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AirTags are durable devices. They have to be otherwise they wouldn’t be able to perform their one and only function; Bluetooth tracking.
By using Apple’s ‘Find My’ network, AirTags locate themselves in relation to the nearest Apple device. Slip an AirTag into your wallet, suitcase or even car and you can be pretty certain you’ll be able to locate it from around the world.
Useful. But just how durable are they? What happens if an AirTag gets wet?
In this article, we’ll explore the water resistance capabilities of AirTags and provide you with four other useful need-to-knows.
1. Are AirTags Waterproof?
AirTags are not completely waterproof, but they are water-resistant. Similar to the iPhone SE series, AirTags have an IP67 rating, which means they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
This rating indicates that the devices are protected against dust and can handle accidental splashes or brief exposure to water.
All that being said, AirTags are not designed to be submerged in water, especially not for any significant length of time. Your AirTag will be fine in the rain, but I wouldn’t put it through anything more than that.
What to Do If Your AirTag Gets Wet
If your AirTag gets wet, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage and ensure its continued functionality. Here’s a guide on how to dry out your AirTag effectively:
- Wipe the exterior: Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe the water from the exterior of your AirTag. Be sure to keep the device as still as possible while wiping to prevent water droplets from entering the interior.
- Remove the battery: Open the AirTag by pressing and holding the metal battery cover, then twist it counterclockwise to remove the cover. Take out the battery and gently wipe away any moisture from both the interior and exterior of the AirTag.
- Air-dry the components: Place the AirTag, battery cover, and battery on a flat surface. To speed up the drying process, you can place silica packets or rice around the components to absorb excess moisture. Allow the AirTag to air-dry for ideally 24 hours.
- Reassemble and test: Once you’re confident that all the components have dried off completely, reassemble the AirTag by placing the battery back in and twisting the battery cover clockwise to secure it. Test the AirTag’s functionality by using the Find My app option on your iPhone or iPad.
If your AirTag shows any signs of damage or doesn’t work properly after being exposed to water, you should contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Preventing Water Damage
The main way to provide better water resistance for your AirTag is to buy a protective case.
There are several waterproof cases available for AirTags that offer enhanced protection against water damage. Brands like TagVault, Amitel, and Spigen offer durable and waterproof cases designed specifically for AirTags.
These cases guarantee submergence protection and allow you to use your AirTag in activities like swimming or snorkelling without worrying about water damage.
2. Do I Need To Charge My AirTag?
The simple answer is no. AirTags use disposable batteries. Therefore, they do not need to be charged. Thankfully, Apple doesn’t use brand-specific batteries for AirTags meaning you can easily change them for a new one.
AirTags use CR2032 batteries which you can buy in any normal supermarket. Apple says the battery should last one year but this may vary depending on the brand you exchange the original one for.
3. Can I Use An AirTag With Android Devices?
Android devices are not compatible with AirTags. If you want to use a tracking device with Samsung or Google phones, then you will have to opt for an AirTag alternative like a Tile Pro or a Samsung SmartTag.
That being said, lost AirTag can still communicate with non-Apple devices as long as they have NFC capabilities. That means if an Android user walks past a lost AirTag, they will still get the ‘Lost Mode’ message so they can return it to the owner.
4. What Apple Devices Are Compatible with AirTags?
To use an AirTag, your Apple device needs to be running iOS 14.5 or later. You will also need an Apple ID.
Here are the following devices are compatible with AirTags:
- iPhone 6S, SE or later
- iPad 5th generation, Pro or later
- iPad Air 2 or later
- iPad Mini 4
- iPod Touch 7th generation or later
5. Can More Than One Person Track An AirTag?
A maximum of five other people can track a single AirTag, as long as all users are using iOS 17 or later.
To add others to an AirTag, open the ‘Find My’ app and select the AirTag you want to share. Find the ‘Add Person’ option under the ‘Share My AirTag’ tab. Send an invite to the relevant person and they will then be able to track the AirTag.
All users will need an Apple ID and the original AirTag user will have to enable a two-factor authentication entry for each new user. Also, you cannot share an AirTag with a child’s Apple ID.
