If a kid goes to school and doesn’t return on time, panic floods the parent’s mind. There’s, however, a way to lessen the fear: AirTags for kids. An AirTag is a small button-shaped device that gives you your kid's precise location. It thereby provides peace of mind when your kid goes out of sight.
Does AirTags work? This guide provides detailed information about using it to track kids and alternative methods. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Part 1. What is Apple AirTag?
AirTags are an ultra-wideband technology by Apple and a part of its ecosystem to help track lost or stolen items. Attach one AirTag to your item and another to your pocket or backpack, and the item comes into the radar of the Find My app. Here, you can track other Apple devices and stay updated with your friends and family’s location.
iOS 17 lets you share AirTag with more than five people. This allows your friends and family to track everyday items like a bike, an umbrella, or the family car keys.
Part 2. How to Use AirTags to Track Kids
AirTags was originally designed by Apple to find your misplaced wallet, lost keys, and similar items. However, it’s now used for much more. As per Child Find of America, around 2,300 children are missing every day in the United States. The parents are using AirTags to make sure their kids are safe. Follow the steps to use an Apple AirTag for kids:
Pair Your AirTag with iPhone
Pairing your AirTag with an iPhone is pretty simple.
Step 1. Take the device out of the box and bring it near your smartphone. A pop-up appears on the screen that prompts you to connect. Tap on the “Connect” option as soon as the animation appears.
Step 2. In the next step, you’ll name the AirTag. Choose a name that identifies the item it’s attached to, such as John’s AirTag for kids' shoes or backpacks. This name will appear on the “Find My Device” interface, allowing you to locate your child quickly.
Step 3. Your AirTag is now linked to your iPhone. It means the AirTag is now ready to use, and you can track it anytime.
Step 4. Now, use your iPhone's “Find My App” feature to check if the device is working. Tap the item to choose from “Share this AirTag,” “Play Sound,” or “Find.”
Attaching AirTags to Child’s Belongings
You must attach the AirTags to a kids’ item to keep them safe. You cannot just attach it to their backpack and expect to always get their location. So here’s how you can attach the AirTags:
Choose the Right Item: Choose an item that your child carries everywhere. That is, attach AirTags to kids' backpacks, shoes, or even a favorite toy.
Attach it Securely: You must use an AirTag holder for kids to attach the device and ensure they don’t fall off while playing.
Get Creative: You must be creative to keep the AirTags out of sight of others. For example, you can sew a pocket inside your kids’ jacket and keep the device inside. This keeps it less noticeable and secure.
Now that you’ve creatively attached the AirTags to your child, here are a few tips to use them effectively:
- Make sure to attach the device discreetly and away from anyone's sight.
- The battery of these small devices lasts over a year, but you must check the level every month.
- If you’re especially concerned about your kids losing the AirTags, attach multiple of them to ensure having a backup every time.
Part 3. Pros & Cons of Using AirTags to Track Kids
AirTags is a unique innovation by Apple as it helps you keep track of your child’s location every time. And like any other technology, it has its share of pros and cons, which are as follows:
- AirTags sends the kids' real-time location to the parents using the “Find My” app.
- Setting up and using the device doesn’t need you to be a tech wizard. All you need is to bring it near an iPhone, tap a few buttons, and that’s it.
- AirTags are economical when compared to other GPS devices in the market.
Pros
- As AirTags connect to your Apple ID, there’s a chance that one can track another’s location without any consent.
- These rely on Apple devices to share the location, and if there aren’t any, the tracking might not be accurate or timely.
- If you do not attach the AirTags securely, they might get stolen or lost, defeating the purpose.
Cons
Part 4. The Better Alternative to Track Kids' Location
When it comes to tracking kids' locations, many parents consider using devices like AirTags due to their affordability and simplicity. However, while AirTags may seem like a convenient option at first glance, there are significant drawbacks to relying on them. Here's why FamiGuard Pro is a better alternative for location tracking:
Feature/Product | FamiGuard Pro | AirTags |
---|---|---|
Real-time tracking | ✅ | ❌ |
Tracking range | No limit | Bluetooth range |
Device dependency | As kid has phone | Require an iPhone or iPad |
Cost | $9.16 / Month | Around $29-$35 per tag, you may need replace batteries and buy accessories like keychains adds to the expenses |
Why FamiGuard Pro Is the Better Choice
Unlike AirTags, FamiGuard Pro uses advanced GPS technology to provide accurate, real-time location updates, ensuring you always know your child's exact whereabouts.
How to Use FamiGuard Pro to Track Kids' Location?
Step 1. Create/Sign in your account and pick the suitable subscription plan to unlock all FamiGuard Pro features.
Step 2. Choose the device you want to bind and follow the Set up guide to finish installation and configuration on the target device. Log into your FamiGuard account and complete kid's information. Then, follow the package installation to finish configuration. In the end, verify your settings. If you make it, click the button to hide FamiGuard Pro Assistant.
Step 3. After you set up successfully, you can begin to track your kids' location with FamiGuard Pro.
FamiGuard Pro goes beyond location tracking with features
- Geofencing: Set safe zones for your kids, and get alerts if they enter or leave these areas.
- Activity Monitoring: Monitor your child's online and device activities for added security.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: FamiGuard Pro works on both Android and iOS devices, ensuring flexibility regardless of the devices your family uses. Parents can monitor iPhone or Android from their own devices.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While FamiGuard Pro requires a subscription, the value it offers far outweighs the recurring costs of AirTag replacements or added accessories. With a single subscription, you can monitor multiple devices and enjoy a suite of safety features, eliminating the need for multiple tracking tools.
FAQs about AirTags for Kids
1. Can I put an AirTag on my child?
Yes, you can put an AirTag on your child. These button-like devices can be put into small spaces, including backpacks, jackets, shoes, pockets, etc. But, you must secure it well to avoid being lost.
2. Can I put an AirTag in my child’s school bag?
Yes, you can put an AirTag in your child’s school bag. Although Apple discourages tracking someone without their consent, this option is valid, considering the kids’ safety.
3. What is the difference between AirTag and GPS tracker for kids?
AirTag is a tracker primarily designed to locate lost or misplaced keys, wallets, and other items. On the other hand, GPS trackers use satellite technology to provide real-time location updates for your kids.
4. How long does the AirTag battery last?
Under normal conditions, an Apple AirTag's battery can last up to one year. You can check the battery on your iPhone using the Find My app.
5. How far can AirTag track?
The Bluetooth range of an Apple AirTag typically ranges from 10 meters indoors to 30 meters outdoors. If your phone supports Ultra Wideband technology, its Precision Finding feature can find an AirTag from a long distance.
6. Does AirTags need Wi-Fi?
No, they don’t need WiFi. Apple AirTags communicate with nearby Apple devices using Bluetooth in FindMy network.
Conclusion
Apple AirTags for kids are a great and convenient way for parents to ensure their kids’ safety. Although it works well, it has many limitations. For example, it doesn’t work when your child goes out of range. You cannot use AirTags to monitor their online activities. This is where parental control tools like FamiGuard Pro come in. This comprehensive software provides detailed data on your kids’ location, phone calls, messages, and other online activities.
By Tata Davis
professional in software and app technology, skilled in blogging on internet
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