Should I use AirTag for travel? Does it work without the internet?

Apple's AirTag is a small, disc-shaped device designed to help you keep track of your belongings. It's an incredibly useful tool for those prone to misplacing items, whether it’s your keys, wallet, or even a bag. The AirTag is also very popular for travelers to track the movement of their checked-in luggages, so that they will know if their luggages have arrived at their destination with them or if it had unfortunately gotten lost. If you are considering getting an AirTag for your travel, you might be wondering if AirTag would still work without WiFi or an active internet connection.

How AirTags Work

AirTags use Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices within the Find My network. When you attach an AirTag to an item, it regularly sends out Bluetooth signals. These signals can be picked up by any nearby Apple device with Bluetooth enabled, which then anonymously and securely relays the AirTag's location to iCloud. This information is then available for you to see in the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

This also means that AirTags themselves do not rely on the presence of internet connectivity to work. Instead, they are reliant on the availability of Apple devices within the Find My network to provide its location information.

But, the transmission of the data to iCloud ultimately requires the internet connection. That means that there will need to be a connected device in the Find My network that can transmit the information to the internet.

Of course, if your phone is within Bluetooth range of your AirTag, you will be able to track it directly via Bluetooth even without an active internet connection on either your phone and AirTag.

Why are AirTags popular for travel?

Apple's AirTags have quickly become a must-have travel accessory, offering a convenient way to keep track of belongings. AirTags are small, lightweight, and easy to attach to almost anything. Their compact design allows them to fit discreetly inside luggage, backpacks, or even hidden pockets, making them a non-intrusive addition to your travel gear.

One of the primary reasons travelers love AirTags is their ability to track luggage. Lost or delayed luggage is a common travel headache, and AirTags provide a solution by enabling you to monitor your luggage’s location in real-time via the Find My app. This can be particularly reassuring when flying, as you can confirm your bag is on the same flight as you or quickly locate it at baggage claim.

Does the Find My network use up a lot of my data?

As you might have gathered, the Find My network primarily relies on their network of connected devices to relay location information.

If your iPhone is part of the Find My network, it will use background data to relay the information to iCloud. But the good thing is that the background data that it uses is typically rather insignificant and is unlikely to eat too much into your data allowance.

However, if you have concerns about data consumption, you can also choose to turn off the Find My network option, or to use the Low Data Mode on your iPhone.

Get a Nomad travel eSIM to stay connected on your next trip

While the AirTag itself does not require an internet connection, your phone will need to be connected to the internet so that you can get the latest location information of your AirTag! If you are using an AirTag to track the location of your checked-in luggage, then you should complement it by getting a travel eSIM so that your phone can connect to the internet without incurring hefty roaming charges!

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

Add-ons are also available for Nomad’s eSIMs, so you do not need to worry about running out of data. If you notice that you are running low on data, simply purchase an add-on before your data pack runs out. The add-on data pack will be automatically activated when the base plan runs out, so you do not have to worry about having to install a new eSIM.

If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will be able to enjoy $7 off their first purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more). You will also be able to enjoy $7 off your next purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more).