Bluetooth trackers

Bluetooth trackers are usually attached to something you don't want to lose. A key ring, your bag, a pet. You name it, these trackers will find it.

Pre- and disadvantages Bluetooth

In terms of name recognition, the Apple AirTag is the most well-known. But key finders existed even before Apple jumped into this market. Most work with Bluetooth which has the disadvantage that you have to be close by to "see" them.

Apple has overcome this problem by using all iPhones together to search for your AirTag. This creates a network of iPhones that can all collectively transmit the location of your AirTag. This helps with searching. Others have copied this idea or come up with their own alternative. Some of these are paid for, take note of that if you decide to buy one.

Find My service

Apple and Google both call these services Find My. You can use the app on your iPhone or Android device for this. Whether the Bluetooth Tracker supports any of these services is mentioned by us at the specification page of the tracker. Having this feature greatly increases your chances of finding your belongings.

Replaceable battery

Most key finders work with a replaceable button cell battery that lasts for 1 year. Replacing them is easy and most batteries are simply obtained from the supermarket or online. Which battery you need is listed on the specification page.

Sometimes accessory needed to attach

Some bluetooth trackers have a loop so you can easily attach it to something, such as your keys. Others don't have that. You will then need to buy a separate accessory to attach it to something. Factor in that cost if you're considering buying one.

Counter unwanted tracking

There little device that can track your location, that comes with privacy concerns. And rightly so. Someone could, in theory, stick an AirTag or other tracker under your car, place it under your bike seat or squeeze it into a bag.

Both Apple iPhones and Google Android phones notify when you unknowingly carry an AirTag or other Find My tracker. For iPhone, this requires iOS 14.5 or later. Make sure the following settings are on:

• Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Features (turn on)
• Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Features > System (turn on Find My iPhone)
• Settings > Bluetooth (turn on Bluetooth)
• Settings > Notifications > Tracking notifications (turn on 'Allow notifications')
• Turn off Airplane mode

As of 2023, Android also notifies if you are carrying AirTags without knowing about it. Android users can also download Apple's Tracker Detect app. This app looks for AirTags travelling with you unsolicited.