Tile is a Bluetooth tracker designed to help users find everyday items like keys, wallets, bags, and more. The concept is simple: you attach or place a Tile device on any item you want to track, and if you ever misplace it, you can ring your Tile or see its last known location using the Tile app on your smartphone. Each Tile device emits a Bluetooth signal. When paired with a smartphone or tablet via the Tile app, the device can be located as long as it’s within the Bluetooth range, which varies depending on the specific Tile model but is usually up to around 200-400 feet under optimal conditions.
If you misplace an item with a Tile attached (e.g., keys), you can use the Tile app to “ring” that Tile, causing it to emit a loud sound to help you locate it. Tile works both ways. If you have your Tile but can’t find your phone, double-press the Tile button to make it ring, even if it’s on silent. If your item is out of Bluetooth range, the app will show the last place it detected your Tile on a map. This feature gives you a starting point to begin your search.
If you mark your Tile as “lost” in the app and it’s out of your Bluetooth range, the Tile can still be detected by other Tile app users’ phones that come within range of your missing Tile. This process is anonymous and automatic. If another user’s app detects your lost Tile, you’ll receive a notification of its location on a map. When you deactivate a Tile, it no longer appears in your list of Tiles within the app, and you won’t be able to ring it or track its location using your account. I’ll guide you to deactivate it.
How to deactivate a tile? (Step-by-step guide)
Tile is a popular tracker device that helps people locate their belongings using Bluetooth technology. The Tile system is designed with privacy in mind. Your Tile’s location is only visible to you, and if others detect your lost Tile with their app, they don’t know they did, ensuring anonymity. Over the years, Tile has released various models, including Tile Mate, Tile Slim, and Tile Pro, each with unique form and features, catering to different tracking needs.
Once deactivated, the Tile is essentially reset and can be paired with another account. This can be useful if you give your Tile to someone else or switch accounts. If you’ve used the Tile to track items and check their location history, deactivating the Tile will lead to losing that data, at least from your perspective. The Tile’s location history specific to your account will no longer be accessible. If you think you might need this data later, it’s a good idea to note it or consider not deactivating the Tile. If you need to deactivate or remove a Tile from your account, you can follow the steps below.
Deactivating a Tile on iPhone
Open the Tile App:
Ensure you’re signed in to your Tile account.
Find the Tile:
You’ll see a list of your Tiles on the app’s main screen. Locate the Tile you wish to deactivate.
Tap on the Tile:
This will open the Tile’s details page.
Go to Tile Details:
Tap on the gear icon or the three dots (whichever is available based on the app’s version) in the top right corner of the screen to access settings.
Deactivate the Tile:
Scroll down to find the “Replace” or “Details” option. There should be a choice to remove the Tile. Depending on your app version, this might say “Remove Tile” or “Deactivate Tile.” Tap on it.
Confirm:
You’ll be prompted to confirm your choice. Once confirmed, the Tile will be removed from your account and will no longer be trackable.
Deactivating a Tile on Android
Open the Tile App:
Make sure you’re signed in to your Tile account.
Locate the Tile:
On the main screen, you’ll see your Tiles listed. Find the one you want to deactivate.
Open Tile Details:
Tap on the Tile to open its details page.
Access Settings:
Tap the gear icon or the three dots in the upper right corner.
Deactivate the Tile:
Scroll until you can remove or deactivate the Tile and tap on it.
Confirm:
A confirmation will pop up. Once you confirm, the Tile will be removed from your account.
Important Considerations:
Once a Tile is deactivated, it is removed from your account, and it stops using its connection to your phone. If you want to use it again, you must set it up as a new Tile.
How to reset Tile without Phone?
Tile does not have an external reset button or a direct way to reset it without a smartphone with the Tile app. The Tile connects to an account on the Tile app, and most configurations are done through the app.
If you don’t have the original phone that was paired with the Tile and you need to pair the Tile with a new phone, here’s what you typically would do:
Install the Tile App on the New Phone:
- Download the Tile app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
- Sign in with the same Tile account used with the original phone. The Tile should appear in your list if it were previously added to this account.
Attempt to Connect:
The app will attempt to connect to the Tile. It should connect if you’re close to the Tile and it’s still operational.
Mark as Lost:
If you can’t connect to the Tile because it’s out of Bluetooth range or is paired with another phone, you can use the app’s “Mark as Lost” feature. This will utilize the Tile community to help locate your Tile.
Reset via the App:
If you can access the Tile app (either on the original phone or a new one) and you’re logged into the same account, you can remove the Tile from your account. This effectively “resets” the Tile and stops it from connecting to your account. You can then re-add it.
However, if you’re thinking about a full hardware reset without a phone (like you might do with some other Bluetooth devices), this isn’t an option provided by Tile. The Tile’s design prioritizes simplicity, with the app handling most complexities.
How to transfer a Tile?
Transferring ownership of a Tile to another person requires you to remove (or “deactivate”) the Tile from your account so the new owner can add it to theirs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you transfer a Tile:
- Open the Tile App on your device.
- Find the Tile you want to transfer. You’ll see a list or grid of all your Tiles on the main screen.
- Tap on the Tile to open its details page.
- Tap on the gear icon or the three dots (it may vary based on the app’s version and your device), usually located in the top right corner of the screen.
- Find the “Remove Tile” or “Deactivate Tile” option and tap on it.
You’ll likely get a prompt or warning letting you know the Tile will be removed from your account. Confirm your choice.
Ask the New Owner to Set Up the Tile:
- Once you’ve removed the Tile from your account, the new owner can set it up as if it’s a new Tile.
- They must download the Tile app, create an account (or log into an existing one), and then choose to add a new Tile. They should then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Some Considerations:
Transferring Tiles with Replaceable Batteries: If you’re transferring a Tile with a replaceable battery, ensure the battery has a decent charge. If the battery is nearing its end, consider replacing it before handing it over to the new owner.
Ensure Close Proximity: When the new owner is setting up the Tile, make sure the Tile is nearby their device to ensure a smooth pairing process.
Reset Concerns: Tiles do not have a traditional “reset” like some electronic devices. Removing them from your account effectively makes them ready for a new user.
Following these steps, you can transfer your Tile to a new owner without issues.
If your Tile tracker is making a sound, it’s likely because it’s in “find” mode, where it audibly signals its location. If you want to turn off the sound, follow these steps:
- Open the Tile App on your smartphone.
- Locate the Tile on the main screen that is making the sound.
- Tap on the Tile to open its details page.
- Tap the green “Find” button again. This should immediately stop the Tile from playing its sound.
Deactivation is more about disconnecting the Tile from your account, rendering it ready for a new user or re-pairing. If you only want to silence the Tile or stop it from ringing, there’s no need to deactivate it; you can do so directly from the app.
The traditional Tile devices are designed for one-time use, meaning once the battery dies, you can’t replace it. Instead, you’re meant to replace the entire Tile. Some newer Tile models do offer replaceable batteries. If you believe your Tile is malfunctioning or facing technical difficulties, contacting Tile’s customer support might provide additional insights or solutions.
Learn more:
How To Tell If Someone Stops Sharing Location?
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