What you need before you start
An AirTag is a small tracking device from Apple that uses your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to locate lost items. Before you open the box, make sure you have an iPhone 11 or newer, iPad Pro (2nd generation or newer), or a Mac with an M1 chip or later. Your device needs to run iOS 14.3 or higher, iPadOS 14.3 or higher, or macOS 11.3 or higher.
You will also need an Apple ID — the same account you use for the App Store and iCloud. If you do not have one, you can create it on your device before starting. The AirTag itself comes with a replaceable CR2032 battery already installed, so you do not need to buy batteries upfront, though you will eventually replace it.
Have your device unlocked and nearby when you unbox the AirTag. The pairing process happens wirelessly and takes less than a minute once you start.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags pair to your Apple ID through your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using NFC (near-field communication) — you hold the AirTag near your device and follow the on-screen prompts.
- The pairing process adds the AirTag to your iCloud account so it shows up in the Find My app on all your devices.
- You can name each AirTag to match what you are tracking — "Keys", "Wallet", "Luggage" — so you know which one to find.
- After pairing, the AirTag works when ready; no additional setup or apps are needed beyond what came with your device.
- The battery lasts about one year of normal use and you replace it yourself by twisting the back cover off.
Pairing an AirTag to your iPhone or iPad
Unlock your iPhone or iPad and open the Find My app. Tap the tab labeled "Items" at the bottom of the screen. If you do not see the Find My app, swipe to your App Library (the rightmost home screen page) and search for it there.
Tap the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner of the Items tab. Your device will ask you to hold the AirTag near your iPhone or iPad. Remove the plastic pull-tab from the back of the AirTag if you have not already — this activates the battery. Hold the AirTag within a few inches of your device's camera. Your phone or tablet will recognize it automatically and display a setup screen.
Tap "Connect" when the pairing screen appears. Your device will assign the AirTag a name — usually "AirTag" followed by a number. You can change this name to something more useful like "Keys" or "Backpack" by tapping the name field and typing a new one. Tap "Continue" to finish.
The AirTag is now paired to your Apple ID and will appear in the Find My app on every device signed into that account. You can start using it when ready.
Pairing an AirTag to a Mac
On a Mac, open the Find My app from your Applications folder or by searching with Spotlight (press Command + Space, type "Find My", then press Enter). Click the "Items" tab at the top of the window.
Click the plus sign (+) button in the upper left. A dialog will appear asking you to hold the AirTag near your Mac. Remove the plastic pull-tab from the back of the AirTag and hold it a few inches from your Mac's camera. The Mac will detect it and show a pairing screen.
Click "Connect" to begin pairing. You will be prompted to name the AirTag — enter something descriptive like "Luggage" or "Wallet". Click "Continue" to complete the setup. The AirTag now belongs to your Apple ID and syncs across all your devices.
Naming and organizing your AirTags
Each AirTag you own should have a distinct name so you know which item to search for when you open Find My. The name appears in the Items list and in notifications, so choose something you will recognize when ready.
To rename an AirTag after pairing, open Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap or click the AirTag you want to rename. Tap or click "Edit Name" and type a new name. You can use emoji to make tags easier to spot — a key emoji for keys, a suitcase emoji for luggage, or a wallet emoji for your wallet. Tap or click "Done" to save.
If you have multiple AirTags, consider assigning them to different people in your household. Open Find My, tap or click an AirTag, scroll down, and tap or click "Add to Someone's Account". You can share an AirTag with a family member so they can see its location in their own Find My app.
Attaching your AirTag to an item
AirTags are small enough to fit in a pocket, but most people attach them to items using an accessory. Apple sells official leather key rings and luggage tags, but third-party options are widely available — silicone cases, key chains, adhesive mounts, and card-sized holders all work with AirTag.
Choose an attachment that fits your item. For keys, a key ring holder keeps the AirTag from getting lost separately. For a wallet, a thin card holder slides into a pocket. For luggage, a luggage tag or adhesive mount on the outside makes it visible to airport staff if your bag is misplaced.
Once attached, place the AirTag in a location where it will stay find during normal use. The tracking works best when the AirTag is not buried deep in a bag or wrapped in metal, which can interfere with the signal.
How to find your AirTag when it goes missing
Open the Find My app and tap or click the Items tab. Select the AirTag you want to locate. If the item is nearby — within Bluetooth range of your device, usually 30 to 100 feet depending on obstacles — you will see its location on a map and can tap "Find" to play a sound from the AirTag itself.
If the AirTag is far away, Find My uses the location data from other Apple devices in the network to pinpoint it. This works even if your own device is not near the AirTag. You will see the last known location on the map, and you can set up a notification so Find My alerts you when the AirTag comes back into range.
If someone else's AirTag is following you without your knowledge, your iPhone will notify you after a few hours. You can tap the notification to see the AirTag's location and play a sound to find it.
Replacing the battery
An AirTag battery lasts roughly one year with typical use. When the battery is low, the Find My app will send you a notification. You do not need to replace it when ready — the AirTag will continue working for a while after the warning appears.
To replace the battery, hold the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing you. Press down gently on the back cover and twist it counterclockwise until it comes off. Remove the old CR2032 battery and insert a new one with the positive side facing up. Replace the cover by aligning it and twisting clockwise until it clicks.
CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, electronics retailers, and online. You do not need to re-pair the AirTag after changing the battery — it will continue working with your Apple ID as before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an AirTag if I do not have an iPhone?
You need an Apple device to set up an AirTag — an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Android phones cannot pair with AirTags or access the Find My app. However, if someone with an iPhone finds your lost AirTag, they can tap it with their phone to see your contact information.
What happens if I lose an AirTag?
If your AirTag goes missing, you can use Find My to locate it the same way you would locate any other item. If it is truly gone, you can remove it from your account in the Find My app by tapping the AirTag and selecting "Remove Item". You can then pair a new AirTag to your account.
Can I track someone without their knowledge?
AirTags are designed to prevent unwanted tracking. If an AirTag that does not belong to you is traveling with you, your iPhone will notify you after a few hours and show you its location. You can then play a sound to find it or disable it.
Do I need a cellular plan for AirTags to work?
No. AirTags use Bluetooth and the Find My network, which relies on other Apple devices nearby. They do not require a separate cellular plan or subscription. Your device needs internet to sync location data to iCloud, but that uses your existing Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Can I use one AirTag on multiple items?
No. Each AirTag pairs to one item at a time. If you want to track multiple items, you need multiple AirTags. You can buy them individually or in packs of four.