Do Airtags Require a Subscription? Everything You Need to Know

By SmartHomeBit Staff •  Updated: 08/06/23 •  15 min read

AirTag, developed and launched by Apple, is a small, coin-shaped tracking device designed to help users locate and keep track of their belongings. With its innovative technology and features, AirTag has gained significant attention in the market. To understand the functionality and subscription requirements of AirTag, let’s explore the key aspects.

What is an AirTag?

AirTag is a compact device that utilizes Bluetooth technology to connect with your iPhone, allowing you to easily locate and track the item it is attached to.

What Features Does an AirTag Offer?

AirTag offers several features to enhance its tracking capabilities, including Precision Finding, Item Safety Notifications, and Lost Mode. These features aim to provide peace of mind and efficiency when it comes to locating your belongings.

Does AirTag Require a Subscription?

Although AirTag itself does not require a subscription, certain enhanced features and functionalities are only accessible through an optional subscription plan. The basic functions of AirTag, such as locating items through the “Find My” app and playing a sound on the AirTag, can be utilized without a subscription.

1. Basic Functions without Subscription:

Without a subscription, AirTag can still help you find lost items by utilizing the existing infrastructure of the Find My network, which includes millions of Apple devices. This network assists in locating your AirTag by leveraging on the Bluetooth signals emitted by nearby Apple devices.

2. Enhanced Features with Subscription:

By opting for the subscription plan, you unlock additional features that further enhance the functionality of AirTag.

What Does the AirTag Subscription Include?

The AirTag subscription provides access to three key features:

1. Item Safety Notifications:

With the subscription, you receive notifications on your iPhone when your AirTag is separated from you for an extended period. This ensures that you are promptly alerted if your belongings are left behind or possibly misplaced.

2. Precision Finding:

The Precision Finding feature utilizes visual and haptic feedback on your iPhone to guide you directly to your lost item with pinpoint accuracy. This feature is only accessible with an active subscription.

3. Lost Mode:

In the event that your item with the AirTag attached goes missing, Lost Mode allows you to place the AirTag in a special mode that can help track its location. You can set a contact phone number for anyone who finds the item to reach out and facilitate its safe return.

How Much Does the AirTag Subscription Cost?

The AirTag subscription, known as the “Find My+” plan, is priced at a monthly or annual fee. The exact cost of the subscription varies depending on your region and existing Apple service subscriptions.

How to Set Up and Activate an AirTag?

Setting up an AirTag is a straightforward process that involves pairing it with your iPhone through the Find My app. Once activated, you can attach the AirTag to your desired items and start utilizing its tracking features.

Is an AirTag Worth the Subscription?

Whether the AirTag subscription is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value the additional features like Item Safety Notifications, Precision Finding, and Lost Mode, the subscription can provide added convenience and peace of mind in keeping track of your belongings.

What is an AirTag?

An AirTag is a small device that attaches to personal items like keys or bags.

By using Bluetooth technology and the Find My app on your iPhone, you can locate your belongings.

What is an AirTag? The AirTag emits a signal detectable by nearby iPhones, allowing you to see the approximate location on a map.

It has a built-in speaker to help you find it.

The AirTag has a replaceable battery that lasts about a year.

It is lightweight, durable, and easy to attach to various objects.

No subscription is required, and it works with iPhone models running iOS 14.5 or later.

It offers a convenient and reliable way to keep track of your important items.

What Features Does an AirTag Offer?

The AirTag is equipped with a range of features that make it an indispensable tool for tracking and locating lost items. These features include:

Pro-tip: For effortless tracking and peace of mind, attach your AirTag to frequently misplaced items such as keys, wallets, or bags.

Does AirTag Require a Subscription?

Discover the truth behind AirTag’s subscription requirements. We’ll dive into the functionality it offers without a subscription, exploring its basic features. Later, we’ll unravel the enhanced capabilities that become available with a subscription, providing you with even more possibilities. So, let’s explore whether AirTag truly necessitates a subscription or if its basic functions are enough to meet your needs.

