airtag-detector 1.0.1

Apple AirTag detector for Raspberry Pi with HomeKit integration

Apple AirTag Detector for Raspberry Pi with HomeKit Integration

This project provides a Python script that runs continuously on a Raspberry Pi to detect Apple AirTags within approximately 3 feet using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scanning. When an AirTag is detected, it automatically turns off a HomeKit-enabled smart plug until the AirTag is no longer detected.

Features

• Continuous BLE scanning for Apple AirTags
• RSSI-based proximity detection (approximately 3 feet)
• HomeKit Integration: Automatically controls smart plugs when AirTags are detected
• Home Assistant Support: Recommended integration method
• Logging to both file and console
• Systemd service for automatic startup
• Graceful shutdown handling
• Automatic cleanup of devices that leave range
• Configurable delay before turning plug back on

Requirements

• Raspberry Pi with built-in Bluetooth (Pi 3, Pi 4, Pi Zero W, etc.)
• Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian)
• Root access for Bluetooth operations
• HomeKit-enabled smart plug or Home Assistant setup
• Home Assistant with the smart plug integrated (recommended)

Installation

1. Clone or download this repository to your Raspberry Pi

2. Make the setup script executable and run it:

   chmod +x setup.sh
   sudo ./setup.sh
   

3. Configure HomeKit Integration:

   python3 setup_homekit.py
   

Manual Installation

If you prefer to install manually:

1. Install system dependencies:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install python3 python3-pip bluetooth bluez libbluetooth-dev
   

2. Install Python dependencies:

   pip3 install -r requirements.txt
   

3. Enable Bluetooth service:

   sudo systemctl enable bluetooth
   sudo systemctl start bluetooth
   

Usage

Running as a Service (Recommended)

Start the service:

sudo systemctl start airtag-detector.service

Check service status:

sudo systemctl status airtag-detector.service

View logs in real-time:

sudo journalctl -u airtag-detector.service -f

Stop the service:

sudo systemctl stop airtag-detector.service

Running Manually

sudo python3 airtag_detector.py

Press Ctrl+C to stop.

How It Works

The detector works by:

1. BLE Scanning: Continuously scans for Bluetooth Low Energy devices
2. Apple Device Identification: Looks for devices with Apple's company identifier (0x004C) or relevant service UUIDs
3. Proximity Detection: Uses RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) to estimate distance
4. Logging: Records detections with timestamps and device information

Detection Criteria

A device is considered a potential AirTag if it:

• Has Apple's company identifier in manufacturer data (0x004C)
• Advertises relevant service UUIDs (FD44, FEAA)
• Has a name containing keywords like "airtag", "findmy", or "apple"

Proximity Estimation

• RSSI threshold: -70 dBm (approximately 3 feet)
• Higher RSSI values indicate closer proximity
• You may need to adjust the threshold based on your environment

Configuration

You can modify the following parameters in airtag_detector.py:

• PROXIMITY_RSSI_THRESHOLD: RSSI threshold for proximity detection (default: -70 dBm)
• scan_interval: Time between scans (default: 2.0 seconds)
• Log level and file paths

Logs

Logs are written to:

• Console output
• /home/ubuntu/dogpi/airtag_detector.log
• System journal (viewable with journalctl)

Troubleshooting

Permission Issues

• Run with sudo for Bluetooth access
• Ensure the user is in the bluetooth group

Bluetooth Not Working

sudo systemctl status bluetooth
sudo hciconfig hci0 up

No Devices Detected

• Ensure AirTags are nearby and active
• Check if Bluetooth is enabled and working
• Verify RSSI threshold is appropriate for your environment
• Some AirTags may not be easily detectable when in "silent" mode

Service Not Starting

sudo systemctl status airtag-detector.service
sudo journalctl -u airtag-detector.service

Limitations

• AirTags use privacy features that may limit detectability
• Detection range is approximate and depends on environmental factors
• Some AirTags may enter sleep mode or use anti-tracking features
• False positives may occur with other Apple devices

Privacy and Legal Considerations

• This tool is for educational and security purposes
• Respect privacy laws in your jurisdiction
• Only use to detect AirTags on your own property
• Consider the privacy implications of tracking devices

Contributing

Feel free to submit issues and pull requests to improve the detector.

License

This project is licensed under the terms specified in the LICENSE file.