# OpenHaystack: tracking tags that use Apple Find My

> OpenHaystack uses a reconstructed Apple Find My protocol to build personal Bluetooth tracking tags and a Mac app that queries their location reports.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: App · Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-10-22
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/seemoo-lab/openhaystack>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/seemoo-lab/openhaystack/blob/ea05dadb9e6e71075ef08afb5c2087302fbb7210/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openhaystack-find-my-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openhaystack-find-my-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/openhaystack-find-my-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- Requires macOS 11 or later, a Bluetooth device such as a BBC micro:bit, and the OpenHaystack Mail plugin to download location reports. Installation temporarily disables Gatekeeper while enabling the plugin.
- The accessory firmware broadcasts a fixed public key, allowing nearby devices to track the tag. The project is experimental and incomplete.
- License: AGPL-3.0.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/seemoo-lab/openhaystack/blob/ea05dadb9e6e71075ef08afb5c2087302fbb7210/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/seemoo-lab/openhaystack/blob/ea05dadb9e6e71075ef08afb5c2087302fbb7210/LICENSE>
3. <https://github.com/seemoo-lab/openhaystack/blob/ea05dadb9e6e71075ef08afb5c2087302fbb7210/Resources/OpenHaystack-Screenshot.png>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.