An Apple AirTag attached to a car is a small, white plastic disc, about the size of a large coin. It's designed to be discreet, so you typically won't see it out in the open. Instead, people hide them in concealed spots like inside the glove compartment, under a seat, within the trunk lining, or stuck to the underside of the vehicle using a magnetic key ring or adhesive holder. The goal is to make it invisible during a casual glance but trackable via Apple's Find My network.
The AirTag itself is just over 1.26 inches in diameter and 0.31 inches thick, with a polished stainless steel side. When used for tracking a vehicle, its physical appearance is less important than its location. The real "look" is the digital representation on your iPhone's screen—a moving dot on a map.
It's crucial to understand the pros and cons. The primary benefit is peace of mind against theft or for locating a parked car in a massive lot. However, be aware of anti-stalking features. If an AirTag not registered to you is moving with you, your iPhone will eventually send an alert. This means a thief could be notified of its presence. For legitimate tracking, like keeping tabs on a family car, it's a useful, low-cost tool.
| Consideration | Details |
|---|
| Ideal Hiding Spots | Inside the OBD-II port cover, under a floor mat, within a seat pocket, behind a sun visor, inside a spare tire compartment. |
| Common Mounting Options | Key rings, adhesive stickers, silicone sleeves, magnetic boxes. |
| Typical Detection Range | Approximately 33 feet (10 meters) via Bluetooth to any nearby Apple device on the Find My network. |
| Anti-Stalking Alert | An AirTag separated from its owner for a period (typically 8-24 hours) will play a sound and can be found by a non-owner's iPhone. |
| Battery Life | The standard CR2032 coin cell battery lasts about one year. |
