We have all had instances in which we misplaced important items like keys and wallets. Trying to find them was stressful, especially when we have no idea where we put them. Thanks to technology, a Bluetooth tracker can help you find your lost and misplaced items. What is this gadget and how does it work?

How Does Bluetooth Tracker Work?

This tracker is a small gadget which can be attached to any personal item that can be easily misplaced or is sometimes hard to find. These items could be keys, wallets, backpacks, a pet, TV, remotes, and even toys. The tracker uses BLE or Bluetooth low energy to find the missing item by connecting to a smartphone. Information on the item’s location is sent to the phone and indicated by a ringtone.

Each tracker has a specific signature and is known only to the owner of the device. To activate the device, an app must be downloaded to a smartphone, and the user’s account must be activated. These steps enable the tracker and app to recognize the other. Trackers cannot be located by anyone until access permission to the app is shared.

What Are The Bluetooth Tracker’s Components?

What makes this tracker useful is that it is set up with the Bluetooth Low Energy feature – which means that the smartphone and tracker use very little battery power. The tracker works for 6+ months without running out of power. The Bluetooth tracker has its own internal power source (a small Li-ion battery), an antenna and a chip. More often than not, the battery is rechargeable and does not need to be replaced.

The chip is the brain of the tracker – its programming lets the tracker ring, offers location information, and it can also be programmed for different ring tones, etc. Every chip has a back-up chip in case the main one has to be reset. And since it requires very little power, the battery lasts a long time.

Bluetooth Tracker

The tracker’s antenna communicates information from the chip to a smartphone via a radio link. The range is about 60 meters. If the tracker is out of range, the app will display the last spot the tag was located, on a map. The best part of the tracker’s function is that you can use the tracker to find your phone if it is misplaced, even in silent mode.

Things To Check Before You Buy a Bluetooth Tracker

These trackers are a piece of innovative technology and very helpful. Before you decide to take the plunge and invest in one or more of these, check the following:

1. Battery life: Most trackers have a battery life of 6 to 12 months. You can choose between rechargeable or replaceable batteries. Rechargeable battery life is lower and lasts a maximum of 3 months. Recharging is done via a standard mini USB charger.
2. Range: Any device using Bluetooth technology works best at ranges of 30 feet. In the case of BLE, the range is about 100 feet. Obstacles like trees and cars can lower this range. Check out reviews before buying.
3. Sound: A Bluetooth tracker is meant to be heard, so set the ring tone on high, especially if you live in a home with children. Try out different ring tones before choosing one.
4. Uses: Try to figure out how you will use your Bluetooth tracker. What items do you misplace regularly? Your pet’s leash and collar, wallet, house and car keys?
5. Price: Check the features you will likely need and how much you are willing to spend. Once this is decided, check reviews and buy accordingly.