What an AirTag is and why you might open one

An AirTag is a small tracking device made by Apple that helps you find lost items. It's a white disc about the size of a large coin, and it works by connecting to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac through Apple's Find My network. When you open a new AirTag, you're preparing it to attach to something you don't want to lose — a set of keys, a wallet, a bag, or a pet collar.

The physical act of opening an AirTag is straightforward, but what happens after you open it matters more. Once opened, you'll need to pair it with your Apple device so it can start tracking. If you've bought a used AirTag or inherited one from someone else, opening it also means disconnecting it from their account first.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags come in a sealed white plastic case; you remove the plastic tab to set up the battery inside.
  • After removing the tab, hold the AirTag near your iPhone or iPad and follow the pairing prompts that appear on screen.
  • You must name your AirTag during setup so you can identify it later in the Find My app.
  • If the AirTag belonged to someone else, you'll need to remove it from their account before you can pair it to yours.
  • The battery inside lasts about one year and cannot be recharged, but you can replace it yourself with a standard CR2032 coin cell battery.

Opening a brand-new AirTag from the box

When you first take an AirTag out of its box, you'll see a white plastic case with a clear plastic tab sticking out from the bottom. This tab is what keeps the battery from activating during shipping and storage. To open the AirTag, straightforward pull this tab straight out. You'll hear a small click or feel slight resistance — that's normal.

Once you pull the tab, the battery inside activates when ready. Your AirTag will begin broadcasting a signal, and your nearby Apple devices will detect it within a few seconds. You don't need to do anything else to "open" it physically — that tab removal is the entire process. From this point forward, the AirTag is powered on and ready to pair.

Pairing your AirTag with your iPhone or iPad

After you've pulled the battery tab, take your AirTag and hold it close to your iPhone or iPad — within a few inches. Your device should recognize the AirTag and show a pairing screen automatically. If nothing appears after a few seconds, unlock your device and try again, or open the Find My app manually and tap the plus icon to add a new item.

When the pairing screen appears, tap the option to add the AirTag. Your device will ask you to name it — this is where you decide what to call it in your Find My app. Common names are "Keys," "Wallet," "Bag," or "Dog Collar," but you can use any name that makes sense to you. After you name it, choose which color or design you want to associate with it (this is just for the app display), and then tap Done.

Your AirTag is now paired and active. It will appear in your Find My app, and you can start using it to track the item you've attached it to. If you have an iPhone 11 or newer model, your device can use Precision Finding to show you the exact direction and distance to your AirTag when it's nearby.

Removing an AirTag from someone else's account

If you've received a used AirTag or bought one secondhand, it may still be connected to the previous owner's Apple account. You won't be able to pair it to your own account until it's removed from theirs. The previous owner needs to open their Find My app, select the AirTag, and choose the option to remove it or stop tracking it.

If you don't have contact with the previous owner, you have another option: hold the AirTag near your device and begin the pairing process as normal. Your iPhone or iPad will detect that the AirTag is already registered and will give you the choice to remove it from the previous owner's account. You'll need to confirm this action, but once you do, the AirTag becomes unregistered and you can pair it fresh to your own account.

What to do if pairing doesn't work

Sometimes an AirTag won't pair on the first try. The most common reason is that Bluetooth is turned off on your device. Check your iPhone or iPad settings and make sure Bluetooth is enabled. You should also make sure you're signed into iCloud with your Apple ID — AirTags require an iCloud account to function.

If Bluetooth is on and you're signed in but pairing still fails, try restarting your device. Turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Then hold the AirTag near it again. If the AirTag still won't pair after a restart, the battery tab may not have been fully removed, or the battery itself may be faulty. Pull the tab again to make sure it's completely out, and if that doesn't work, contact Apple Support.

Replacing the battery when it runs out

An AirTag's battery lasts roughly one year under normal use. When the battery gets low, you'll receive a notification in the Find My app. Unlike many small electronics, you can replace the battery yourself without opening any screws or breaking the case.

To replace it, hold the stainless steel back of the AirTag and twist the white plastic front counterclockwise. The front will pop off, revealing the battery compartment. Remove the old CR2032 coin cell battery and insert a new one with the positive side facing up. Twist the front back on clockwise until it clicks. Your AirTag will reconnect to your device within a few seconds, and you're done.

Attaching your AirTag to an item

Once your AirTag is paired and working, you need to attach it to something. Apple sells several official accessories: a leather keychain loop, a silicone loop, and a luggage tag holder. These are designed to fit the AirTag securely and protect it from damage. You can also buy third-party holders from other manufacturers, or straightforward place the AirTag loose in a bag or pocket if you prefer.

Choose an attachment method based on what you're tracking. A keychain loop works well for keys. A luggage tag is better for suitcases. For a pet, you'd want a collar attachment or a holder designed to be durable and weatherproof. Once attached, your AirTag will begin tracking that item's location through the Find My app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an AirTag without an iPhone?

You can physically open an AirTag by pulling the battery tab without an iPhone, but you won't be able to pair it or use it for tracking. AirTags require an Apple device running iOS 14.3 or later, iPadOS 14.3 or later, or macOS 11.1 or later. If you don't have one of these devices, the AirTag won't function.

What happens if I lose the plastic tab?

If you lose the tab before opening the AirTag, the battery is already activated and will drain over time. You can still use the AirTag normally — just hold it near your device and pair it as usual. The tab's only purpose is to prevent battery drain during storage and shipping.

Do I need to charge my AirTag after opening it?

No. AirTags use a non-rechargeable CR2032 battery that comes pre-installed and activated when you pull the tab. There's no charging port or cable. The battery lasts about one year, and when it runs out, you replace it with a new CR2032 coin cell battery.

Can I open an AirTag if it's still in someone else's account?

Yes, you can physically open it by pulling the battery tab. However, you won't be able to pair it to your own account until it's removed from the previous owner's account. If you can't contact the owner, your device will offer to remove it from their account during the pairing process.

What's the white plastic tab for?

The tab is an insulator that sits between the battery and the metal contact inside the AirTag. Pulling it out completes the circuit and activates the battery. Without this tab, the battery would drain during shipping and storage, so the AirTag would be dead when you received it.