To connect an AirTag, you pair it with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 or later. This step-by-step guide covers how to connect AirTag to your device, locate items, and troubleshoot common issues.
How to connect AirTag to your iPhone or iPad: The complete setup steps
AirTag measures 1.26 inches in diameter, has a height of 0.31 inches, and weighs 0.39 ounces.
- Remove the plastic wrapping from the AirTag and pull out the tab to activate the battery. The AirTag plays a sound to confirm it is powered on.
- Hold the AirTag near your iPhone or iPad. A prompt appears on the screen.
- Tap Connect.
- If the message "More than one AirTag detected" appears, keep only one AirTag near the device at a time.
- Select a name from the list, or tap Custom Name to choose your own name and an emoji, then tap Continue.
- Tap Continue again to register the AirTag to your Apple ID, then tap Done.
Apple also documents an alternate path: open the Find My app, tap the Add button, then choose Add AirTag.
Requirements before you start
Before you can connect an AirTag, your iPhone or iPad must meet these requirements:
- iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 or later (iOS or iPadOS 26.2.1 or later is required for 2nd-generation AirTag).
- Two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID.
- Find My enabled.
- Bluetooth turned on.
- A strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
- Location Services turned on.
- For Precision Finding and the most accurate location, turn on Location Access for Find My at Settings > Privacy > Location Services, then scroll down and tap Find My.
How to locate an item with your AirTag
AirTag's maximum Bluetooth range is around 100 meters.
- Open the Find My app and tap the Items tab.
- Choose your AirTag.
- Tap Find Nearby if it is available.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and move around until your iPhone connects to the AirTag.
- When connected, your iPhone shows distance and direction.
- When the AirTag is within Bluetooth range, tap Play Sound to make it ring.
- If your iPhone says more light is required, tap Turn Flashlight On.
- Tap Done when finished.
Using Precision Finding to get exact directions
Precision Finding uses the U1 chip, Ultra Wideband technology, the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope to guide you with sound, haptics, and visual feedback. It is available on iPhone 11 models and later, excluding iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and iPhone 16e. When your iPhone connects to the AirTag, an on-screen compass shows the direction and distance to the item.
How to put your AirTag in Lost Mode
- Select the AirTag you want to mark as lost.
- Swipe the handle up and tap Enable under Lost Mode.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
When the AirTag detects it has been separated from its owner, it plays a sound. You can unpair the AirTag from your Apple ID when it's lost. When Lost Mode is enabled, you get a notification when your AirTag is detected by a device in the Find My network. If someone finds the AirTag, they can tap it with an NFC-capable smartphone and be taken to a website that shows a contact phone number if you provided one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you connect AirTag to multiple devices?
No. An AirTag can only be registered to one Apple ID. An AirTag can only be unpaired from an Apple ID by the owner. However, any device signed in to that same Apple ID can track the AirTag's location through the Find My app. Mac devices using the same Apple ID can also track an AirTag's location provided they are registered in the Find My app network.
Can you connect AirTag to Android?
No. An AirTag cannot be set up or managed with an Android device. Android users can download the Tracker Detect app from the Play Store to scan for nearby AirTags.
How do I connect my AirTag to my phone if the setup prompt doesn't appear?
Make sure your iPhone or iPad meets all requirements, especially iOS 14.5 or later and Bluetooth enabled. Remove and reinsert the AirTag battery by twisting the back cover counterclockwise until it stops, then twisting it clockwise to close. Hold the AirTag near your device again.
What are the AirTag battery life details?
An AirTag uses a standard CR2032 battery and lasts about one year under normal use. You will receive a notification on your iPhone when the battery is low, and you can replace it yourself by twisting the back cover open.
