How to Use Apple AirTags to Find a Lost Item
If you’ve lost an item that you were smart enough to attach an AirTag to, finding it should be pretty easy. Here’s what to do:
How to Set Up Apple AirTags
Before you can attach an Apple AirTag to an item you want to track, you need to set up the AirTag by following these few steps:
Does Apple Have a Tracking Device?
Yes. AirTags are Apple’s item-tracking device. They debuted in April 2021 after many months of speculation and rumors. AirTags are similar to and compete with Tile, Chipolo, and Cube products, among others.
What Are Apple AirTags?
Apple AirTags are small, light Bluetooth devices that can be attached to items you want to track. Apple’s Find My platform powers the tracking. It has apps for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, and a web interface. Find My is the same platform that powers Find My iPhone and similar tools.
What Are Apple AirTags Used For?
AirTags can be used to keep track of virtually any item that you need to find quickly. They’re probably most helpful in finding things you frequently lose, like keys, luggage, or pets (though, officially, Apple doesn’t recommend this). You can also use them to track the location of items that have been stolen (as long as the thief doesn’t see the AirTags and discard them, that is).
Apple AirTags Common Questions
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Apple AirTags.
How Do Apple AirTags Work?
AirTags are Bluetooth low-energy transmitters that send a signal to indicate their location. But, if you know Bluetooth, you know it has a range of only about 100 meters—so how can you find an AirTag that’s more than 100 meters away? That’s where Apple’s Find My network comes in. Every iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad that has Find My set up is part of the Find My network. That’s almost 1 billion devices worldwide. All of those devices can detect the Bluetooth signal emitted by AirTags. When they do, they relay the location of the AirTag through the network and back to the owner. It happens privately and passively. No one has to do anything—the lost item just gets found.
AirTags Size and Weight
AirTags size: 1.26 inches across and 0.31 inches thickAirTags weight: 0.39 ounces
AirTags Requirements
To use AirTags, you need the following:
iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 14.5, or iPad running iPadOS 14.5 Apple ID and iCloud
You can configure up to 16 AirTags to work with a single Apple ID.
AirTags Charging & Battery
You don’t need to recharge AirTags. That’s because they have user-replaceable batteries. AirTags batteries are standard CR2032 batteries (similar to large watch batteries) that will last around a year.
How to Return a Lost Apple AirTag
If you find a seemingly lost item with an AirTag attached to it, you can help get it back to its owner. Hold the AirTag close to your iPhone or any other device equipped with NFC (Near-Field Communication). Doing this takes you to a website that lists the phone number or email address of the AirTag’s owner (if they’ve provided it during set up) and sends the owner a notification about their item’s location. You can then work with the owner to return the item.
