Apple AirTags as a tracking option for bicycles?

Apple’s new tracking tool was released on 30 April 2021. It is a small tracker that can be used to find a wide variety of things, e.g. keys, bags or wallets

Using the iPhone and the function “Find-My…” (Where is?), the Apple AirTag can be easily coupled with the respective iOS device and integrated into the network. Via Bluetooth, the Apple AirTag can now be located with centimetre precision, even if the user’s own iPhone is not in the immediate vicinity. If a foreign iPhone is near the “tag”, it sends the exact location back to you. Then it’s time to search. Or rather, find it!

An Apple AirTag is quite small (31.9 mm x 8 mm) and is powered by a CR2032 button cell. According to Apple, the tracker can last up to one year. Normal GPS trackers, on the other hand, have a much shorter runtime (approx. 1 month). The system is limited to the iPhone. Unfortunately, Android users cannot access the network.

Bicycle tracking: How do I attach my AirTag to my bicycle?

An AirTag does not have a mounting option. This can be purchased separately. In the meantime, there are resourceful hobbyists who have developed mounts for bicycles. With a 3D printer and a free template from the Internet, a holder can be produced at low cost. Free templates in the form of an SLT file can be downloaded from the“MakerBot Thingiverse” portal.

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For those who do not have a 3-printer at home, there are now also some manufacturers who market their products online

One manufacturer, for example, is NC-17, which hides the AirTags on the handlebar stem

The manufacturer “ProTag®” mounts the small trackers under a bottle cage:

Or as a holder under the bicycle saddle by “Gadget Gott”:

Does the Apple AirTag protect against theft?

Of course, there is no 100% protection against theft. GPS trackers don’t offer that either. However, it can be very helpful to locate and find a stolen bike using the iPhone’s search function. It is important to hide the tracker well on the bike and hope that an iPhone is regularly in the vicinity of the new location. With over one billion active users, this should not be a problem. At just under 35 EUR + holder and a battery life of up to one year, it is an inexpensive way to get some protection. In combination with a high-quality bike lock and good bike insurance, you are then well equipped against thieves.

Which iPhone is the AirTag compatible with?

• IPhone 11 with iOS 14.5 or newer
• iPad models with iPadOS 14.5 or newer

More information about the Apple AirTags can be found here!

What does stalking with the AirTag mean?

If an AirTag is not connected to the registered or paired iPhone for 8 to 24 h (before the firmware update: 3 days) (time is randomly selected), a beep sounds from the tracker. This is to prevent stalking and to inform the person carrying the AirTag. In plain language, this means that you have at least 8 hours to locate and retrieve your bike.

Update: The “anti-stalking function” can be bypassed by removing the speaker. Resourceful tinkerers also talk about drilling into the AirTag to destroy the speaker. We expressly refrain from this modification and do not recommend doing so. It also voids the warranty and may damage or destroy the AirTag. An interesting article about this can be found here.

Updated: Scanner function included in Wo-ist app as of iOS 15.2

In the new iOS version, the Wo-ist app has a new function that can be used to directly identify Airtags not assigned to the iPhone user himself. Users are told how to deactivate an unknown airtag. A second scan function is used to find Airtags reported missing by other people in order to return them.