Yes, AirTag emits noise under certain conditions: when you activate detection in the Find My app, when it has been away from a connected device for 8-24 hours, or when it is moving with another Apple device. This noise serves as a security feature, either to help you locate a lost item or to notify others that an unfamiliar AirTag is traveling with them.
When Does AirTag Make a Sound?
AirTags produce noise for several reasons:
- Find My Activation: When you use the Find My app to locate an AirTag, it will emit a sound to guide you to its location. This is a standard feature to help you find lost items like your keys or wallet.
- Proximity to a Connected Device: AirTags are meant to be attached to objects, not pets or children. If an AirTag is separated from its owner’s device for a significant period and is detected moving with someone else, it will emit a sound as an anti-stalking measure. This can also occur if someone else, such as a friend or family member, is temporarily using the item with the AirTag.
- Time Interval: If the AirTag is out of range from the device it’s paired with for 8-24 hours, it will beep. This time interval was initially set to 3 days but was shortened by Apple for enhanced security.
- Other Instances: The AirTag might also make sounds during its initial setup, when signaling successful pairing, or after a battery replacement.
Types of Apple AirTag Sounds
AirTags emit different sounds based on specific actions or alerts. Below is a description of these sounds:
| Sound Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Welcome Chime (Soft Ripple) | Played during initial setup, indicating that the AirTag is ready to pair. |
| Setup Completion Chime | Played after the AirTag has successfully paired with an Apple device. |
| Find My Sound (Repeating Sound) | Activated when locating the AirTag via the Find My app, guiding the user to its location. |
| Unknown AirTag Beep | Triggered when an unpaired AirTag moves with you, alerting you of its presence. |
| Battery Replacement Chime | Played after a successful battery replacement, confirming proper installation. |
| Loss Alert | Sounded when Loss Mode is activated, indicating that someone has interacted with the item to which the AirTag is attached. |
You cannot change the AirTag sounds as they are predetermined by Apple. This is understandable, as AirTag is a simple device with minimal functionality designed to serve its specific purposes efficiently.
How Does Apple AirTag Work?
AirTag is a Bluetooth-connected beacon with a limited range of approximately 30 feet. It does not have GPS or Wi-Fi capabilities and can only send data when connected to another Apple device via Bluetooth. If the AirTag is out of range from your iPhone, it will connect to any nearby iPhone and send its location data to the Find My network.
While this feature is beneficial for security purposes, it can be inconvenient if you share an AirTag-attached item with someone else, as it may start beeping. However, you can mute the AirTag to prevent this.
How to Mute AirTag?
You can mute the AirTag in two ways:
- Pause Safety Alerts:
- Open Find My or tap the pop-up notification about the AirTag moving with you.
- Tap Continue on the notification.
- Tap Pause Safety Alerts.
- Disable Safety Alerts:
- Open Find My and go to the Me tab.
- Toggle off Item Safety Alerts.
This will prevent your AirTag from making sounds if it’s away from a connected device for a prolonged period. However, it will still emit a sound if it moves with someone who has an Apple device.
