I never lose my wireless gadgets thanks to this $25 sticky tracker

I previously wrote about using apps to overcome my procrastination, but what I didn’t mention is that I also struggle with forgetfulness. If something isn’t where I usually put it, it might be because my partner moved it—but more often than not, it’s because I absentmindedly put it down, got distracted, and forgot where I left it.

If I misplace something, it’s almost guaranteed that I won’t be able to find it again. That’s bad news for my precious devices! Especially my Jabra Elite 8 Active wireless earbuds, which sit in a tiny case that I could lose one day. I hope I don’t, given how expensive they are…

So, what do I do? I use this sticky Bluetooth tracker. There are many like it, but this one is mine—and this one I recommend.

Jon Martindale / Foundry

The core function of a Tile Bluetooth tracker is that if you can’t find the thing it’s attached to—whether it’s your keys, laptop, or a small earbuds case—it’ll help you find it. All you have to do is pull up the Tile companion app, hit the “Find” button, and the Tile tracker will emit a little chiptune ditty reminiscent of keygen music. So when my earbuds go missing, I look around for a minute or so… and if I still can’t find it, I pull out my phone and I’m able to find it within seconds.

But what’s special about this one is that it uses adhesive, unlike the other Tile models that you’re probably familiar with. You know, the ones that have keyring loops. Those are just as effective for tracking, but I prefer this one because I can use it with all sorts of stuff—anything that doesn’t have a hook, loop, or strap. Like my earbuds case.

Where to get it

Tile Sticker

I was using the older model of Tile’s adhesive Bluetooth tracker for a few years, but the built-in battery recently kicked the bucket, so I ordered the newest model as a replacement. It’s just as good. Maybe even slightly better, judging by the specs. But truth be told, I don’t care for the fancy features that came from Tile’s merger with Life360.

Tile insists that you turn location tracking on all the time, regardless of whether the app is open. The idea is that it’ll warn you when you’re too far from your Tile, or if you accidentally leave the attached device at home. You can also use it to find your Tile if you misplace it somewhere. But I’m not interested in any of that, or the invasive family tracking, the SOS capabilities, or “making a circle” with my friends.

Jon Martindale / Foundry

So, sure, I have to put up with annoying permission request pop-ups whenever I use the app. But realistically, I only need it once every week or so. I can make do with that. What I can’t make do without is my wireless earbuds—and thanks to my sticky Tile tracker, I’ll never lose them again.