Apple AirTag is a popular tracking device that lets you keep tabs on your belongings using Apple’s Find My app. However, many wonder, “Do Apple AirTags make noise?” If you’re one of them, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to know everything about AirTag noises, including why they beep, how frequently they make noise, and whether or not they can be turned off.
Yes, Apple AirTags make noise. You’ll hear a chirp or chime sound in the following situations:
- When it’s first setup
- When you connect a battery
- When you complete the setup
- When you locate the AirTag using the Find My App
- When an unknown AirTag is moving with you over time.
The most important sound an AirTag can make is the “Find My AirTag” sound, which constantly repeats when you’re trying to locate a lost AirTag.
It’s crucial to be familiar with these sounds when using AirTags to find lost items. However, you can also turn off the sound or reset it to fix AirTag making noise issue.
To understand AirTag better, first, you need to know why is my AirTag beeping and what each sound means. Here are a few reasons why an AirTag is making noise:
1. Unwanted Tracking
One reason your AirTag might be making noise is due to unwanted tracking. If the device has been separated from the paired iPhone for an extended period, typically between 8 and 24 hours, it’ll start making noise.
This feature is in place to prevent anyone from tracking you without your knowledge. If any AirTag or other Find My Network accessory separated from its owner is seen moving with you over time, you’ll receive a notification.
If you’ve got an NFC device, you can read the embedded tag on the AirTag, contact its owner, and then return the misplaced item safely. If you feel that the AirTag might be tracking you without your consent, you can get instructions in the Find My App on how to disable it.
2. Lost Mode
AirTag produces a random sound in lost mode to quickly alert the user to locate the lost item. However, there’s a possibility that you may have turned on the lost mode by mistake, and as a result, you hear a continuous sound coming from the device.
Fortunately, you can turn it off using the Find My app on your iPhone.
3. Battery Replacement
AirTags come with a replaceable battery that lasts for about a year. So, if you have an AirTag that shows a “Low Battery” notification in the Find My app, you may have to replace it.
After replacing the battery successfully, you’ll hear the “chirp sound“.
4. Welcome Sound
When you first set up your AirTag, it’ll play a welcome sound to let you know it’s ready to be paired with your device.
5. Setup Complete
After successfully pairing your AirTag with your device, it’ll play a sound to let you know that the setup process is complete.
You can also watch the following video to better understand each sound’s meaning.
When Will an AirTag Start Beeping?
AirTag is not meant to beep randomly or constantly. However, if it’s been away or is not within range of your device, it will start beeping between 8 and 24 hours to alert people nearby.
If AirTag is not connected to your iPhone properly, it will start beeping. If that’s the case, launch the Find My app and disconnect it. Next, add it as a new tracker to resolve the AirTag making noise issue.
Does AirTag Play Sound Automatically?
AirTag plays sound automatically in certain situations, while it remains silent at other times. The sound is played when it’s first opened, during setup, and when the battery is changed.
AirTag also plays a sound in Lost Mode, which is quite useful in locating it when it’s lost. However, it doesn’t play sound automatically when it’s nearby, but it can be prompted to play sound via the Find My app.
Note: AirTag doesn’t play a sound when someone uses it to track an item or person.
AirTags emit a sound at a range of 40 to 60 dB.
The volume of the beeping sound is 60 dB when the device is placed outdoors and 40 dB when it’s kept inside a purse or wallet. AirTag is not extremely loud, which makes it difficult for users to hear the sound in a noisy environment.
How to Play Sound on the AirTag?
Follow these steps to play sound on your AirTag:
- Go to Items, and then select your AirTag.
- You’ll now see a few options; choose the “Play Sound” option.
If you don’t want to do it manually, you can ask Siri to play the sound. To do this, ask Siri to “play a sound on your item” or find it.
How to Turn Off AirTag Sound?
If your AirTag is beeping randomly, disconnect and pair it again, or turn off the sound permanently.
To permanently disable AirTag’s sound, you’ll need to remove its built-in speaker, as there’s no way to temporarily disable its sound.
It’s advisable not to remove the speaker, as it’ll void the Apple warranty. However, if you’ve decided to fix AirTag making noise issue by taking off the speaker, just be careful while doing it.
To make things easy for you, here’s a tutorial on how to stop AirTag beeping.
How to Customize the Sound on the AirTag?
Unfortunately, you cannot customize the sound on your AirTag. Apple has set sounds for specific situations, such as when it’s first set up, when it’s in lost mode, or when battery is replaced.
What to Do if You Hear an AirTag Beep Nearby?
If you find an AirTag nearby that isn’t yours, chances are its owner has lost it. In such a case, the lost AirTag is usually reported in the Find My app and placed in “Lost Mode“.
Usually, the owner leaves a message with their contact information for anyone who finds and scans that lost AirTag. To scan the device, follow these steps:
- Hold the white plastic side of the AirTag near the top back of the iPhone or NFC-capable smartphone until a notification appears on the screen.
- Tap the notification to open a website containing information about the AirTag owner.
- If the AirTag is marked as lost, you’ll see information about how to contact its owner.
However, if the owner doesn’t report the AirTag lost, it may have been left intentionally, and they may not be aware it was found.
If that’s the case, you can disable the AirTag by following these steps:
1. For iOS 14.5 or Later Users
Tap the notification where it says the tracker is nearby. After that, locate the device and manually turn it off by removing the battery.
2. For iOS 15.2 Users
You can disable the AirTag wirelessly by following the on-screen instructions on how to do it.
3. For Android Users
All you need to do is install the Tracker Detect app, launch it, and then find the AirTag by making it play a sound. Once you locate the AirTag, you can see details such as its serial number and owner and check if it was placed in “Lost Mode”.
If not, you can access instructions for manually disabling it by removing the battery.
