if the tag is visible, it not only acts as a visual deterrent to would-be thieves but also makes it easier to remember they have it and to change the battery.
They’re wrong. It’s a bad idea.
If a tag is visible, not only is it vulnerable to being damaged by knocks and bangs, not to mention water, but it’s also susceptible to being broken off or popped out of its holder and lost.
They’re also open to tampering or interference by bad guys. I’ve spoken to law enforcement personnel in a number of countries, and they’ve told me stories of just how efficient criminals are at removing or disabling finder tags — from detaching them from a bag in a matter of seconds to drilling through them to disable them.
The silicone rings that you can buy to hold AirTags are some of the worst ideas, as they encourage users to both have their AirTag on display, and make it easy for thieves to remove the tag from whatever it’s attached to.
Keep tags out of sight as much as possible, and secure them with a quality holder.
Tip 5: If possible, use a quality ‘security’ tag holder
One of the things I like about using AirTags is that there’s a vast and extensive ecosystem of third-party accessories — yes, even tags can have accessories now. And hands-down, my favorite AirTag accessory company is Elevation Lab. If you need to securely attach a tag to something, this company has a holder for it.
Whether it’s keys, a backpack, a vehicle, a pet, or even a jacket, Elevation Lab has a tag holder for you.
The company also makes a battery case that uses AA or AAA batteries to extend the lifespan of an AirTag up to 10 years. I’ve got several of these in use, and they’re perfect for long-term asset finding.
Tip 6: Check that you can actually detect your tag
Bluetooth, the radio tech that tags use, is pretty good at cutting through walls and other obstacles, and it can be detected over as much as 300 feet of clear ground. But it’s not infallible, and I’ve come across tags that are unfindable because of where they’ve been placed.
Vehicles and containers made of metal — such as toolboxes — can be problematic and easily block them from being found. Another situation that “a friend” ran into recently was that they put their wallet finder card in their RFID-proof wallet, and the shielding was so good it blocked the tag.
Don’t do what I — I mean, my friend did — and make sure to always check that your finder tags are actually findable!
Tip 7: Replace tags that have been damaged
If one of your tags has been subjected to any serious abuse — such as being bent, crushed, or cracked — it’s time to replace it.
The thin wallet finder tags are particularly prone to bending, and although most come with a lanyard hole so they can be attached to luggage, I don’t recommend it because they don’t seem to last long, especially in the hands of airline luggage handlers.
Tip 8: Buy quality tags
There is no shortage of quality finder tags on the market, but if you go searching for cheap tags, you’ll find plenty. They’ll set you back a few bucks, promise the earth, and deliver nothing short of disappointment.
Avoid the budget tags. I’ve tested dozens, and none have been worth recommending.
As my grandfather used to say (well, I’m paraphrasing, because he spoke Welsh): Better to buy once and cry once, than buy cheap and buy twice.
Tip 9: When it comes to travel security, tags aren’t everything
It’s easy to think that if you buy some tags, all your problems will be solved. But tags are just part of my plan to keep my stuff safe when traveling. I use them alongside things like strong, secure luggage, pickpocket-proof bags, and travel locks.
Bonus tips
I’ve also adopted some other tricks.
Years ago, I learned that distinctive luggage is less likely to be stolen than the stuff that looks generic, which is why I buy the brightest, most orange case I can find, and then slap some stickers over it.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI also attach things like my keys or wallet to my person by using a retractable key holder, so I can’t put them down, and someone else can’t grab them.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI’ve also attached a lanyard tag to my smartphone, again to prevent me from leaving it behind or someone snatching it from me.