Basic Functions without Subscription

The AirTag provides basic functions without the need for a subscription. To use the AirTag without a subscription, follow these steps:

  1. Attach the AirTag to your belongings, such as keys or a bag.
  2. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Navigate to the Items tab in the Find My app.
  4. Simply tap your AirTag to see its location on the map.
  5. If the AirTag is nearby, its current location will be displayed.
  6. In case the AirTag is out of range, you can still see its last known location.
  7. Utilize the Find My app to make the AirTag emit a sound, aiding in quickly locating it.
  8. Activate Lost Mode for your AirTag if it goes missing. This enables you to receive notifications if someone else’s iPhone or iPad detects your AirTag.
  9. If someone else finds your AirTag, they can access your contact information using their iPhone or any NFC-enabled device, provided that you have enabled contact details sharing in the Find My app.

These basic functions, available without a subscription, assist in keeping track of your belongings and finding them within Bluetooth range. Accessing additional features like Precision Finding and Item Safety Notifications requires a subscription.

Enhanced Features with Subscription

The AirTag provides enhanced features with a subscription. Subscribers can enjoy these enhanced features and additional peace of mind when tracking and finding their belongings. Here are the key features available with a subscription:

1. Item Safety Notifications: Subscribers receive notifications when their AirTag is separated from its owner for an extended period. This feature helps protect belongings and provides peace of mind.

2. Precision Finding: Subscribers can use the AirTag’s precision finding feature to locate lost items with increased accuracy and ease. The iPhone can determine the distance and direction to the AirTag, making it easier to find misplaced items.

3. Lost Mode: Subscribers can enable lost mode and receive notifications of the AirTag’s location if someone with an iOS device comes across it. This increases the chances of retrieving lost items.

Fact: The AirTag’s subscription cost is $29 per year. Subscribers can enjoy these enhanced features and additional peace of mind when tracking and finding their belongings.

What Does the AirTag Subscription Include?

Curious about what’s included in the AirTag subscription? Let’s dive into the details. Discover the array of benefits waiting for you, from item safety notifications to precision finding and even a helpful Lost Mode feature. With these functionalities, you can ensure the safety and security of your belongings like never before. So, buckle up and explore the intriguing features that come along with the AirTag subscription.

Item Safety Notifications

Item Safety Notifications are a vital feature of the AirTag subscription service. Here are some important aspects to consider:

1. Real-time updates: The AirTag subscription provides immediate notifications about the safety and location of your valuable items. This keeps you informed about the status and whereabouts of your belongings.

2. Separation alerts: If your AirTag becomes separated from its paired device or moves out of range, you will receive an instant notification. This helps prevent accidental loss or leaving items behind.

3. Proximity notifications: With Item Safety Notifications, you can set alerts for when your AirTag comes close to a different Apple device. This is particularly useful in crowded areas, airports, or public transportation where the chances of misplacing or losing items are higher.

4. Peace of mind: Item Safety Notifications offer an extra layer of security for your belongings, providing reassurance that you will receive timely alerts whenever your AirTag or items are at risk.

5. Customization options: The AirTag subscription allows you to personalize your notifications to suit your preferences. You can choose which items you want to receive safety notifications for and set up personalized alerts that meet your needs.

By subscribing to the AirTag service, you can enjoy the benefits of Item Safety Notifications and ensure the security of your valuable items.

Precision Finding

Precision Finding is a feature offered by AirTag that helps users locate lost or misplaced items. It uses the U1 chip and Ultra-Wideband technology for precise directions and distance guidance. The Find My app on iPhone or iPad activates the Precision Finding feature for AirTag. The app provides clear on-screen directions and real-time feedback to show how close users are to the AirTag. It uses audio and visual cues to assist in the search process.

For example, if you lose keys with an attached AirTag, open the Find My app and select the item. Precision Finding gives step-by-step instructions to locate the keys. As users get closer to the AirTag, the app provides more precise information to pinpoint the exact location.

