How to Use Apple AirTag Trackers

Apple has introduced a new gadget called AirTag that is designed to help you track and locate items that you are likely to misplace, lose, or have stolen. These button-shaped trackers are a new alternative to Tale and Samsung’s SmartTag Bluetooth tracking devices and work with the Find My app under iOS 14.5 and above.

According to Apple, the AirTag tracker is equipped with a replaceable battery that lasts more than a year in a standby mode.

The device is also marketed as splash, water, and dust resistant that can be personalized with various accessories, such as keychains and eyeglass straps.

If you have got yourself a new AirTag tracker but struggle to set it up, look no further. In this article, we have prepared a comprehensive how-to guide that will help let you set up and enjoy the full potential of the new Apple AirTag trackers.

AirTag Requirements

The AirTag tracker can be operated under iPhone or iPad under iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5. If your phone or tablet runs an older OS version, update to the latest version available: Settings -> General -> Software Update. 

How to Add an AirTag on iPhone or iPad

1. Unlock your iPhone and leave it on Home Screen.
2. On AirTag, remove the battery tab and hold the AirTag device close to your phone.
3. A pop-up will appear on your phone. Tab Connect. 
4. Choose a name for the AirTag by selecting one of the suggested names or enter a custom name by tapping Custom name. 
5. Select an emoji. 
6. Tap Continue to register the AirTag to your Apple ID. 
7. Tap Finish to complete the registration process. 

How to Add an AirTag in Find My App

1. Open the Find My app and tap Items.
2. Scroll the Items list and tap Add New Item.
3. Tap Add AirTag and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the operation.

NOTE: The AirTag tracker cannot be linked to multiple Apple ID accounts. If a tracker is registered under someone else’s Apple ID, you will need to unlink it before you can add it to your account. 

How to Unlink Airtags from an Apple ID Account

1. Open the Find My app and tap Items.
2. In the Items list, tap the AirTag you wish to remove.
3. Bring the AirTag to your iPhone and tap Remove item.
4. If additional actions are required, follow the onscreen instruction to complete the removal. 

How to Locate an AirTag Tracker

1. Open the Find My app and tap Items.
2. In the Items list and tap the AirTag device you wish to locate.

• If the AirTag tracker can be located, it will appear on a map. The map will update the location of the AirTag device if it moves. You will also see additional details, such as a timestamp under the AirTag’s name. 
• If the AirTag tracker cannot be found, you will see where and when it was last located. If you wish to receive a notification when the AirTag is located, turn on the “Notify when Found” option under “Notifications.” 

How to Make an AirTag Play a Sound

1. Open the Find My app and tap Items.
2. In the Items list, tap the AirTag you wish to play a sound.
3. Tap “Play Sound” to play a sound.
4. Tap “Stop Sound” to stop playing the sound.