PodSpotHome A Find My alternative for lost earbuds
A Find My alternative for the last few metres.
A map shows where your earbuds were last reported. PodSpot shows how close they are right now, from the Bluetooth signal they send, and it needs no Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Free iPhone app with in-app purchases. Needs iOS 15.5 or later.
The short answer
PodSpot is an iPhone app that follows the Bluetooth signal your earbuds send right now, which makes it a Find My alternative for the last few metres. Scanning needs no Wi-Fi or mobile data, and non-Apple Bluetooth devices show up too. It needs the earbuds switched on and nearby, and it cannot see a pair with a dead battery.
Follow the signal with PodSpot
PodSpot reads the Bluetooth signal your earbuds send, right on your iPhone.
- Go back to the last place you remember using your earbuds.
- Open PodSpot on your iPhone and start a scan. Each device in the list is labeled Near or Far.
- Tap your earbuds to open the signal screen. The signal percentage rises as you get closer.
- Walk slowly, one room at a time. Walls and furniture weaken the signal, so moving around works better than standing still.
- Once they are close and connected to your iPhone, play a sound from PodSpot. Then save the spot so it is listed under Previous Locations.
What PodSpot can and can't do
A map shows where your earbuds were last reported. PodSpot shows how close they are right now, from the signal they send, which is what you need for the last few metres.
PodSpot reads Bluetooth signals right on your iPhone, so scanning works without Wi-Fi or mobile data. Starting a subscription does need a connection.
It is not just for Apple gear: non-Apple Bluetooth devices show up too, if they are switched on and nearby.
Your earbuds do not have to be connected or on your Apple Account. Any pair your iPhone has connected to before shows up, so a kid's AirPods work once they have paired with your phone.
PodSpot can't see earbuds that are switched off, out of battery or out of range, and it usually can't see earbuds sealed inside their case. PodSpot can play a sound on earbuds or headphones while they are connected to your iPhone, not on a charging case.
Before you start
- Charge your iPhone; you may be walking around for a while
- Put any other earbuds you own back in their case so the list stays short
- Search soon, because the signal stops when the battery runs out
- Start where you last used them, then widen the search one room at a time
- Look low: floors, under furniture and down the sides of seats
Questions people ask
Is there an alternative to Find My for lost earbuds?
Yes, for the last few metres. A map shows where your earbuds were last reported, and it can say Offline or No location found. PodSpot reads the Bluetooth signal your earbuds send right now and shows how close you are, so you can walk toward them room by room. It needs them switched on and with battery.
Does PodSpot work without Wi-Fi or mobile data?
Scanning does. PodSpot reads Bluetooth right on your iPhone, so it needs no Wi-Fi or mobile data to list devices that are switched on and nearby. That helps on a plane, a hike or a gym with no signal. Starting a subscription does need a connection.
Does PodSpot work with earbuds that are not AirPods?
Yes. Non-Apple Bluetooth devices show up too, if they are switched on and nearby and your iPhone can read a name from them. Pick yours from the list, tap it and walk toward the stronger signal. PodSpot cannot see any pair that is switched off or out of battery.
Can I find a family member's AirPods?
If your iPhone has connected to them before, yes, whatever Apple Account they are on, so a kid's AirPods work once they have paired with your phone. A pair your iPhone has never connected to may not be listed, because AirPods do not broadcast a name your iPhone can read.
What if my earbuds show as Offline in Find My?
Offline can mean they are out of range or need charging. If they still have battery they keep sending a Bluetooth signal, so go back to where you last had them and scan with PodSpot. If the battery is empty there is no signal to read, and PodSpot can't see them either.