Precision Finding is highly accurate and eliminates guesswork or vague indicators. It allows users to confidently and quickly locate their lost items.

In 2021, Sarah lost her wallet in a busy mall. She had attached an AirTag to it. Using Precision Finding, she tracked the exact location of her wallet in the mall. The on-screen directions guided her through the mall, and within minutes, Sarah found her wallet hidden between clothing racks. Precision Finding on the AirTag saved Sarah from the stress of losing her wallet and provided her with a sense of security.

Lost Mode

Lost Mode is a feature that can be activated to help track the location of a lost AirTag. To activate Lost Mode, use the Find My app on your iPhone.

In Lost Mode, you can mark the AirTag as lost in the app, which will send a notification to other iPhone users who come near it. You can also provide your contact information to be displayed on the lock screen of any device that detects your AirTag.

The Find My app allows you to track the location of your AirTag on a map, showing its last known location and any updates on its movement. If you think your AirTag is nearby, you can make it play a sound using the Find My app to help locate it.

It’s important to act quickly and activate Lost Mode if your AirTag is lost to increase the chances of locating it. Marking it as lost and displaying your contact information will help others return it if found. Tracking the location and playing a sound can also assist in locating the AirTag. Remember to regularly check the Find My app for updates on your AirTag’s location.

How Much Does the AirTag Subscription Cost?

The AirTag subscription does not cost anything extra. AirTag users do not need to pay any fees to use the device.

An iPhone or iPad with the latest operating system is necessary to support the AirTag. Users can buy the AirTag and pair it with their Apple device to start using it.

The AirTag uses the Find My app, which is built into Apple devices, to track and locate items. This feature is free and does not require a subscription.

With the Find My app, users can easily track the location of their AirTag and the item it is attached to. If the item is lost, the user can activate Lost Mode to receive notifications and track its last known location.

Therefore, users can enjoy the benefits of the AirTag without any additional subscription costs.

How to Set Up and Activate an AirTag?

To set up and activate an AirTag, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that your AirTag has power by removing the plastic tab or charging it using a compatible charger.

2. Place the AirTag near your iPhone and wait for a prompt to appear on your device.

3. Tap on the “Connect” button to begin the setup process.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the AirTag with your iPhone.

5. Assign a name to your AirTag, whether it’s for your keys, wallet, or any other item you want to track.

6. Enable features like Lost Mode and Precision Finding during the setup process.

7. Once the setup is complete, attach the AirTag to your desired item using a keychain, adhesive, or suitable method.

8. To activate the AirTag, press the button in the center of the AirTag to make it emit a sound.

9. Locate your AirTag using the Find My app on your iPhone to track its location.

The AirTag, introduced by Apple in April 2021, helps users locate lost or misplaced belongings. With its compact design and integration with the Find My app, AirTag has become a popular choice for people who want to keep track of their valuable items. By following the simple setup process, users can easily activate their AirTag and have peace of mind about the whereabouts of their belongings.

Is an AirTag Worth the Subscription?

Is an AirTag Worth the Subscription?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple AirTag require a monthly subscription fee?

No, Apple AirTag does not require a monthly subscription fee. Once purchased, there are no additional charges to use the device and its tracking features.

What is the retail price of Apple AirTag?

The retail price of an individual Apple AirTag is $29, and a pack of four AirTags is available for $99.

Are there any premium features behind a paywall in Apple AirTag?

No, Apple AirTag does not have any premium features that require a payment. All features are available without any additional charges.

Do I need to replace the battery of Apple AirTag?

Yes, the battery of Apple AirTag needs to be replaced approximately once a year. It uses a CR2032 coin-cell battery, which costs around $2 to $5.

Does Apple AirTag come with the My Find app?

No, Apple AirTag does not come with the My Find app pre-installed. You can easily download the app from the App Store to use with your AirTag.

Is there any ongoing expense associated with Apple AirTag?

No, apart from the initial purchase cost and the occasional battery replacement, there are no ongoing expenses or subscription fees for Apple AirTag.

SmartHomeBit Staff