You might be wondering do AirTags make noise when the battery is low. Well, they don’t. Instead, you’ll receive a notification alert on your iPhone saying, “AirTag battery is low.“
If you don’t receive the notification, you can still check the battery status by launching the Find My app and checking the battery indicator next to your AirTag name. If it’s red, you may need to replace it.
How to Replace AirTag Battery?
To replace the AirTag battery, follow these steps:
- Open the AirTag by turning it counterclockwise until the back cover pops out.
- Remove the old battery and dispose of it properly.
- Insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing up.
- Now, put the cover back on and press down. Your AirTag will play a sound to indicate that the battery is successfully connected.
- Next, turn the cover clockwise until it clicks into place.
That’s all!
Related Reading: How Long Does AirTag Battery Last? (Much Longer?)
AirTags use Bluetooth technology to connect with an Apple device with Find My network enabled. There’s no specific maximum or minimum range number to determine how far it can be tracked.
It’s because if an AirTag is out of range of all of its paired devices, it can use the Find My network to update its location by pinging nearby Apple devices.
It means AirTag can technically operate over long distances as long as there are other Apple devices nearby that are within range.
You can use the Find My app to get an update on the AirTag’s location, but it may not be as accurate as Bluetooth tracking, especially in areas with limited Apple device coverage. Make sure to enable Lost Mode to help you easily find your device.
Does AirTag Come With GPS Functionality?
AirTag doesn’t work as a GPS tracker, as it uses Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to track and locate lost items. The combination of these technologies helps provide an accurate location.
When an AirTag is within range of an Apple device with Find My network enabled, it sends its location data to the device, which is then securely transmitted to the cloud. As a result, it allows you to see the AirTag location on a map in the Find My app.
How Long Does an AirTag Last?
You may wonder why my AirTag is beeping for no reason and how it affects its battery life and longevity.
Generally, an AirTag can last up to several years as long as its outer body is not damaged, whereas AirTag battery can last up to a year with normal usage before replacing it.
In case of a low battery, you’ll receive a notification alert on your iPhone indicating that it is time to replace the battery.
Yes, AirTags can function without Wi-Fi. AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices.
If your AirTag is out of Wi-Fi range, it can still communicate with nearby devices using Bluetooth to help you locate it in the Find My app.
However, if you’ve lost your AirTag in a place with no nearby Apple devices, you may not be able to track it using the Find My app.
Related Reading: How to Find AirPods When Dead or Offline? (REALLY Possible!)
What Happens When AirTag Is Put in Lost Mode?
When you put an AirTag in Lost Mode, the device will produce a sound to help you locate it. Moreover, you can also add a message with your contact information so that if someone finds the item, they can contact you to return it.
If the AirTag is not found within a certain time frame, you can put it in “Notify When Found” mode, which will send you a notification as soon as it’s located by an Apple device.
How Can You Know if AirTag Is Tracking You?
If you suspect an AirTag is tracking you, there are a few ways to check. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Look for Alert Notification
If your iPhone detects an AirTag that isn’t connected to one of your devices and is moving with you, it will send you an “AirTag Found Moving With You” notification.
Note: You’ll only see the notification if the “Item Safety Alerts” option is enabled. To check this, launch the Find My app, and tap the “Me” section. You’ll see the Item Safety Alerts option; check if it’s enabled.
2. Manually Scan for AirTag
Follow these steps to manually scan for an AirTag:
- Open the Find My app and tap on Items.
- Next, select the Add icon and choose AirTag.
- Now, your device will start searching for nearby AirTag devices. If it finds any that isn’t yours, then it may be tracking you.
3. Check for an AirTag Physically
Look for an AirTag on your personal belongings, such as your bag or car. It’s because some users purposely remove AirTag built-in speaker and then plant it to track someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Your AirTag Still Beeping?
If your AirTag doesn’t stop beeping, reset it. Here’s how:
> Rotate the metal part of the AirTag counterclockwise until it pops out.
> Remove the battery, and place it back. You should hear a chirp when it’s connected.
> Repeat this process five times, and on the fifth time, you’ll hear a different sound confirming that it’s ready to pair.
Why Does an AirTag Make Noise?
AirTag makes noise on several occasions, including:
> When you use it to track an item in the Find My app
> When you first set it up
> When you successfully replace the battery
> When it’s not in the range of your device
No, AirTags don’t beep when tracked through the Find My app. They will only make a sound if they’re separated from the owner’s iPhone or iPad or if the owner has given the command to play the sound.
Yes, AirTag beeps in the luggage if it’s separated from the paired Apple device for a long period or the user has marked it lost. It’s difficult for anyone to hear a beep when the AirTag is inside luggage. But it’s still considered a great device to get directions to a lost item.
Can You Turn Off the AirTag Sound?
You can permanently disable AirTag’s sound by removing its built-in speaker. It’s because there’s no other way to temporarily turn the sound off. If you’ve decided to fix AirTag making noise issue, just be careful while doing it. Moreover, doing so will result in voiding the Apple warranty.
The Bottom Line
Apple AirTags do make noise, but it’s not a constant noise. The AirTag will produce a sound in the following scenarios:
- When it’s first set up
- When the battery is changed
- When it’s tracking an item through the Find My app
Fortunately, the sound emitted by AirTags isn’t too loud, measuring no more than 60 dB. The sound is even quieter when placed in a purse or wallet, at around 40 dB.
If you misplace your AirTag, you can use the Find My app to make it play a sound to help locate it. However, if you want to permanently turn off the sound, you can remove its built-in speaker. But it’s not advisable.
Hopefully, you’ve got the answer to “Do AirTags make noise?” and other questions too. If you have any questions related to Apple AirTags, feel free to comment below! We’d be happy to help.