How to set up an AirTag

💡 Fast fix

• Pull the tab. Activating your AirTag is as easy as removing the plastic.
• Tap to pair. Bring it close to your iPhone and follow the on-screen prompt.
• Enable Find My. Precision Finding requires Location Services and UWB chip.
• Share if needed. Easily let others track shared items like keys or strollers.

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Tired of scrambling to find your keys before heading out the door? AirTags® are small tracking devices from Apple that attach to your key ring, wallet, or bag (or really anything) and help you keep track of them using Bluetooth. They’re simple to set up and even easier to use. Here’s how to set up an AirTag, step by step.

When you need tips on your tech, you can trust Asurion. Our experts have seen it all and can walk you through setting up or troubleshooting your devices, from smartphones to computers and everything in between.  

Pairing your AirTag with your iPhone

Start by removing your new AirTag from its packaging. Remove the plastic tab from the battery to activate it. When you pull the tab, you should hear a noise.

The first step in setting up your Apple AirTag is choosing a device to connect it to. Keep in mind AirTag device compatibility—you can’t use an Android device to track AirTags since AirTags are exclusively designed for Apple’s Find My® network. However, Android users can still see if they’re being tracked by an AirTag.

Follow these steps to set up an AirTag on your iPhone:

• Bring the AirTag close to your unlocked iPhone®, and make sure your iPhone’s Bluetooth is on.
• A setup animation should appear on your iPhone screen. Tap Connect.
• Select a category to name your AirTag, such as Keys, Handbag, or Wallet. You can also create a custom label.
• Tap Continue, then Done. Your AirTag is now paired and connected to your Apple ID.
• Open the Find My app and go to the Items tab to locate your AirTag.

Enabling AirTag tracking features

If you have an iPhone 11 or newer, you can use Precision Finding to pinpoint the exact location of your AirTag.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
• Make sure Location Services is on
• Go to Find My and toggle on Precise Location

To use Precision Finding:

1. Open the Find My app
2. Tap the item attached to your AirTag
3. Select Find Nearby

Your screen will direct you toward your item as you move around and vibrate as you get closer. Note: You’ll need an iPhone with an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip.

You can also share the AirTag’s location with another iPhone user—ideal for shared items like luggage or strollers.

If your AirTag isn’t connecting, try these tips:

• Reset the AirTag by taking off the back cover and replacing the battery five times
• Restart your iPhone
• Check for updates on both devices
• Make sure Bluetooth and Location Services are enabled

Setting notifications and alerts

One handy feature of AirTags is the ability to set up alerts if you leave one behind.

1. Open the Find My app
2. Under Items, select your AirTag
3. Tap Notify When Left Behind under Notifications and then tap Done

Note: Others you share the AirTag with won’t receive these alerts. You can also tap Play Sound in the Find My app to help locate a nearby AirTag.

Sharing access and managing your AirTag

You can digitally share the AirTag with another iPhone user:

• In the Find My app, go to Items and select your AirTag
• Tap Add Person under Share This AirTag
• Enter the contact's info and tap Share

They can choose to accept or decline. This is great for families sharing tracking of keys or kids’ backpacks.

You can’t view location history for AirTags—it only shows the current location. To remove an AirTag (e.g., if switching bags), open the Find My app, select the item, and tap Remove Item.

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FAQ

How far can an AirTag track?

AirTags don’t have GPS. They rely on Apple’s Find My network, so range can vary. If another Apple device is nearby, it can update your AirTag’s location—even from miles away.

Can AirTags work without Wi-Fi or cellular?

Yes. AirTags use Bluetooth and the Find My network, not a direct internet connection. However, your iPhone will need data or Wi-Fi to update the location in real time.

Can I use an AirTag with Android?

Not for setup or tracking. But Android users can detect unknown AirTags near them using Apple’s Tracker Detect app for Android.

Do AirTags have a monthly fee?

Nope. There’s no subscription required to use AirTags, though you do need an Apple ID and compatible iPhone.

How long does an AirTag battery last?

About a year. AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin battery, which you can replace yourself.