How to connect, set up and use AirTags

AirPods are probably one of the best things to happen in technology. These are cute little devices from Apple that let you keep track of your stuff. They can easily connect to your iPhone or iPad and help you find anything that's missing through the online Find My feature. These things use ultra-broadband capabilities for more accurate tracking and connect to a crowdsourced detection system to pinpoint the location of your valuables if they go missing.

So, if you often lose your keys or often lose your wallet, just attach the AirTag and use your Apple device to check its last known location when you need it. And if your lost item is nearby, the app can actually guide you to it! So, we're here to help you figure out exactly how to set them up!

Configuring AirTag

Getting started with AirTags is very easy, even if you don't like technology. Here's how to set up AirTag step-by-step:

1. Unpack: Carefully remove the AirTag from the box. Remove the protective film wrapped around it to activate the battery inside.
2. Zoom in on iPhone: Keep the uncovered AirTag closer to your iPhone. A notification will automatically pop up on your screen, just like when you plug in your AirPods.
3. Click Connect: Follow the on-screen instructions to pair it. Name your AirTag something fun, like “Keys” or “Backpack” to personalize it. Or create your own label if you're feeling creative.
4. Link to Apple ID: This (very important) step registers the device with your Apple ID account. This ensures that you will be the only one who can see his location.
5. End the connection: Once connected to your iPhone and Apple ID, your personalized AirTag is ready to help you track things! You can view its current or last known location in the Find My app under the Items tab.

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag is a compact, coin-sized tracking device that helps locate lost items with the Find My network. It features precision tracking, customizable engravings, and a user-replaceable battery.

Once you've set up your AirTag, you can start using it to track your belongings. Here's a quick guide to the best ways to use it:

• Find things nearby: If your AirTagged item is nearby, like under the couch or in another room, open the Find My app and select AirTag from the list. Press Search and Precision Finding will guide you directly to the object with arrow indicators and show you the distance as you get closer.
• Ring of Improper Possession: If you can't see an AirTagged item but think it's hiding somewhere close by, like between the couches, you can play a sound directly from the AirTag itself to help locate it, even if it's slightly out of Bluetooth range.
• Lost mode tracking: If your prized item happens to be far away, activating Lost Mode can notify you when the AirTag connects to any Apple device's Find My network nearby so you can monitor its location while it's on the move.
• Follow the movement of luggage: AirTags are easy to attach to bags and other mobile items. So, if someone inadvertently takes your suitcase, your AirTag will automatically update you whenever it comes into Bluetooth range of an Apple user's iPhone or iPad, allowing you to constantly monitor your item's journey.

Fix common issues with AirTag

If your AirTag isn't behaving as expected, here are some quick fixes:

• AirTag not detected: Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on and that your iPhone software is updated to the latest version.
• Advanced search does not work: For the most accurate tracking, make sure you have a UWB-enabled iPhone model (iPhone 11 and newer).
• AirTag battery low: All you have to do is replace the batteries. AirTags use CR2032 batteries (the kind you usually see in watches). Battery drain isn't usually a concern because these babies last about a year. And when they run low, iPhone will send you a reminder to replace the batteries.

FAQ

Can AirTags work with Android devices?

AirTags only work with Apple products. You need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to pair AirTags with your account and use the Find My app to track their location. So Android folks unfortunately can't set up their own AirTags or use them to keep an eye on their stuff. But AirTags aren't completely incompatible with non-Apple devices. Let's say someone using an Android phone comes across a lost AirTag on the ground. They can still tap the AirTag with their phone to retrieve the owner's contact details if the owner has put the AirTag into lost mode.

Are AirTags waterproof?

AirTags are water and dust resistant with an IP67 rating, which means they can withstand being submerged in water up to one meter deep for approximately 30 minutes. So, while you might not want to go swimming with them, they can handle rain, spills, and the occasional Kool-Aid splash. It was a joke. Please don't spill cool help on tags.

Can I share my AirTag with someone else, such as a family member?

No, unfortunately AirTags cannot be actively shared between individual users or family members. AirTag is designed to be tied to a single Apple ID account for privacy and security reasons. While you could technically give someone else access to your Apple ID so they could view the location of your AirTag, that would give them access to all of your personal account information, which is… not recommended. If you plan to monitor a shared item, it makes more sense for the other person to buy their own AirTag and use it with their account.