The basic process: what happens when you connect
Connecting an AirTag to your iPhone means pairing it so your phone can track the AirTag's location and send alerts if it gets separated from you. The AirTag itself is a small disc that uses Bluetooth to stay in contact with your iPhone, and also uses a network of other Apple devices nearby to help locate it if it goes missing. When you connect one, your iPhone becomes the device that controls it.
The connection process takes about two minutes and happens the moment you bring a new AirTag close to an unlocked iPhone. Your phone detects it automatically and walks you through naming it and choosing what to track — your keys, a bag, a pet collar, or something else. Once connected, the AirTag stays paired to that iPhone unless you deliberately unpair it.
Key Takeaways
- A new AirTag pairs automatically when you hold it near an unlocked iPhone running iOS 14.3 or later, with no manual steps required.
- You will be asked to name the AirTag and choose a category (Keys, Bag, AirPods, or Other) so you can identify it in the Find My app.
- The AirTag uses Bluetooth to connect to your iPhone directly, and also connects to Apple's Find My network so you can locate it even if it is far away.
- One AirTag can only be paired to one iPhone at a time, though you can transfer it to a different phone by unpairing it first.
What you need before you start
You need an iPhone running iOS 14.3 or later — that includes iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and newer models. If you have an older iPhone, check your iOS version by opening Settings, tapping General, then About. Look for the number next to "Software Version".
You also need a new AirTag still in its original packaging, or one that has been unpaired from another iPhone. If someone else's AirTag is already paired to their phone, you cannot pair it to yours without them unpairing it first. The AirTag comes with a small battery already inside, so there is nothing to install before you begin.
The step-by-step pairing process
Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and have the AirTag nearby. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and Bluetooth is turned on. You can check Bluetooth by swiping down from the top right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center — the Bluetooth icon should be lit up in blue.
Step 2: Remove the AirTag from its packaging and hold it near your iPhone. Take the AirTag out of the box and peel away the plastic tab that covers the battery. Hold the AirTag within a few inches of your iPhone. Within a few seconds, a pairing screen will appear on your phone showing an animation of the AirTag.
Step 3: Tap "Connect" on the screen that appears. Your iPhone will display a popup asking you to connect to the AirTag. Tap the blue "Connect" button. Your phone will now pair with the AirTag — this takes about 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 4: Name your AirTag and choose a category. After pairing completes, you will see a screen asking what you want to track. Choose from Keys, Bag, AirPods, or Other. Then give it a specific name — for example, "House Keys" or "Work Bag". This name appears in the Find My app so you can tell your AirTags apart.
Step 5: Tap "Done" to finish. Once you have named it, tap Done. Your AirTag is now connected and will appear in the Find My app under the Items tab.
Where to find your AirTag after it is connected
Open the Find My app on your iPhone — it is usually on the home screen or in the Utilities folder. Tap the Items tab at the bottom of the screen. Your new AirTag will appear in the list with the name you gave it. Tap on it to see its location on a map, or tap "Find" to play a sound that helps you locate it if it is nearby.
If your AirTag is far away or out of Bluetooth range, the map will show its last known location. The Find My network — made up of hundreds of millions of Apple devices — helps locate it even if you cannot reach it with your own phone. You will see "Last seen" with a time and location, and you can set up a notification so your phone alerts you when the AirTag comes back into range.
What to do if pairing does not work
If the pairing screen does not appear, first check that your iPhone is unlocked and Bluetooth is on. Then try moving the AirTag a few inches closer to your phone. If it still does not work, restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on, then try again with the AirTag.
If you see a message saying the AirTag is already connected to another account, that AirTag is paired to someone else's iPhone. The other person must open Find My, tap Items, select that AirTag, scroll down, and tap "Remove Item" before you can pair it to your phone. If you do not know who owns it, you can hold it near your iPhone and tap "Learn Whose AirTag This Is" to send a message to the owner.
Transferring an AirTag to a different iPhone
If you get a new iPhone and want to move your AirTag to it, you do not need to do anything — the AirTag will automatically transfer during the setup process when you restore your data to the new phone. Your AirTags will appear in Find My on the new iPhone with all their names and settings intact.
If you want to move an AirTag to someone else's iPhone, open Find My on your current phone, tap Items, select the AirTag, scroll down, and tap "Remove Item". Confirm by tapping "Remove". Then have the other person hold the AirTag near their unlocked iPhone and follow the pairing steps above. The AirTag will now be paired to their phone instead of yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect one AirTag to multiple iPhones?
No. One AirTag can only be paired to one iPhone at a time. If you want to share tracking with family members, each person needs their own AirTag, or you can use Family Sharing in Find My so family members can see where your AirTag is without owning it.
What if my iPhone is too old to connect an AirTag?
AirTag requires iOS 14.3 or later. If your iPhone cannot update to that version, you cannot use an AirTag with it. Check your phone's model and maximum iOS version — iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and newer can all update to the required version.
Do I need Wi-Fi to connect an AirTag?
No. AirTag uses Bluetooth to pair with your iPhone, so Wi-Fi is not required for the initial connection. However, your iPhone does need an internet connection to use Find My and see the AirTag's location on a map.
How long does the AirTag battery last?
The battery inside an AirTag lasts about one year of normal use. When it gets low, your iPhone will send you a notification. You can replace it yourself with a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which costs a few dollars at any pharmacy or electronics store.
What happens if I lose the AirTag itself?
That is what the AirTag is for — you can open Find My and see its last known location on a map. If it is nearby, tap Find to play a sound. If it is far away, the Find My network will help locate it. You can also mark it as Lost in the Find My app, and anyone who finds it can tap it with their iPhone to see your contact information.