What you need before you start
An AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple that helps you find lost items like keys, wallets, or bags. To connect one to your phone, you need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.3 or later (or iPadOS 14.3 or later), a working Bluetooth connection, and an Apple ID that you use on that device.
The AirTag itself comes in a sealed package with a battery already installed inside. You do not need to buy a separate battery before you start — it is ready to go. The whole setup process takes about two minutes.
If you do not have an Apple ID yet, you will need to create one before connecting an AirTag. You can do this in Settings on your phone under your name at the top of the screen.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the plus icon, and select "Add AirTag" to start the pairing process.
- Hold your AirTag near your phone and wait for the connection prompt to appear on your screen, then tap "Connect."
- Give your AirTag a name that describes what you are tracking, like "House Keys" or "Backpack," so you can find it easily later.
- Once connected, your AirTag will show up in the Find My app and you can see its location on a map whenever you need it.
Step-by-step connection on iPhone or iPad
Start by unlocking your phone and opening the Find My app. This app comes built into every iPhone and iPad — you do not need to download it. If you cannot find it on your home screen, swipe down and search for "Find My" in the search bar.
Once the Find My app is open, look at the bottom of the screen. You will see four tabs: Items, People, Devices, and Me. Tap the Items tab (it looks like a small box or tag icon). Then tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner of the screen.
A menu will appear with options. Select "Add AirTag" from this menu. Your phone will now start looking for an AirTag nearby using Bluetooth.
Hold your AirTag close to your phone — within a few inches. Within a few seconds, you should see a prompt on your screen showing the AirTag's unique identifier number. Tap "Connect" when this appears. Your phone will now pair with the AirTag.
Naming your AirTag so you can find it later
After the connection is complete, your phone will ask you to name the AirTag. This is an important step because the name is how you will identify it in the Find My app later. Choose a name that clearly describes what the AirTag is attached to.
Common names include "House Keys," "Backpack," "Wallet," "Car Keys," or "Luggage." You can also use a location name like "Front Door Keys" if you have multiple sets. Avoid vague names like "AirTag 1" because you will not remember what it tracks when you need to find something.
After you type the name, tap "Continue" or "Done" (the button name varies depending on your iOS version). Your AirTag is now fully connected and ready to use.
What to do if your AirTag does not connect
If the connection prompt does not appear after holding the AirTag near your phone for 10 seconds, first check that Bluetooth is turned on. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and make sure the toggle is switched to the on position (it should be green).
If Bluetooth is already on, try restarting your phone. Hold down the power button, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. After the restart, open Find My again and repeat the connection steps.
If you still cannot connect, remove the plastic pull-tab from the AirTag if you have not already done so. This tab prevents the battery from activating during shipping. Once removed, the AirTag will start broadcasting and your phone should detect it within seconds.
If none of these steps work, your AirTag may be defective. You can contact Apple Support through the Apple Support app or website to discuss a replacement.
How to find your AirTag after it is connected
Once your AirTag is connected, open the Find My app and tap the Items tab. You will see your AirTag listed by the name you gave it. Tap on it to see its location on a map.
If your AirTag is nearby and you want to locate it physically, tap "Find" or the speaker icon. Your AirTag will play a sound so you can follow the noise to find it. The sound gets louder as you get closer.
If your AirTag is far away or lost, you can mark it as "Lost Mode" in the Find My app. When you do this, anyone with an iPhone who comes near your AirTag can see a message with your phone number, and the location will update whenever another Apple device detects it.
Managing your AirTag settings after connection
After your AirTag is connected, you can change its name or other settings by opening Find My, tapping Items, selecting your AirTag, and tapping the information icon (the "i" in a circle). From here you can change the name, enable or disable notifications, or remove the AirTag entirely.
You can also attach your AirTag to a physical holder or keychain. Apple sells official leather and silicone holders, but many third-party options are available online. The AirTag itself is small and round, about the size of a large coin, so it needs a holder to attach to most items.
Your AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use. When the battery is low, you will see a notification in the Find My app. To replace it, gently twist the stainless steel back of the AirTag counterclockwise until it pops off, remove the old battery, and insert a new CR2032 battery (the same type used in many watches and calculators).
Privacy and what AirTag tracking means
When you connect an AirTag to your phone, only you can see its location in the Find My app. Apple does not track your AirTag, and the location data is encrypted so that even Apple cannot see where your items are.
If someone else's AirTag is traveling with you without their knowledge, your iPhone will eventually alert you that an unknown AirTag is nearby. This is a safety feature to prevent people from using AirTags to track others without consent. If you see this alert, you can tap it to see more information about the AirTag and options to disable it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect one AirTag to multiple phones?
No. An AirTag can only be connected to one Apple ID at a time. If you want to share tracking with family members, you can add them to a shared iCloud family group, and they will be able to see the AirTag's location in their own Find My app.
What if I lose my phone after connecting an AirTag?
Your AirTag will continue to work and broadcast its location. Anyone with an iPhone can detect it and see your contact information if you have enabled Lost Mode. You can also sign into Find My on another Apple device or at iCloud.com to locate both your phone and your AirTag.
Do I need cellular or Wi-Fi for an AirTag to work?
No. An AirTag uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone, not cellular or Wi-Fi. However, to see your AirTag's location on a map in the Find My app, your phone needs internet access. If your AirTag is far away, it relies on other Apple devices nearby to relay its location back to you.
Can I use an AirTag with an Android phone?
AirTags are designed for Apple devices only and cannot be connected to Android phones. However, if an AirTag is in Lost Mode, Android users can tap an NFC tag on the back of the AirTag with their phone to see the owner's contact information.