All-around trackers are the new trend.
And 1 of the leading device of the sort is Tile Mate.
You can hook it up to car keys, dogs, or simple everyday things…
But how far can they go?
Literally, what’s the farthest distance you can track them?
I know the right answers.
Continue reading to discover:
- How far you can track a Tile Mate.
- How you can track a Tile Mate (must-know).
- The main difference between a Tile Mate and a GPS tracker.
- 7 amazing facts about tracking a Tile Mate (#5 is my favorite).
- And many more…
How far can you track a Tile Mate?
You can track a Tile Mate up to 250 feet (76.2 meters). That range is most suited for objects within your house. A major example is your keys. And for a longer-ranged Tile, you can opt for Tile Pro. Its range is 400 feet (122 meters).
Tracking Tile Mate – 7 facts
#1: It’s different from a GPS tracker
When talking about tracking devices…
GPS trackers are, undeniably, the number 1 gadget that comes to mind for most people…
However, your Tile Mate isn’t a type of GPS device.
Yep. Despite sharing the same purpose…
The 2 aren’t the same at all.
How so?
First of all, GPS stands for Global Positioning System.
This has a longer range and maintains longer connections.
Most times, that scope and linkage are even unlimited. If so, this type of tracker can give you a location update anywhere and anytime…
That’s all thanks to any GPS device being connected to a satellite.
And according to NASA, more than 30 navigation satellites are circling our planet.
So, any GPS device listens to one of those satellites.
But to figure out exactly where you are…
4 or more satellites join in to calculate your location.
On the other hand, Tile Mate is a bit down to Earth. Literally.
That’s because it only uses Bluetooth. No GPS at all.
So, it’s short-ranged. And for Tile Mate, the farthest you can track it is 250 ft. (76.2 m).
Moreover, your Tile Mate’s connection doesn’t depend on any satellite…
Instead, it should be connected to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
#2: It’s compatible with a wide range of devices
So nothing might directly connect your Tile Mate to any of the 30+ satellites out there…
But it’s compatible with a wide range of devices.
Just ensure that you install its application. And it’s available on iOS and Android devices.
And let me list them out for you:
Android devices
For this, the selection is very large. There are lots of brands and models under Android…
But to be exact…
Your device must be running on Android 9.0 or newer. Moreover, it has to have Bluetooth 4.0 tech onward.
Note: Some devices can still be compatible with the app. However, there’s no guarantee that it’ll run smoothly. Especially on those devices that they haven’t tested out yet.
Apple devices
Your Apple device must be running iOS 14 or newer.
The app is available on iOS 13 too. But the app will be an old version.
Lastly, the Tile app isn’t supported by any device under iOS 13 or lower.
AI assistants or Speakers
The Tile app is available on the following AI assistants:
Siri
As mentioned, the Tile app is accessible to many Apple devices.
Alexa
You can access the Tile app through an Echo or Echo Dot.
Google Assistant
Use Google Nest or Google Nest Mini.
Computers
Yes, you can use the Tile app website on your computer. There, you can log in and do just as you can do when using a phone…
However, Tile itself recommends that you use the mobile app instead. It’s the most convenient way available. That’s why I suggest it as well.
And for a more detailed list of all the devices you can use a Tile app from, click here.
#3: Lightweight and uses less power
A Tile Mate is barely 0.02 lbs (8 grams). Moreover, it’s just at least 1.5 in (37.8 mm) on each side.
So, whatever thing you choose to attach it…
It’ll barely add to the item’s weight.
For example, you put it on your dog’s collar. With that, you’ll know if they’re wandering around the neighborhood. Or have gone 1 block too far…
But most of all, Fido will hardly notice the Tile attached to their collar.
And you know what’s also great about a lightweight device?
It uses less power.
So, rest assured, you have a durable little device on your palms.
Now, a Tile Mate has non-replaceable batteries. That’s because the Tile is sealed. And so, you have no way to take out the old batteries to be replaced.
However, Tile ensures that its battery lifespan is 3 years.
And if they die earlier than that…
Tile tells you to contact their customer support immediately.
#4: Its Bluetooth signal can be easily affected
As I mentioned before, a Tile Mate’s maximum range is 250 feet (76.2 meters).
However, that’s not always an exact science.
Unfortunately, that’s the thing about all Bluetooth devices. Its range depends on these factors:
- Transmitter power.
- Receiver sensitivity.
- Current technology level.
Moreover, physical obstacles can also affect a Bluetooth device’s transmission. From experience and research, those are:
- Mirrors.
- Thick walls.
- Microwaves.
- Water/Fish tanks.
