It's Great: Apple's Find My Network Now Lets You Track Twice As Many Devices

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January 14, 2024
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Apple officially doubling the Find My network capacity is certainly a welcome improvement for Apple users. Here’s a breakdown of the implications and some tips for protecting yourself:

Benefits of doubled capacity:

Track more devices: You can now add up to 32 items in Find My, compared to the previous limit of 16. This allows you to keep tabs on more Apple devices like AirTags, AirPods, headphones, MagSafe wallets, and even select third-party accessories.
Increased peace of mind: With more items connected, you have a wider safety net for potentially losing or misplacing valuable belongings.
Improved findability: The larger network potentially increases the chances of other Apple devices anonymously assisting in locating your lost items.

Protecting yourself:

Enable Find My for all your devices: This ensures they’re detectable within the network.
Use strong passwords and security features: Protect your Apple ID and Find My settings with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and location sharing turned on only with trusted individuals.
Be mindful of privacy settings: Decide who can see your device location and adjust settings accordingly.
Beware of phishing scams: Don’t click on suspicious links or share personal information related to Find My.
Stay updated: Keep your devices and Find My app updated to benefit from the latest security features and fixes.

Utilize features like Offline Finding and Precision Finding for enhanced tracking capabilities

Both Offline Finding and Precision Finding can significantly enhance your experience with Apple’s Find My network. Here’s a closer look at what each feature does:

Offline Finding:

Works even if your lost device is disconnected from Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Uses Bluetooth signals from nearby Apple devices (anonymously and encrypted) to relay the location of your lost item back to you.
Requires your device to have been within Bluetooth range of another Apple device in the past few days.
This feature is particularly helpful when you lose your device in places with limited connectivity, like parking lots or remote areas.

Precision Finding:

Works with iPhone 11 or later and certain AirTags.
Uses Ultra Wideband technology for more precise location tracking.
Provides directional arrows and distance measurements on your iPhone screen, guiding you directly to your lost item.
Ideal for situations where your device is nearby but hidden or difficult to find, like under a couch or inside a bag.

Tips for using these features:

Keep Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone for Offline Finding to work.
Update your iPhone and Find My app to the latest versions for optimal functionality.
When searching for a lost device using Precision Finding, hold your iPhone upright and follow the on-screen instructions.
Remember, both features rely on other Apple devices in the vicinity, so their effectiveness can vary depending on your location and device availability.

Consider investing in AirTags to attach to frequently misplaced items like keys, wallets, or bags

AirTags are fantastic little tools for keeping track of frequently misplaced items, and with the expanded Find My network, their usefulness just got even better. Here’s why you might want to consider investing in some:

Benefits of AirTags:

Compact and easy to attach: You can easily slip them into wallets, clip them onto keys, or hang them on bags using dedicated accessories.
Long battery life: They last for over a year on a single replaceable battery, minimizing maintenance.
Affordable: At $29 each, they’re a relatively inexpensive way to add peace of mind.
Enhanced Find My features: AirTags leverage Offline Finding and Precision Finding just like other Apple devices, providing a powerful combination for locating lost items.
Privacy-focused: Location data is kept anonymous and encrypted throughout the search process.

Things to consider:

Compatibility: AirTags require an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 14.5 or later.
Range limitations: Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband range can vary depending on the environment and surrounding Apple devices.
Lost & Found mode: If someone finds your AirTag and taps it with their iPhone, they can see your contact information if you choose to share it. This can be helpful for getting your item back, but consider your privacy preferences before opting in.

Alternatives:

Tile trackers: Similar functionality to AirTags, but may require a separate subscription for some features and work on a different network.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTags: Compatible with Samsung Galaxy devices and offer similar tracking capabilities.

That’s correct! The Find My app offers several helpful features to assist you in locating or securing a lost or stolen device. Here’s how to use them:

1. Play Sound:

Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or sign in to iCloud.com/find.
Select the device you’re trying to find.
Tap or click the “Play Sound” button.
If your device is nearby and connected to the internet, it will play a loud sound, even if it’s in silent mode, helping you locate it.

2. Mark as Lost:

If you’re concerned about your device being found by someone else, you can mark it as lost.
In the Find My app, select the device and tap or click “Mark as Lost.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to lock your device with a passcode, display a custom message on the lock screen with your contact information, and optionally receive notifications when its location is updated.

3. Erase Data:

If you believe your device is stolen and you want to protect your personal information, you can remotely erase its data.
In the Find My app, select the device and tap or click “Erase This Device.”
This will permanently erase all data on the device, including photos, contacts, and apps. It’s important to note that once you erase the data, you won’t be able to track the device using Find My anymore.