Why using AirTags for pets and children is a bad idea
Apple AirTags are clever little devices designed to help you find misplaced items like your keys, wallet, or luggage. But people often use them for purposes Apple didn’t intend, like tracking their pets or even their kids. While it might seem like a simple and affordable solution for peace of mind, there are some big reasons why this may not be a great idea a great idea.
The biggest problem: AirTags will beep, causing anxiety or trouble
Apple has implemented anti-stalking measures to prevent AirTags from being used maliciously. If an AirTag moves while it is not near its owner's iPhone, it will chirp to alert people of its presence. While this feature is great for privacy, it also creates huge problems:
If the AirTag starts chirping, it may scare your pet. This will only happen when you aren't nearby, so if you leave for work it may be chirping all day and you wouldn't even know it. If it's chirping on a pet who has run away, it could cause them to retreat further, making them even more difficult to find.
If it's on a child who is at school, they may be causing an unintended disruption.
Also: AirTags might not do what you think they do
Unlike GPS trackers, which can provide real-time location updates, AirTags are low-powered Bluetooth devices which only update periodically. It's great for locating a lost item, but not so good for finding something on the move. Tracking works by using nearby Apple devices (like iPhones, iPads, or Macs) to relay the AirTag’s location back to you. This means:
- Coverage is inconsistent: If your pet or child wanders into an area without a high density of Apple devices, like a rural park or a remote hiking trail, you may not get an update until they move near someone with an Apple device.
- Updates aren’t instant: Even in a busy city, there can be delays in location updates of several minutes. This isn't helpful if an AirTag is on the move.
- You can't rely on the alerts: You will get an alert if your iPhone moves away from your AirTag, but not if your AirTag moves away from your iPhone.
So what should I use?
Unfortunately, anything that's going to work for tracking children or pets is going to need to be a bit more sophisticated and will likely cost significantly more upfront, as well as subscription costs. It should have satellite GPS and a cellular radio and need to be regularly recharged.
The best option for children
If your child isn't ready for an iPhone, a cellular Apple Watch is often the best choice. There are additional advantages, such as giving them the ability to call emergency services or call and text with people. You can designate a list of people they are allowed to message. You can even add transit cards or set them up with Apple Pay Cash, allowing you to give them an allowance that they can use where Apple Pay is accepted. Unfortunately, you cannot add third-party apps as of iOS 18 and watchOS 11.
Pricing may sound a bit steep, starting at $299 for the Apple Watch SE GPS+Cellular model, and your cell phone carrier will likely charge $5-$10/month for the additional line. But giving them their own (very limited) Apple communication device with a screen may convince your child not to remove it and to keep it charged. If you hunt around, you can often find them on sale for around $250.
The best option for pets
I don't have personal experience with pet trackers, so I'll defer to Wirecutter. Their recommendation is Tractive. Pricing runs about $50 for the hardware, plus monthly fees starting at $5, depending on what options you want and how much you pay upfront. The model for cats needs to be recharged weekly. The model for dogs needs to be recharged every 10-30 days, depending on whether you get the model for small or large dogs.
The bottom line
AirTags are fantastic for finding lost stationary objects, but when it comes to the safety of your pets or children, they’re not the right tool for the job. Instead, invest in a device specifically designed for tracking pets or kids. It may cost more upfront, but the peace of mind it provides is priceless.