Are you experiencing issues with your Apple Key Fob after attaching an AirTag to your keyring? You’re not alone. Many users have reported potential interference between Apple’s AirTags and car key fobs, leading to frustrating problems with vehicle access and operation.
Several users have taken to online forums to share their experiences. One user reported issues with both a Mercedes and a Nissan key fob after attaching an AirTag. They described changing batteries in both fobs, yet still encountering problems, even after previously using Tile trackers without issue. Another user with a Subaru WRX (2019) noted that their car sometimes failed to detect the key fob after adding an AirTag. This resulted in the car not unlocking or starting, even with two different fobs and fresh batteries. They suspected interference and considered removing the AirTag to see if the problem resolved itself.
These anecdotal reports suggest a possible link between AirTags and key fob malfunctions. One user even had to replace their car key fob entirely after experiencing these issues. After installing a new battery in their fob, it was still unresponsive and deemed “completely dead” by a mechanic. This experience led them to consider whether the AirTag might have been the cause, though they were hesitant to reattach it due to the cost of key fob replacement.
What could be causing this potential interference? An Apple Support Community Specialist chimed in on one discussion, suggesting that metal is a significant source of Bluetooth interference. Since key fobs often contain metallic components, the materials in the fob itself could be interfering with the AirTag’s signal. This aligns with Apple’s general advice regarding Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interference, where metal is identified as a potential culprit.
While Apple’s official stance points to potential interference from metal components within the key fob itself affecting the AirTag’s Bluetooth signal, the user experiences raise a valid concern. If you are using an AirTag on your keyring and notice issues with your apple key fob’s performance, such as weak signal, intermittent detection, or complete failure, it’s worth considering the AirTag as a possible contributing factor.
If you suspect interference, a simple troubleshooting step is to temporarily remove the AirTag from your keyring and observe if the key fob issues persist. If the problems disappear after removing the AirTag, it could indicate that there is indeed some form of interaction between the devices. While it remains unclear whether AirTags directly “fry” key fobs as some users speculate, the reports of malfunction and signal issues are concerning enough to warrant caution.
For now, users experiencing these problems might need to choose between the convenience of AirTag tracking and the reliable operation of their apple key fob. Further investigation and potentially redesigned AirTags in the future might be needed to fully resolve these reported conflicts. If you continue to experience issues with your key fob, even without an AirTag attached, it’s always recommended to consult with your car dealership or a qualified mechanic to rule out other potential problems with your vehicle’s keyless entry system.
