When considering the purchase of a new device to keep track of personal items like keys, wallets, or backpacks, durability is a key factor. Apple’s AirTag, a small item tracker designed to work seamlessly with the Find My app on iPhone, offers a solution for those who want to easily locate their belongings. Its design takes into account the inevitable encounters with water that small portable devices face.
AirTags have an IP67 rating under IEC standard 60529, which means they are resistant to both dust and water. This rating reassures users that the AirTag can be submerged in water up to a maximum depth of one meter for up to thirty minutes. While this does not qualify as being fully waterproof, it does ensure that the AirTag can endure situations like being dropped in a puddle or getting caught in the rain.
Is the Apple AirTag Waterproof?
The Apple AirTag is not fully waterproof, but it does have some resistance to water and dust. It carries an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for 30 minutes under lab conditions. However, this does not mean it’s designed for prolonged water exposure or use in extreme wet conditions.
What the IP67 Rating Means:
- Dust Resistance: Fully protected against dust and small particles.
- Water Resistance: Can survive accidental splashes, rain, and brief submersion in water.
What It Can Handle:
✔️ Light rain or accidental spills
✔️ Brief immersion in shallow water (like dropping it in a puddle)
✔️ Moist environments like a sweaty gym bag
What It Cannot Handle:
❌ Extended submersion in water
❌ Saltwater (ocean exposure may cause corrosion)
❌ High-pressure water jets (e.g., shower, car wash, or power washing)
❌ Water damage over time (resistance may degrade with wear and tear)
How to Improve AirTag Water Protection
If you’re using an AirTag in environments where it could get wet (e.g., pet tracking, outdoor activities, or extreme conditions), consider using:
- Waterproof AirTag cases (such as from brands like Nomad, Pelican, or Catalyst)
- Silicone protective covers with sealed edges
- Plastic zipper pouches in extreme wet conditions
What to Do If Your AirTag Gets Wet
- Remove it from water immediately.
- Wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Let it air dry completely before using it again.
- Avoid charging or exposing it to heat sources (e.g., hairdryer or direct sunlight).
Conclusion
While Apple AirTags offer some water resistance, they are not fully waterproof. If you plan to use an AirTag in wet environments frequently, a waterproof case is a smart investment.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags can help track personal items through the iPhone’s Find My app.
- They boast an IP67 water and dust resistance rating.
- Submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes won’t damage the AirTag.
Water Resistance and Durability Specifications
Apple’s AirTag is designed with durability in mind, offering protection against water and dust which allows users to track their items confidently in various environments.
IP67 Water and Dust Resistance
An AirTag holds an IP67 rating. This indicates the device has complete protection against dust and can handle immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to thirty minutes. Such protection makes the AirTag suitable for everyday encounters with water like rain or accidental drops in a puddle.
Physical Characteristics and Environmental Considerations
The design of an AirTag is small and lightweight, with a diameter of 31.9 mm and a height of 8 mm. Accessories like loops and waterproof cases can provide extra protection and versatility. Apple also considers environmental impact, assuring the AirTag is mercury-free, bfr-free, pvc-free, and beryllium-free. They also use 100% recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board.
Handling and Maintenance
AirTag maintenance is straightforward: if the device gets wet, users should wipe it off with a soft, lint-free cloth and let it air dry. The battery compartment is sealed, but it’s user-replaceable with a CR2032 coin cell battery. For optimal performance, it’s crucial to keep the AirTag away from extreme conditions and handle it as per Apple’s safety and handling documentation, which can sustain its durability over time.