- Wireless speakers.
- Wireless security cameras.
So, despite that long range…
If any of those I mentioned are present…
Then, it can disturb your Tile Mate’s Bluetooth connectivity.
And if you’re worried about such a setback…
Let the next section assure you…
#5: Out of range, but not out of mind
So, I just told you about how vulnerable Bluetooth signals are.
And with those factors present…
You might not exactly enjoy a range of 250 feet (76.2 meters) in your Tile Mate.
Regardless, it doesn’t mean that you’ll lose it once it’s out of that radius.
Whatever it is that your Tile Mate’s attached to…
It might be out of range but not out of your reach.
That’s because the app automatically stores the info about its last known location.
Then, you can go into that place where it’s last detected…
And if it’s still near there…
The information about its location will automatically update.
But that’s not all.
Even if you don’t go to the last location recorded…
Its placement can still be updated whenever a fellow Tile community member comes near it. Then, that information gets sent to you.
So, you can get the latest of the latest location of your Tile Mate.
#6: Lost and found feature
Still no updates about your Tile Mate that’s out of range?
I assure you, it’s not the end for your precious cargo.
That’s thanks to the new Lost and Found feature of Tile.
That QR code at the back of your Tile Mate is for that purpose.
It’s meant to be scanned by a good samaritan…
And once they do, your contact details will appear.
With that, they’ll have the necessary information to return your item to you.
Note: They don’t need the Tile app to scan the QR code. Most smartphones today automatically scan QR codes using their built-in camera apps. If not, scanners are available for download (iOs and Android).
But of course, you’ll have to know…
How to set up Lost and Found for your Tile
Note: You can only set this up if your Tile is out of range.
- Open your Tile app.
- Select the Notify When Found button.
- Follow in-app instructions to provide your preferred contact details.
- Enter a brief message of your choice.
Now, Tile is with you on this. That’s why, when someone scans your Tile Mate…
They’ll also help track it down.
And if you ever find someone else’s Tile, click this link. There, you’ll find out how to return a Tile to its rightful owner.
#7: Find your phone using the Tile
Okay, what if it’s the other way around?
You have your Tile Mate. But your phone isn’t with you.
Well, you got everything you need to have your mobile device back.
With your Tile Mate in your hand, follow these steps:
Note: For iPhone users, the Tile app must be running in the background. This means it should be on your recently opened apps, and you haven’t exited it in the background.
- Double press the Tile button quickly.
- Wait for your phone to ring. Then, follow that sound until you see your phone.
- Now, you must stop the ringing. So, locate the notification from the Tile app.
- Press “Found it” for Android users. For iOS devices, select “Done” to stop the ringing.
Important note: This only works if your phone is within your Tile Mate’s range.
BONUS: Use a voice assistant
It’s cool enough to find an item using your Tile Mate through your phone.
Well, how about a smarter way to do so?
I’m talking hands-free…
And since statistics show that 68.2% of Americans used Alexa-enabled smart speakers in 2021…
The devices’ integration grows more and more diverse as days go by.
Now, you can find your Tile Mate with the help of Alexa. And here’s how to do so:
Step 1: Add your Tile to your Amazon account
- Access the Alexa app (iOS or Android).
- Select More, which is at the bottom right corner of the app’s home screen.
- Choose Skills & Games.
- At the top right corner, tap the magnifying glass. Then, search for Tile.
- Select the Tile app from the search results.
- Press Enable to Use.
- Log in to your Tile account.
- Click Save Permissions after reading them.
- Follow the in-app prompts to Discover Devices.
Step 2: Enable Find My for your Tiles
Still on your Alexa app, follow these:
- At the bottom of your screen, choose Devices.
- Tap Trackers at the screen’s top.
- Select Next on the Find My with Alexa menu.
- Toggle your Tiles to On.
- Press Save.
Step 3: Verification
See whether the Tile shows up under your Alexa’s skills.
So, we’re still on the Alexa app, and all you have to do is:
- At the bottom right corner, click More.
- Choose Skills & Games.
- Tap Your Skills tab.
- See whether the Tile app is enabled.
Step 4: Find your Tile
Alright, after all that, it’s time for a test run…
Say, “Alexa, find my car keys.”
And with that, Alexa ring the Tile Mate attached to your keys.
And for a visual guide, here’s a helpful video on the matter:
How do you track Tile Mate?
To track your Tile Mate, you’ll need the Tile app.
- Open the Tile app on your phone.
- Tap “Find.”
- Wait for your Tile Mate to ring and follow its sound.
Note: The Tile Detector ring shown on your screen will be filled with green as you get closer to your item.