Dynotags use passive location tracking. When someone scans your tag with their smartphone or views it in a web browser, we capture where the tag was viewed from—not where the tag physically is.

This is different from real-time GPS trackers. Dynotags don’t have batteries, electronics, or subscription fees. They’re maintenance-free and TSA-safe for travel.

How It Works

When someone scans your Dynotag:

1. Their device shares its location – Smartphones use GPS, WiFi, and cell towers to determine location
2. You get notified – If enabled, you receive an email alert when your tag is viewed
3. Location is logged – You can see when and where your tag was accessed in your Record Dashboard

The person viewing your tag will see a prompt asking: “Allow this website to access your location?”

• If they allow it: You get precise GPS coordinates
• If they decline: We collect their IP address (less accurate, but still helpful)

Viewing Your Access Log

To see where your tag has been viewed:

1. Sign in to your Dynotag account
2. Go to the My Records page and click the Edit button for the record.
3. Look for the “Access Log” section of the record.

You’ll see:

• Date and time of each view (in GMT/UTC)
• Location coordinates
• Estimated accuracy

💡 Tip: Enable “email notifications when tag is viewed” in your settings. This is especially important for luggage tags and emergency info tags.

Why Not GPS Trackers or Apple Find My?

We’re often asked about active GPS tracking and Apple Find My compatibility. Here’s how Dynotags differ:

Note: Dynotags are not compatible with Apple Find My, Samsung SmartTag, or similar tracking networks. These require built-in electronics and batteries, which would compromise the durability and lifetime warranty that make Dynotags reliable.

Here’s the trade-off between tracking technologies:

GPS Trackers:

• ✅ Real-time location
• ❌ Require batteries (can die when you need them most)
• ❌ Can’t be attached outside luggage (TSA regulations)
• ❌ Need cellular/satellite subscriptions ($$$)
• ❌ Heavy and bulky
• ❌ Must be kept dry and charged

Dynotags:

• ✅ No batteries needed – never dies
• ✅ TSA-safe – attach anywhere
• ✅ No subscriptions – one-time cost
• ✅ Lightweight and waterproof
• ✅ Lifetime warranty
• ℹ️ Shows where tag was viewed, not real-time location

For most everyday items (luggage, keys, pets, equipment), passive tracking works great. For high-value items requiring real-time tracking (expedition gear, hunting dogs), active GPS trackers may be worth the complexity and cost.

Common Questions

Does this work with Apple Find My or Samsung SmartTag?
No. Dynotags use a different approach—they don’t have built-in electronics or batteries, which is what makes them waterproof, maintenance-free, and backed by a lifetime warranty. They work by being scanned, not by broadcasting a signal.

Is this real-time tracking?
No. We track where your tag was viewed from, not where the tag currently is. When someone finds your lost item and scans it, you’ll know their location.

How accurate is the location?
Smartphones are very accurate (within 10-30 feet). Desktop computers are less precise (within a city block). If someone declines location sharing, their IP address (accuracy varies).

Will it work indoors?
Yes! Smartphones use WiFi and cell towers for location, not just GPS. This works great indoors where GPS typically fails.

Can I see who viewed my tag?
You can see when and where it was viewed, but not personal identity information. Privacy is protected on both sides.

What timezone are the logs in?
All times are in GMT/UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) by default. This ensures accurate timestamps regardless of where the tag is viewed globally.

Learn more: View notification emails | Record view logs