What an AirTag does and why you'd connect one

An AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple that attaches to your keys, wallet, or bag. When you connect it to your phone, you can see where it is on a map, make it play a sound to help you find it, or get a notification if you leave it behind. The connection happens through your phone's Bluetooth radio — the same wireless technology that connects your headphones or car stereo.

You only need to set it up once. After that, your phone and the AirTag stay connected as long as they're within Bluetooth range (roughly 30 feet indoors, farther in open space). If your AirTag goes out of range, Apple's network of other iPhones and iPads can still help locate it, even if you're not nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone 11 or newer, an iPad with iPadOS 14.3 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer to set up an AirTag.
  • The setup takes about two minutes: hold the AirTag near your phone, tap the notification that appears, and name it.
  • Your AirTag connects through Bluetooth, which must be turned on in your phone's settings.
  • You can see your AirTag's location in the Find My app, which is built into every Apple device.

What you need before you start

Check that your device is compatible. AirTags work with iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later, iPads running iPadOS 14.5 or later, or Apple Watches running watchOS 7.4 or later. If you have an older device, you won't be able to set one up.

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and check that the toggle is green. You'll also need to be signed into your Apple ID — the account you use for the App Store and iCloud. If you don't have one, you can create it for free at iCloud.com.

The step-by-step setup process

Hold the AirTag close to your phone — within a few inches. Your phone should recognize it automatically and show a notification on your screen. Tap the notification that says something like "Set up AirTag?" or "New AirTag Detected."

Follow the prompts on your screen. You'll see a camera view that scans the AirTag's setup code (a small pattern on the back). If your phone doesn't scan it automatically, you can tap "Enter Setup Code Manually" and type the eight-character code printed on the AirTag itself. Then tap "Continue."

Name your AirTag. The app will suggest names based on what you attach it to — "Keys," "Wallet," "Bag" — but you can type anything you want. Choose something you'll recognize in a list. Tap "Continue" again, and the setup is done.

Finding your AirTag after it's connected

Open the Find My app (it comes built into your phone — look for a green icon with a radar symbol). Tap the "Items" tab at the bottom. You'll see your AirTag listed with its name and a map showing where it is right now.

If your AirTag is nearby and you can't find it physically, tap its name and then tap "Play Sound." The AirTag will beep loudly for about 30 seconds. If it's farther away or out of Bluetooth range, tap "Notify When Found" instead. Your phone will send you a notification the next time another Apple device detects it.

What happens if your AirTag goes out of range

Bluetooth only works when your AirTag is within about 30 feet of your phone. If it's farther away, your phone can't talk to it directly. But Apple has built a workaround: when your AirTag is out of range, other iPhones and iPads nearby can detect it and send its location back to you, without the other person knowing.

This network is called Find My network, and it's on by default. You don't have to do anything to use it. If someone finds your lost AirTag, they can hold it near their phone, and it will show them your contact information so they can reach you.

Troubleshooting a connection that won't work

If your phone doesn't recognize the AirTag when you hold it nearby, try these steps in order. First, restart your phone completely — turn it off and back on. Then turn Bluetooth off and on again in Settings. Check that you're signed into your Apple ID by going to Settings, tapping your name at the top, and confirming you see your email address.

If the setup still doesn't work, try moving to a different room, away from other wireless devices like routers or microwaves. These can interfere with Bluetooth. You can also try removing the AirTag's battery (a small coin-cell battery on the back) and reinserting it after 10 seconds — this resets the AirTag. If none of this works, the AirTag itself may be faulty, and you should contact Apple Support or the retailer where you bought it.

Privacy and what Apple can see

When you connect an AirTag to your phone, Apple doesn't see where your AirTag is. Your location data stays on your device and in your Apple ID account — Apple doesn't have a map of your movements. The Find My network works the same way: when other devices detect your AirTag, they send the location to Apple's servers encrypted, meaning Apple can't read it. Only you can decrypt and see that information.

You can turn off Find My network for a specific AirTag if you want. Open Find My, tap the AirTag's name, scroll down, and toggle off "Find My network." The AirTag will still work with Bluetooth when it's close to your phone, but it won't be findable if it goes out of range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AirTag with an Android phone?

No. AirTags only work with Apple devices. Android phones cannot set up or track AirTags. If you lose an AirTag and someone with an Android phone finds it, they won't be able to see your contact information.

Do I need to pay a monthly fee to use an AirTag?

No. There are no monthly fees or subscriptions. Once you buy the AirTag, it works forever as long as you have an Apple device to track it with. The Find My network is free and included with your Apple ID.

What if I want to remove an AirTag from my phone?

Open Find My, tap the AirTag's name, scroll down, and tap "Remove Item." The AirTag will no longer show up in your Find My app. You can set it up again later on the same phone or a different Apple device if you want.

Can someone else track my AirTag without my permission?

No. Only the Apple ID that set up the AirTag can see its location. If you share your phone with someone, they can see your AirTags if they open Find My, but they can't track an AirTag you own from their own device.