Step-By-Step Guide: How To Use AirTags

Quick Links

• Setting Up Your AirTag

• Using AirTags: Finding Lost Items Made Easy

• FAQs

AirPods are probably one of the best things to happen to the tech field. They're these small, cute devices by Apple that let you keep a tab on your things. They can easily pair up with your iPhone or iPad and help you locate anything missing through the Find My network feature. These things leverage ultra-wideband capabilities for more precise tracking, and tap into a crowdsourced detection system to pinpoint the whereabouts of your valuables should they go missing.

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

Setting Up Your AirTag

Getting started with AirTags is super easy, even if tech isn’t your thing. Here’s how to set up your AirTag step-by-step:

1. Remove From Packaging: Carefully take the AirTag out of its box. Peel off the protective film wrapped around it to activate the battery inside.
2. Bring Near iPhone: Hold the now uncovered AirTag close to your iPhone. A notification will automatically pop up on your screen, similar to when you connect AirPods.
3. Tap Connect: Follow the on-screen instructions to pair it. Name your AirTag something fun like "Keys" or "Backpack" to personalize it. Or create a custom label if you're feeling creative.
4. Link To Apple ID: This (very important) step registers the device to your Apple ID account. Doing this makes sure you'll be the only one able to view its location.
5. Finish Pairing: Once connected to your iPhone and Apple ID, your personalized AirTag is ready to help track items! You can view its current or last known location in the Find My app under the Items tab.

Apple AirTag

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

Pro Tip: You can have up to 16 AirTags connected to your Apple ID, so feel free to tag everything from your car keys to your dog’s collar.

Using AirTags: Finding Lost Items Made Easy

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

• Locate Nearby Belongings: If your AirTagged item is somewhere close by like under the couch or in another room, open the Find My app and choose the AirTag from the list. Tap "Locate" and Precision Finding will directly guide you to the item using arrow indicators and show you the distance as you get closer.
• Ring A Misplaced Possession: If you can't see the AirTagged belonging but think it's hiding somewhere very nearby like between couch seats, you can play a sound directly from the AirTag itself to help pinpoint its location even when slightly out of Bluetooth range.
• Lost Mode Tracking: If your prized item accidentally gets left behind farther away, activating Lost Mode can notify you when the AirTag connects to any nearby Apple device's Find My network so you can monitor its location as it moves.
• Follow Moving Luggage: AirTags conveniently attach to bags and other mobile stuff. So, if someone inadvertently takes your suitcase, your AirTag will automatically update you whenever it comes into the Bluetooth range of an Apple user's iPhone or iPad, allowing you to keep continual tabs on your item's journey.

Troubleshooting Common AirTag Issues

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 is updated to the latest software.
• Precision Finding Not Working: Make sure you have an iPhone model with UWB support (iPhone 11 and newer) for the most accurate tracking.
• AirTag Battery Low: All you need to do is replace the batteries. AirTags use CR2032 batteries (the kind you typically see in watches). Battery depletion usually won't be a concern because these babies last about a year. And when they do run low, iPhone will send you a reminder to replace the batteries.

Did you know that if there's an unknown AirTag just creeping around nearby, your phone will send you an alert letting you know about it? This way, you can try to find the Tag through the Find My app and make it play a sound, so you can locate it. Then you can check out the serial number on the back to get more details.

FAQs

Can AirTags work with Android devices?

AirTags only work with Apple products. You need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to pair AirTags to your account and use the Find My app to view their location. So, people on Android unfortunately can't set up their own AirTags or use them to keep tabs on their stuff. But the AirTags aren't totally incompatible with non-Apple devices. Say someone who uses an Android phone comes across a lost AirTag on the ground. They can still tap their phone on the AirTag to pull up contact details for the owner, if the owner has put the AirTag in Lost Mode.

Are AirTags waterproof?

AirTags are water and dust resistant, rated at IP67, which means they can withstand being submerged in up to one meter of water for about 30 minutes. So, while you wouldn’t want to go swimming with them, they can handle rain, spills, and the occasional splash of Kool-Aid. That was a joke. Please don't spill cool aid on the tags.

Can I share an AirTag with someone else, like a family member?

No, unfortunately, AirTags cannot be actively shared between separate users or family members. An AirTag is designed to be linked to a single Apple ID account for privacy and security reasons. While you could technically provide someone else with access to your Apple ID so they could view the location of your AirTag, this would give them access to all your personal account info, which... is not advised. It makes more sense for the other person to just buy an AirTag of their own and use it with their account if you're planning to keep tabs on a shared item.

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