AirTags are not completely waterproof, but they are IP67-rated for water and dust resistance and can last for 30 minutes in water up to 1 meter deep without damage. Normal wear and tear may affect the effectiveness of these features.
So, is such a device really worth buying? This article will take a deep look at the waterproof function of AirTag and tell you whether it is worth it. Is there a better option?
Are Airtags Waterproof?
Yes. But AirTags are water-resistant, not waterproof. Specifically, Airtags meet IP67 dust and water resistance rating. This means that AirTags can work normally in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. However, this does not mean that they can be immersed in water for a long time or directly withstand continuous water flow such as faucets.
Apple clearly stated that they do not provide warranty service for liquid damage. This means that while AirTags can resist brief contact with water, prolonged exposure to water or other liquids may cause damage, which is not covered by the warranty.
In daily life, if you accidentally spill a drink on AirTags, or use it in the rain, it usually does not affect its function. In fact, you can even briefly submerge AirTag in a puddle or a glass of water, and it will most likely work for a few minutes without any problems. However, it is recommended not to show this as a party gimmick, because the waterproof performance may gradually degrade over time.
How to Dry an Airtag
If your Airtag gets wet accidentally, don't worry, you can try the following method.
Check The Airtag's Casing
Make sure there are no cracks in your AirTag's casing. If the casing is intact, then you can start the drying process. Cracks may mean that the internal components have been exposed to moisture, which requires more careful handling.
Wipe The Airtag With A Dry Cloth
Use a clean, soft cloth and gently wipe the surface of the AirTag. Avoid using paper towels, as they may leave debris that will affect the function of the device. Make sure the cloth does not leave lint or other residue.
Place In A Well-Ventilated Area To Air-Dry
Place the dried AirTag in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or near high-temperature devices, such as radiators, as high temperatures may damage electronic components.
Use A Desiccant
If you are in an environment with high humidity, you may consider using a desiccant. Place the desiccant and AirTag together in a sealed container, which can effectively absorb residual moisture, usually within 24 hours. Use a food-grade desiccant, such as a silica gel bag, to ensure safety and efficiency.
Avoid Using A Hot Air Blower
Although using a blow dryer may seem like a quick solution, hot air may damage the microelectronic components inside the AirTag. If you must use a blow dryer, use the cool air mode and keep a certain distance, avoiding blowing directly at the AirTag.
Is Airtag Worth It?
Whether AirTag is worth buying depends on your specific needs and the environment in which the device is used.
If you are already part of the Apple ecosystem and need a reliable device to track items that are often lost, then AirTag is an option worth considering.
But I don't think it is the best choice because its waterproof rating, battery life, tracking range, and compatibility are not optimal. I have learned about various types of trackers, such as Seinxon, tile, Chipolo, and other products.
I think Seinxon has the best overall performance. Why do I say that? You can read my previous product comparison articles, such as Does Airtags work with Android? In this article, I introduced the best AirTag alternatives.
Features of Seinxon
The starting price of the Seinxon Tracker is $23.99, and it comes in a square or card shape with a thickness of 1.6mm.
Seinxon Key Tracker uses integrated compression technology to withstand daily wear and tear. The device is equipped with a non-removable rechargeable battery that can last for 6 months after a full charge, without the need to replace the battery, which is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Seinxon Tracker has a sound prompt function and is equipped with a flashlight. The Bluetooth connection range can reach up to 165 feet (about 50 meters).
Seinxon Tracker has an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating and can operate normally under 2 meters of water for more than 6 hours.
Seinxon Tracker also has an RFID-blocking function to protect users from unauthorized scanning or theft.
Seinxon Tracker devices support lost mode and are compatible with Android and Apple devices
Seinxon Tracker users can customize it according to their personalized needs.
If you are interested in Seinxon's products, you can scan the QR code below and join us to get more benefits.
Other Problems
How Far Can You Track An Airtag?
AirTag's tracking capabilities do not rely on traditional distance limitations, like Bluetooth tracking devices. Because AirTag works through Apple's "Find My" network, which covers hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world.
This means that as long as there is an Apple device connected to the Internet nearby, it can help locate your AirTag. So, in theory, you can track your AirTag anywhere in the world where there is Apple device coverage.
For details, you can read this article: How Far Can You Track An Airtag?
How Long Do Airtag Batteries Last?
AirTag is equipped with a CR2032 coin-type battery, which can last about a year under normal use. This battery is user-replaceable. When the battery is low, you will receive a notification through the Apple device paired with the AirTag, reminding you to replace the battery.
Related Reading: How To Replace Airtag Battery?
Do Apple Airtags Have GPS?
No, Apple AirTags do not have built-in GPS. Instead, they use Bluetooth technology to connect to the Find My network, a vast network of Apple devices. When an AirTag is within Bluetooth range of another device in the Find My network, its location can be updated and transmitted back to the owner.
For more precise location tracking when an AirTag is in close proximity, Apple has adopted Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology in its newer iPhone models (iPhone 11 and later).
This technology provides more accurate distance and direction to AirTags through a feature called Precision Finding, allowing users to more accurately find their belongings when they are nearby. However, the primary tracking is still achieved through Bluetooth connections to nearby Apple devices, not through GPS.