Apple’s AirTags are fantastic Bluetooth tracking devices, but you’ll need to configure them properly to make the best use of their abilities with your iPhone. Using AirTag tracker detection offers real-time item location with the Find My app. It’s a great solution for finding lost items such as your keys, wallet, dog, or mind (ok, well, maybe you can’t find everything with AirTags).
Do you need help setting up AirTags? Or maybe you're just curious about them? Learn how to set up AirTags on iPhones for a personal lost and found.
How to Set Up AirTags on an iPhone
Before setting up Apple’s AirTag tracking devices, make sure you have a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 14.5/iPadOS 14.5 or later. During setup, you will sync your AirTags, and then you can name them accordingly.
Bluetooth, 2FA, and location services, oh my
For AirTags to work, you’ll need to switch on Bluetooth, location services, and two-factor authentication (2FA). Here’s how:
- Power on your device.
- Enable location services by heading to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
- Turn on Bluetooth by navigating to Settings > Bluetooth > Bluetooth.
- Establish two-factor authentication at Settings > [Name] > Password & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
Once you have these features enabled, make sure you have an active WiFi or mobile data connection before proceeding.
Set up your Apple AirTags with your iPhone
Now that the prerequisite steps are out of the way, here’s how to configure your AirTags:
- For a new AirTag, remove the pull tab to activate the battery. When properly executed, you’ll hear a success sound.
- Place your AirTag close to your iOS device and tap Connect.
- Pick an item name from the list of options or hit Custom Name to choose your own name and emoji.
- Follow the prompts to continue registering an AirTag with your Apple ID.
- When finished, press Done.
- With your AirTag properly set up, you’re free to attach it to whatever personal objects you desire.
You can double-check that your AirTags are correctly configured by looking in the Find My app.
Pro tip: Be descriptive when naming AirTags
We recommend using strong descriptions when naming your Bluetooth tracking devices. After all, an unknown AirTag isn’t terribly helpful since it doesn’t describe the lost item it’s attached to. Avoid general titles such as “My Apple AirTag,” and instead use names like “Keys,” “Wallet,” “Phone,” or “Sense of Purpose.”
How to Find an AirTag
With your AirTags connected and secured, it’s time to “lose” something important so you can locate it easily:
- Fire up the Find My app.
- Tap the Items tab near the bottom of your phone’s screen.
- Select the AirTag you need to locate to view it in real-time on the map.
Remember, you’ll only see an AirTag’s current location if it’s near your iPhone or recently connected with the Find My network. Objects outside your iPhone’s range will show a last-known location alongside an address and timestamp. Since AirTags utilize Bluetooth, the general operating range is about 33 feet.
Find AirTags with audio
If your AirTag is within earshot, there’s an alternative to the Find My app: an audible tone.
- Launch the Find My app.
- Pick the Items tab.
- Choose an AirTag you wish to locate.
- Hit Play Sound.
Best iPhones to Accompany Your AirTags
Although AirTags don’t communicate with all phone types, Apple’s ecosystem works seamlessly. Whether you’ve got an aging or broken iPhone, a phone upgrade is compelling.
Our favourite iPhone is the iPhone 13 Pro max, although we love the entire 13 series. The iPhone 12 roster is still reliable, and we recommend the iPhone SE as a budget pick.
iPhone 14 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 Plus 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
AirTags Set Up FAQs
What does an Apple AirTag do?
An AirTag tracks lost items by transmitting a secure Bluetooth signal that your iOS devices or third-party Find My products detect and display in the Find My app.
How do I set up my AirTag?
You can set up an AirTag by enabling Bluetooth, privacy location services, and 2FA, then connecting and naming an AirTag device tracker.
How do I enable AirTags on my iPhone?
Here’s how to enable AirTags on an iPhone:
- Remove the pull tab to activate the battery.
- Put your AirTag near an iOS device and tap Connect.
- Choose an item name or select Custom Name to input a custom name and emoji.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to continue registering an AirTag with your Apple ID.
- Press Done.
Can I attach an AirTag to my phone?
Yes, you can attach an AirTag to your phone—as meta as it sounds! However, you’ll need another iPhone, an iPad, or iPod Touch with the Find My app to locate a missing phone with an AirTag connected.
Can I track my dog with an AirTag?
Yes, AirTags can track your dog, cat, or other pet. They can also track inanimate objects such as keys and wallets. We strongly advise against losing pets, but annoying family members are fair game (we’re kidding, maybe).
How do I find my phone with AirTags?
To find a phone using an AirTag:
- Set up an AirTag and attach it to your device.
- Login to the Find My app on another compatible Apple device.
- Discover where you left your phone.
How many phones can an AirTag connect to?
You can connect an AirTag to all devices—like iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches—using the same Apple ID. This measure of only allowing one Apple ID prevents unwanted tracking for nefarious purposes.
Can I access my AirTags via my Apple Watch?
Yes! As of a watchOS 8 update, AirTags tracking works on the Apple Watch.
Is an AirTags like a Tile?
Yes, AirTags are extremely similar to Tile trackers. Both phone accessories rely on Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) and community tracking services. However, AirTags include Ultra-wideband (UWB) for precise location detection. Additionally, Tile and AirTags utilize different companion apps.
Do Apple AirTags work with Android?
No, an AirTag cannot communicate with an Android phone. However, there are plenty of AirTag alternatives for Android users, such as Samsung’s SmartTag+ and Tile tracking devices.
Are Apple AirTags worth it?
Yes! Apple AirTags are worth it if you frequently lose important items. They make great gifts for forgetful friends and family members, too.
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