Is an AirTag a Good Gift?
An AirTag is a small, round tracker you attach to keys, a bag or luggage. If it goes missing, you can find it on your phone. It sounds like the perfect gift for someone who's always losing things. But it isn't right for everyone. Here's what to check.
Who it's great for
An AirTag is a good gift for someone who:
- Has an iPhone. This is the big one (more below).
- Loses keys or a wallet all the time
- Travels and worries about checked bags
- Has a backpack or gym bag that gets left behind
A pack of four covers keys, a wallet or bag, and two suitcases.
It needs an iPhone
AirTags are set up with an iPhone or iPad and found in Apple's Find My app. If the person uses an Android phone, an AirTag isn't the right gift.
Not sure what phone they have? Look next time you're together, or choose a gift that doesn't depend on a phone at all.
How finding works
When an item is lost, the owner opens Find My to see where it was last detected. Nearby, the AirTag can play a sound. With newer iPhones, Precision Finding gives step-by-step directions to the item. The 2nd-generation AirTag adds a louder speaker and longer range, and Precision Finding on Apple Watch.
The battery
An AirTag doesn't need charging. It runs on a standard coin battery that lasts more than a year, per Apple, and the iPhone shows an alert when it's time to swap it. A spare battery makes a nice stocking stuffer.
You'll need holders
An AirTag doesn't have a hole for a key ring. To hang it on keys or a bag, you need a holder or key ring, sold separately. Add one or two to the gift so it's ready to use on Christmas morning.
For a wallet, look for a slim card-shaped holder.
Privacy
Apple says only the owner, or people they choose to share with, can see an AirTag's location, and the location history isn't stored on the AirTag itself. Trackers are meant for finding your own things, not for tracking people.
Alternatives
- For Android users: look for a tracker that works with Android's own finding network.
- For someone who doesn't want tech: a slim wallet or a key organizer makes things harder to lose in the first place.
The bottom line: yes, for an iPhone user who loses things
An AirTag is a great gift for an iPhone user who loses things or travels a lot. Add holders so it works right away. If the person uses Android, or you aren't sure, choose something that doesn't depend on the phone.
To see how an AirTag pack compares with a slim wallet, earbuds and a trimmer, read our best Christmas gifts for boyfriend.