FAQ

How Pingable works, what finders see, and what you get with a tag.

How it works

Do I need an app?

No. You set your tag up once in your phone's browser. No app required.

Does the person who finds my things need an app?

No. They scan the code with any phone camera and reach you straight away — nothing to download, nothing to sign up for.

What actually happens when someone finds my bag?

They scan the QR code, the contact options you decided (anonymous chat, WhatsApp etc) are displayed to them, they tap on one, and they can tell you they've found it — right there, from wherever they are.

What if there's no signal where it's found?

The scan needs a moment of internet, like opening any web page — but that's all. No special app, no pairing. Most places a bag actually turns up (an airport, a café, the back of a taxi) have it covered.

What if someone finds it but can't be bothered?

No tag can make a stranger kind. However research says the vast majority of people want to return it, but sometimes don't as there are too many obstacles in the way. Pingable makes that friction easy. What it can do is remove every excuse not to help: no jotting down a number, no worrying they'll be pestered afterwards, nothing of their own to give up.

Your privacy and safety

Will they see my phone number, name, or address?

Not unless you decide to share one. By default you stay anonymous and can still message back and forth to arrange getting your item back. If you choose to activate other message apps, they share as you do — it's mutual, and it's your call.

Isn't putting my address on a luggage tag a security risk?

That's exactly the risk this removes. A traditional tag broadcasts your home address to everyone who walks past it. A Pingable tag shows nothing but a code — your details stay with you.

Can someone scan it to track me or find out who I am?

No. Scanning the code opens a message to you. It doesn't reveal your location, your identity, or anything you haven't chosen to share.

Where is my data stored? Is it GDPR-compliant?

Pingable (Greece) is the data controller. If you sign in we store your email, and — if you use Google — your name and profile photo. We also store the contact options and messages you choose to add. People who scan your tag do not need an account. The database is in the EU (Frankfurt). You can view, export, or delete your details at any time in Settings. Full detail is in our Privacy Policy.

The tag itself

Will the code wear off or stop scanning?

No. The QR code on our tags is laser-engraved into metal, not printed on top — it won't smudge, peel, or fade.

Will it survive travel — knocks, rain, sun?

Yes. Metal made to take airport handling, weather, and years of everyday carry.

What's it made of, and how big is it?

Aluminium, credit-card sized.

How does it attach?

A strong stainless steel cable is included. It has an outer coating and a threaded barrel screw connector. It's made to last.

Setting it up and living with it

I bought it here — how do I set it up?

Your tag arrives ready to activate. Scan the QR code, register it against your email, optionally select your additional contact methods and you are good to go. A few minutes to set up, once.

Can I change my contact details later?

Yes — any time, from pingable.me. The tag never needs replacing or re-printing.

What if I lose my login?

You sign in with Google or a one-time link sent to your email. Nothing to memorise, nothing to lose.

Can I move the tag to something else if I sell the item?

Yes. Re-point it to whatever you're carrying now.

What can I put it on?

Luggage, keys, backpacks, cameras, laptop bags, pet collars — anything you'd rather have find its way back to you.

How many do I need?

One per thing you'd hate to lose. Discounted multi-pack options are available.

Cost and what you get

Is there a subscription or ongoing fee?

No. You buy the tag once. The service behind it stays free — no locked features, no "upgrade to see who found your bag," no paywall on the day you actually need it.

Do I have to pay to get my own item back?

No — there are no extra charges from Pingable for core functionality. You may agree to something separate between yourself and the finder when the day comes, e.g. pay for postage of getting your keys back.

Why not just use an AirTag or Tile?

Different jobs. A tracker tells you roughly where something is — if it's charged, in range, and on the right phone. A Pingable tag lets whoever found it reach you — from anywhere, with no battery and no app, and without either of you giving up your privacy. Plenty of people carry both. For a deeper comparison see our blog post.

There are cheaper QR tags online — what's different about yours?

Durability, mutual anonymity, no app, no subscription.

If Pingable ever changes

What happens if the company shuts down — does my tag become useless?

The company is set up and registered to last (for example a 10-year renewing domain name commitment). Should the company run into unforeseen trouble we have defined a process to transition into a low-cost maintenance mode, which ensures the base service keeps operating for your product.

Shipping and returns

Where do you ship from, and how long does it take?

Tags ship from Greece. Delivery times, regions, and costs are shown at checkout before you pay.

What's your returns policy?

If you are an EU consumer you can cancel within 14 days of receiving the goods, no reason needed. For a change of mind you cover return postage; if the item is faulty, damaged, or incorrect we cover return shipping. Refunds go to your original payment method within 14 days of us receiving the item back (or proof of postage). Full detail is in our Returns & Refunds Policy. Questions: returns@pingable.me.