Never Lose Your Keys Again With This Clever $25 Tool
Updated: May 16, 2023
Peace of mind has never been so affordable.
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Losing things is pretty much inevitable. Whether it’s keys, luggage or anything in between, lost items are always being added to the worldwide lost and found. While many have turned to Apple Airtags, a Bluetooth tracking device, to trace their belongings, others have enlisted the help of the Airtag alternative, the Tile Mate.
What is a Tile Mate?
At its simplest, the Tile Mate is a square-shaped gadget that syncs to your phone to keep track of your belongings. Thanks to its wireless functions, it works on everything from keys to bags to luggage to keep you connected to just about anything. Using an app on your mobile device, the Tile Mate locates whatever it’s connected to, and it also works in reverse to find your phone.
While the Airtag only works with Apple products, you can connect the Tile Mate to the Tile app, which is compatible with iOS and Android devices, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Siri. The gadget is water-resistant and comes with a three-year, non-replaceable battery. While the battery claims to be good for only three years, Tile also has other models with longer battery life (rechargeable options are available from other brands).
There’s a community within the Tile Network, in case the Tile Mate gets lost. By upgrading to a Premium plan, which costs $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year, your Tile will send an alert if you’re about to leave something behind. The Premium Protect plan, which will set you back about $100 a year, offers a $1,000 reimbursement if you lose the Tiled item. You can still use the Tile without any plan at all, though you’ll find extra benefits by subscribing.
Less than two inches in height and width, the gadget comes in matte black and white with a hole to connect to a backpack, keychain or other spot.
Highlights
Pros
- Allows you to track items through a mobile app or Smart Device
- Also has cell phone tracking capabilities
- Features a range of up to 250 feet
- Connects to Tile Network
- Small build doesn’t take up much space
- 27,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.5-star average
Cons
- The battery is non-replaceable
- Premium plans are an extra cost
How to use the Tile Mate
Download the Tile app on your mobile device and connect to the Tile Mate. The app will ping the Tile when it’s within Bluetooth range up to 250 feet. Similar to the Find My Phone feature on iPhones, the app will also let you know the tracker’s most recent location on a map. A Smart Home device can also track the Tile’s whereabouts.
Choose from a variety of jingles and ringtones for the Mate’s default sound. One of its greatest features is that the Tile Mate works in reverse: double tap the Tile and it’ll ping your phone’s location.
Attach the Tile Mate to your keys as a keychain, pop it in your work bag or slip it in your luggage. There are so many other places to add it, including strollers, wallets, dog collars and more. However you use it, you can rest assured that your belongings are always within reach (or at least reachable).
The tracker is also a helpful gadget for those with memory issues, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Losing something can be a frustrating experience, but the Tile Mate is a friend to the forgetful.
Some reviewers say the app’s ping sound is loud enough to hear in a crowded room or from far away. And you can add contact information through the QR code. If the Tile Mate gets lost, someone can scan the QR code and figure out where to return it.
The best Amazon reviews
With over 20,000 five-star ratings and a 4.5-star average rating, the Tile Mate is a favorite for people on the go.
Five-star reviewer Kiara recommends the Tile Mate to everyone she works with. “I work at a bank so if someone loses their keys it’s a big no-no. Or if you lose your apartment keys there’s always a fee,” she writes. “Best to avoid those by purchasing a Tile! I do pay the $2 subscription to remind me when I leave home without them and it’s so helpful!”
Irene Surrat bought one to keep on her son-in-law’s only car key fob. “Replacements are hard to get and expensive. Fear of losing only one was nerve-wracking. Now he has this on it, he never has to worry. He said getting it set up was easy,” she writes.
In one five-star Tile Mate review, verified purchaser Mo says it saved them from losing their purse and everything in it. “This purchase was essential! I accidentally left my purse in a shopping cart and drove home before I noticed, someone from the store found my Tile and scanned it. I called the store and they brought it out for me when I drove back!” they explain. “I am so thankful for this!”
Where to buy a Tile Mate
The Tile Mate is available on Amazon and Target, or directly from the Tile website. Never lose a set of keys again.
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