Since Apple released its tracking device “AirTag” in 2021, various companies have created adapters to use it as an anti-theft measure for bikes. Since then, various devices with built-in AirTag functionality have also started to be marketed.
However, does AirTag really work as theft prevention? And what’s the difference between AlterLock and AirTag? Lets take a look at some fun facts.


- What is AirTag?
- How Does AirTag Work?
- When is AirTag Useful?
- Can AirTags Be Used for Bike Theft Prevention?
- 8 Things All Road Cyclists Should Know About Theft Prevention | AlterLock
- Misunderstandings About AirTag Location Information
- About privacy and Location Services in iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS – Apple Support
- Why AirTag Cannot Be Used for Theft Prevention
- The Thief Can Locate and Disable the AirTag
- The Difference Between AlterLock and AirTag
- AlterLock Official Store | Motion Detection Alarm & GPS Tracking Device
What is AirTag?
AirTag is a coin-shaped tracking device developed by Apple for the purpose of “loss prevention”. It can be used through the “Find My” app on iPhones and can be attached to bags, wallets, keys, etc. The product is for iPhone users only and cannot be used with Android devices.
How Does AirTag Work?
AirTag sends out periodic Bluetooth signals and uses the location data of nearby iPhones to transmit its own location to the cloud. When we think of location and tracking, we think of GPS, but AirTag does not have a GPS module nor data transmission other than BLE, so it cannot locate itself or communicate over long distances on its own. The range of AirTag’s signal is said to be around 10 meters, so it can only transmit location information when there is an iPhone in its range.
When is AirTag Useful?
AirTag was designed and developed as loss prevention and will work its best when used as loss prevention device.
For example, keys and wallets can be left behind somewhere at home or at a cafe, and if they are taken to a lost and found, there is a high chance that an iPhone will be nearby, so the item can be found with a high degree of accuracy.
Can AirTags Be Used for Bike Theft Prevention?
Its a sad fact but even the thickest chain can’t 100% prevent your bike from being stolen, but there are ways to reduce the risk of theft.
Some measures include:
- Park your bike indoors at home
- Always lock your bike to the grounded object, even for short periods of time
- Lock both the wheel and frame
- Avoid parking your bike in the same location consistently
- Carry around any parts that are easy to detach
- Make sure to register your bike
In addition to these measures, having an alarm device to scare thieves off and a tracking device in case of theft can be effective.
Since AirTag does not have an alarm system, it is unlikely to scare thieves off. As for tracking, it can be effective in busy town centres, but if the area is rural or if the bike is left in a place where not many people are around, it may be difficult to find.
For more information on basic theft prevention measures, please refer to the following article:

Misunderstandings About AirTag Location Information
Checking the location of an AirTag while carrying your own iPhone is meaningless if you want to evaluate its effectiveness.
This is because the AirTag connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth and determines its location based on your iPhone’s location data.
So, would turning off Bluetooth solve the issue? Unfortunately, that’s not enough.
As long as the iPhone’s location services are enabled, it will periodically receive Bluetooth signals to determine location information.
To properly test the AirTag’s tracking capabilities, you need to either leave your iPhone at home or disable location services from your privacy settings.

Why AirTag Cannot Be Used for Theft Prevention
AirTag has been updated with restrictions to prevent it from being used for stalking, given concerns about its compact design being misused for such purposes.
When an AirTag is separated from its owner’s iPhone and detects movement, it emits a sound—albeit not frequently—and sends a notification to the thief’s smartphone to alert them of its presence.

The Thief Will Discover the AirTag
Smartphones other than the owner’s that are traveling with the AirTag will display a clear notification message.
If the thief has an iPhone or Android smartphone, they will quickly become aware of the AirTag’s presence.
This feature is also included in other products with similar functionalities to the AirTag.
This feature was initially available only on iPhones, but since August 2023, it has also been implemented on Android devices running version 6 or later.
The following screen shows the notification settings on Android. You can check the settings by navigating to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Unknown Tracking Alerts

The Thief Can Locate and Disable the AirTag
When a notification is displayed, proceeding to the next screen allows the thief to play a sound from the AirTag, even if the said AirTag is not paired to the thieves phone.
Additionally, they can access instructions on how to disable the AirTag.

Due to these features, even thieves who are not familiar with tracking devices can easily notice the AirTag, remove it, or disable it. In other words, using AirTag for theft prevention through tracking has become highly impractical.
The Difference Between AlterLock and AirTag
AlterLock is specifically designed to combat bike thefts for road bikes and other sports bicycles. When locked, the device activates a motion-controlled sensor that sounds a loud deterrent alarm when the bike is moved, preventing it from being stolen.

There is a debate about whether the alarms are effective or not. However, what’s important here is to take all preventative measures before a theft occurs. We have received a number of customer reviews stating that the alarm scared thieves away when it went off.
When the motion detecting sensor is triggered on AlterLock, you will also receive a notification on your smartphone to alert you. AlterLock can provide you sense of protection and assurance even during a quick stops at cafes or toilet breaks on solo rides.
The device also has a smart GPS/WiFi tracker inside, allowing you to monitor your bike remotely without the need for other devices. In the unlikely event that the alarm is ignored and your bike is taken, AlterLock can silently track your bike and send its location data to your phone without repeatedly sounding the alarm.
AlterLock costs $169.95 (Tax not included), plus a monthly subscription , from alterlock.net/en or Amazon USA.

Online platforms have made it easier for anyone to anonymously resell bikes and parts, which has encouraged a younger generation of people with no prior experience to become a potential bike thieves. These thieves often operate alone and tend to avoid high-risk situations.
AirTag is good at finding lost objects, but it does not prevent theft. In terms of tracking bikes, it depends on where you are. If you mainly ride in the city, your chances of success may be higher but it will be much harder to track them outside of the city.
If you are travelling further out to enjoy cycling or training for a long solo ride, you may not spend long hours away from the bike. However, there is still a possibility of stopping at a cafe or store outside the city for a coffee or a quick toilet break. For such cyclists, having AlterLock’s alarm and tracking capabilities, as well as taking basic anti-theft measures like choosing a secure storage location and properly locking the bike, can provide reassurance.