Here’s everything to know about how to set up and use your AirTags once you buy them.
Patrick Holland/CNET
You can finally get your hands on one of Apple’s new
AirTags tracking devices
. The beacon-style devices work
similarly to Tile and Samsung’s SmartTag
Bluetooth trackers and can
help you find lost items
like your keys, backpack and more by tracking them with the
Find My app
once you have
iOS 14.5
.
Apple AirTags cost $29
(£29, AU$45) each or $99 (£99, AU$149) for a pack of four, and are now
available to buy
. You can also find different
AirTags accessories like keychains and eyeglasses straps
available from third-party sellers such as Belkin.
But once you get your AirTags, how do you actually use them? Here’s what you need to know about getting started with AirTags.
Read more:
AirTags vs. Tile vs. Samsung SmartTag: Here’s how Apple compares to the competition
How to set up your Apple AirTags
Apple says the AirTags setup is similar to how you activate AirPods. Here’s what to do once you’ve got the devices in hand.
1. Locate the Find My app on your iPhone or
compatible Apple device
. The app should be preinstalled, but you’ll need to set it up.
2. Pair your AirTag with your iPhone. All you have to do is bring the AirTag close to your iPhone, and it should connect.
3. Follow the onscreen steps to name your new item (e.g., “My car keys” if you’re attaching your AirTag to your keys) and register it to your Apple ID.
Pairing your AirTags with your iPhone is easy thanks to Bluetooth technology.
Apple
4. Once the AirTag is paired, you should be able to see it under Items in the app, where you’ll be able to see its current or last known location on a map.
5. Attach the AirTag to whatever item you’d like to keep track of — your keys, your phone, anything.
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How to use AirTags to find your stuff
Use the Find My app
One cool feature: If the item you’ve misplaced is within Bluetooth range, you can use the Find My app to play a sound from the AirTag to help you find it. You can also ask Siri to find the item, and the AirTag will play a sound if it’s nearby. If you have an
iPhone 11
or
iPhone 12
, you’ll be able to take advantage of the Precision Finding feature, which can help guide you to the AirTag with more precise directions.
Can’t find it anywhere? Turn on AirTags Lost Mode
If you’ve misplaced your item in a public place, you can place the AirTag in Lost Mode and get notified once it’s in range or has been located by the Find My network. If someone finds it, they can tap it using their iPhone or another NFC-capable device (
including an Android phone
) and be taken to a website to display the contact information for the owner, if you’ve set that up.
For more, check out
how to use the Find My app
, and
everything to know about iOS 14.6
.
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Stay up-to-date on the latest news, reviews and advice on iPhones, iPads, Macs, services and software.
See also
iOS 14.5: How to use the most useful features
iOS 14.5 is here: How to download
Your iPhone apps are tracking you. iOS 14.5 lets you turn that off
iOS 14.5: New Siri voices
iOS 14.5: Face ID with a face mask