Tag: Cult

Are AirTags waterproof? Keeping liquids out of our electronics isn’t always easy. Especially when it’s something we take with us everywhere, like our AirTags. Those with Apple’s handle little item tracker, or anyone thinking about getting one, might ask the questions:

• Can AirTags be submerged in water?
• Can AirTags go through the wash?
• Can my dog swim with AirTag?

I’ve kept a tracking tag on my indoor/outdoor cat for years, so I fully understand wanting to be sure a bit of rain won’t cause problems. And I have tags on my keys and many other items, and I also don’t want a trip through the wash to ruin them.

Fortunately, I have lots of good news.

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Are AirTags waterproof?

Depends on what you mean by “waterproof.” Apple promises they are splash and water resistant.

Yes, saying the gizmos are water resistant sounds like Apple is evading the issue. But calling the AirTags waterproof means they are 100% protected from liquids under all situations, like when going scuba diving. The tracker tag can take a lot, just not that last challenge.

But water resistance means they will survive ordinary hazards, like rain or being dropped into shallow water.

How waterproof are AirTags? (The facts)

Explaining in detail how safe from water Apple’s tracker tag is means getting just a bit technical. AirTags have an IP67 rating. That means they’ll make it through being immersed in water at a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Plenty of companies say that their products with this IP level are waterproof. Apple is more cautious and sticks with water resistant.

Don’t overlook that being able to survive underwater for half an hour means AirTag can take being rained on all day long. They’re definitely splashproof.

Can AirTags go through the wash?

If you absentmindedly leave your keys in your pocket, and your AirTag goes through the wash, don’t worry too much about it getting ruined. I can tell you from personal experience that Apple’s tracker tag will survive a trip through the washing machine.

That said, the situation is skirting the limit. Wash then rinse cycles can go on for longer than half an hour, and the fact that the AirTag will be yanked around by the agitator raises concerns.

That said, the rare laundry trip almost certainly won’t be a problem. But I don’t recommend sewing one into a gym bag that you intentionally wash every month.

Can my dog swim with AirTag?

I understand putting a tracker on your beloved pet. The confidence you can find them if they get lost is very reassuring — I know that from personal experience.

There’s been an AirTag on my cat for years, and it’s still fully functional. This isn’t some sleepy tabby — Houdini climbs trees, chases birds and chipmunks, and goes out in the rain. He doesn’t go swimming though.

If you thinking of letting your dog swim with an AirTag, the answer depends on how much time the gadget will spend in the water.

Apple’s tracker tag can survive submerged for 30 minutes. That’s less time than typical dogs spend splashing around in a lake or stream. If Bark Twain wades in, cools off for a couple of minutes then rejoins the hike, there won’t be a problem.

But if your dog’s absolute favorite activity is swimming — I’ve known a few like that — then it’s possible they’ll keep the AirTag underwater long enough for liquid to work its way inside the gizmo.

That said, consider that the IP rating doesn’t mean the device will be ruined after exactly 31 minutes underwater. It’s assured to keep liquids out for half an hour, and might continue to do so for another hour afterward. But there’s no guarantee of that.

AirTags waterproof case (Best options)

If you want to put an AirTag on the collar of your Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever — the one that would rather swim than eat — you probably ought to put it in a case with additional protection from water. The same is true anything else you expect to frequently be submerged.

The Pelican Marine Waterproof AirTag Carabiner Case ($25) jumps the rating from IP67 to IP68. That removes the time limit. In this case, Apple’s tracker is supposed too be able to survive an unlimited amount of time in the water.

Buy it from: Pelican or Amazon

Another alternative with an IPx8 rating is the Catalyst Waterproof AirTag Dog Collar Holder.

Buy it from: Catalyst or Amazon

Just be aware, wrapping an AirTag in a waterproof case will somewhat muffle the sound the device makes when you’re trying to find your pet.

Even without extra protection from liquids, you’ll probably need some kind of holder for the accessory — Apple didn’t build in an easy way to connect the device to your keychain or a carabiner. I use a simple one from Belkin to attach the tag to Houdini’s collar, and have always been satisfied.

Buy it from: Belkin or Amazon

Or this one from Elkson offers more protection, just not from liquids:

Buy it from: Cult of Mac

Are Apple AirTags waterproof? (Closing thoughts)

After years of using them, I find AirTags to be waterproof enough. I have about half a dozen of them on my keys, cat, a backpack, etc. and all of them are still going strong. They have stood up to rain, snow, the washing machine … whatever life threw at them.

So don’t worry about getting your AirTag wet from the rain or ordinary mishaps. And there’s an easy solution if you need one to go swimming: a waterproof case.