Yes, they do. Every AirTag includes a built-in speaker that emits a distinctive beeping noise. It’s not what you’d call loud, but it’s noticeable enough in a quiet room or from under a couch cushion.
The sound plays in a few different scenarios:
- When you trigger the “Play Sound” command from the Find My app
- During setup and battery replacement (a quick chime)
- Automatically if the AirTag has been separated from its paired device and is moving with someone else for an extended time
How loud are AirTags?
Apple doesn’t publish the decibel level, but user tests suggest the AirTag tops out around 60-70 decibels—similar to a normal conversation. That’s fine if your AirTag is in your jacket or couch, but not ideal if it’s buried deep in a suitcase or outdoors.
Critics have pointed out that the sound can be easily muffled, especially if the AirTag is tucked inside objects. Some privacy advocates argue that this allows stalkers to disable the warning feature, making it less effective in real-world use.
What do AirTag sounds mean?
AirTags produce several unique sounds depending on the situation. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Setup Chime: Confirms the AirTag has been successfully activated.
- Battery Change Chime: Plays when you insert a new CR2032 battery.
- “Play Sound” Alert: A series of beeps used when you’re trying to find it nearby.
- Anti-Stalking Alert: Sounds intermittently when an unknown AirTag is moving with you.
Apple doesn’t allow custom tones or volume adjustments, so you’re stuck with the default sound scheme.
Can you make an AirTag beep remotely?
Absolutely. Through the Find My app:
- Open the app and select the AirTag.
- Tap “Play Sound.”
- Your AirTag will start chirping until found or cancelled.
This is one of the handiest features, especially if you’ve misplaced your keys at home or left your gym bag under a car seat.
Can the sound be disabled?
Not officially—but some people have tampered with their AirTags to silence them by removing the speaker. This has sparked controversy, particularly around privacy abuse and stalking risks.
Disabling the sound voids the warranty, weakens anti-theft features, and turns a helpful tracker into a stealth device—Apple strongly advises against it.
Are there alternatives with louder alerts?
Yes. Competitors like Chipolo ONE and Tile Pro offer louder ringers—often reaching over 90 decibels. They’re designed with noise-first tracking in mind, which is helpful in noisy environments or larger spaces.
But those trackers don’t tap into the Apple ecosystem, meaning they lack features like Precision Finding or broad network coverage.
Should you worry about noise if using AirTags in a wallet?
If you’re using an airtag wallet, the noise factor is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great for locating your wallet in the couch cushions. On the other, the AirTag’s sound may be too muted inside a wallet to be reliably heard in loud settings.
Some airtag wallets are specifically designed with open slots or acoustic vents to let the sound out more clearly. It’s a small touch, but it makes a noticeable difference when you’re pinging your lost cards before rushing out the door.
So yes, AirTags do make noise—and it’s a key part of how they help you stay organised. The chirps are subtle but functional, just loud enough to be useful without becoming annoying. If you’re slipping one into your daily carry, a slim airtag wallet can help ensure both security and findability—without muffling the very sound designed to help you.