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AirTags are versatile tracking devices that use Apple’s Find My network to help you keep track of your belongings. Before you can use an AirTag, you need to set it up. Here’s how to set up an AirTag with an iPhone or iPad.
Setting Up an AirTag on Your iPhone or iPad
Setting up an AirTag is straightforward. However, as of the time of writing, you can only set up an AirTag on your iPhone or iPad; Apple doesn’t allow you to set up an AirTag on a Mac.
Start by taking your AirTag out of the packaging and removing the protective plastic. When the final piece of plastic is removed, the AirTag will play a short chime.
If you’re using an old AirTag, perhaps a used one you bought yourself or that someone handed down to you, you won’t hear the chime. In this case, ensure the AirTag isn’t paired with the original owner’s device before you proceed.
Next, place the AirTag within several inches of your unlocked iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, or higher, with Bluetooth turned on. Your iPhone or iPad should automatically detect the AirTag. When the pop-up message appears on your device, tap the “Connect” button.
If the on-screen dialog doesn’t appear after several seconds, lock your iPhone or iPad, unlock it again, and try again. You can also open the Find My app, then tap the “+” plus icon on the “Items” tab and select “Add AirTag.”
Next, you’ll now be prompted to name your AirTag. You can assign the AirTag a name based on what you plan to track with the accessory.
If you don’t like one of the default names, you can choose the “Custom Name” option and type your preferred name. You can change this at a later point.
Once you’ve named your AirTag, tap the “Continue” button to proceed.
A pop-up card will now appear on your screen, showing the email address and phone number associated with your Apple ID. These will be tied to your AirTag if it gets lost and someone tries to identify its owner (but your credentials won’t be exposed).
Tap “Agree” and give it a minute or two to finish registering the AirTag with your Apple ID.
Once the AirTag is paired, you’ll see a message on the screen, briefly explaining several ways to find it if it goes missing. Tap “Done” to complete the setup process.
Using the Paired AirTag on an iPhone or iPad
With your AirTag setup, you can attach it to any device you want to track. Then, when you want to track it, you can do so using the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. The best part is, unlike pairing, you can track your AirTag on your Mac.
Open the Find My app on your Apple device and head to the “Items” tab. You should see your paired AirTag here.
Tap it, and it’ll open an overlay card on the screen with a bunch of options. From here, you can perform several actions. You can play sound on the AirTag to easily find it, get directions to its current or last known location, or share the AirTag with someone. The Find My network puts Apple’s network of devices to work in order to locate objects in a private and secure way.
You can also set up notifications for when you leave the AirTag behind and activate Lost Mode when you lose the AirTag. Last but not least, you can rename the AirTag or remove it from your account if you don’t want to use it anymore or give it to someone.
With your AirTag paired and set up, tracking things like your backpack, luggage, and wallet is easier than ever. But that’s not all; there are several creative ways to use Apple AirTags. Plus, you can use AirTags as an NFC trigger for a host of automation you’ve set up in the Shortcuts app on your Apple devices.
Your AirTags will lose charge as you use them over time. Knowing how long AirTags usually last and what to do when they run out of charge can come in handy in such a situation.
