How do AirTags work?

Apple’s new AirTag is a small, round, and thin disc that can be placed on anything you want to keep track of.

AirTag uses Apple’s Find My network to help you keep track of your belongings. Here’s everything you need to know about AirTag, including how it works and what it can do.

What is an AirTag?

AirTag is a small, round, thin disc that can be placed on anything you want to keep track of. AirTag uses Apple’s Find My network to help you keep track of your belongings.

The AirTag itself doesn’t have any GPS or location tracking capabilities; it relies on the Find My network to triangulate its location.

An Airtag’s battery can last up to a year and it has a Lithium-ion battery CR2032 inside it. Once it is drained out you need to replace the battery to make it work again.

How does AirTag work?

When your AirTag is within range of an iOS device, the Find My app will display its current location on a map. If the AirTag is not within range of any iOS devices, the Find My network will use GPS and location data from nearby Apple devices to determine its approximate location.

AirTags use a technology called Ultra Wideband (UWB) to communicate with iOS devices and accessories. UWB is a short-range, high-precision technology that allows AirTags to accurately determine their location relative to other AirTags and iOS devices. This is how the Find My network is able to locate a lost AirTag.

How do I set up an AirTag?

To set up your AirTag, you’ll need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or later. Open the Find My app, tap the Devices tab, then tap the Add button. From there, you’ll follow the on-screen instructions to attach your AirTag to your chosen item and give it a name.

What can I use an AirTag for?

You can use AirTag to keep track of anything you want, like your keys, purse, or even your pet. If you have more than one AirTag, you can assign each one to a different item.

How do I find an AirTag?

If your AirTag is within range of your iOS device, the Find My app will show its current location on a map. If the AirTag is not within range of any iOS devices, the Find My network will use GPS and location data from nearby Apple devices to determine its approximate location.

How do I know if my AirTag is working?

When your AirTag is within range of your iOS device, you’ll see a green dot next to its name in the Find My app. If the AirTag is not within range of any iOS devices, you’ll see a grey dot next to its name.

What if my AirTag is lost?

If your AirTag is lost, you can put it into Lost Mode. When you do this, you can enter a phone number where people can reach you if they find your AirTag. You can also enter a message that will be displayed on the AirTag’s screen.

If you’re worried that someone might find your AirTag and use it to track you, you can enable Privacy Settings. With Privacy Settings enabled, your AirTag will only share its location with people who you’ve approved.

How do I disable an AirTag?

If you want to disable your AirTag, you can do so by putting it into Sleep Mode. To do this, open the Find My app, tap the Devices tab, then tap the AirTag. From there, you’ll see the option to put the AirTag into Sleep Mode.

Can I use AirTag with my family?

Yes! You can use AirTag with your family by adding them to your Family Sharing group. Once you’ve done this, everyone in your Family Sharing group will be able to see the location of your AirTag.

What if I lose my AirTag?

If you lose your AirTag, you can put it into Lost Mode. When you do this, you can enter a phone number where people can reach you if they find your AirTag. You can also enter a message that will be displayed on the AirTag’s screen.

If you’re worried that someone might find your AirTag and use it to track you, you can enable Privacy Settings. With Privacy Settings enabled, your AirTag will only share its location with people who you’ve approved.