How to set up AirTag

Apple’s AirTag makes it easy to track everyday items like keys, bags and luggage using the Find My network. Setup is quick, requires no tools, and only takes a minute or two as long as you have a compatible iPhone or iPad. Once paired, your AirTag works quietly in the background to help you find lost items. This guide describes how to set up the AirTag, how to name it so you can easily identify what it’s attached to, and what to do if the setup doesn’t go as planned.

What you need before setting up AirTag

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• iPhone or iPad signed in to your Apple account

• Bluetooth is enabled on this device

• Location services are enabled

• iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later (AirTag 2nd generation requires iOS or iPadOS 26.2.1 or later)

• Stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection

You’ll also want to make sure that iCloud Keychain is enabled and that your Apple account setup is fully completed in Settings.

How to set up AirTag with your iPhone or iPad

The easiest way to set up AirTag is directly through the on-screen setup prompt.

1. Remove the plastic tag from your AirTag to activate the battery.

2. Hold on AirTag near your unlocked iPhone or iPad.

3. When the setup animation appears, tap Get in touch.

4. Choose a category for yours AirTagsuch as keys, backpack or luggage. If you choose Custom nameyou can enter your own tag and choose emoji.

5. Touch Continue to link the AirTag to your Apple account.

6. Touch Done to complete the setup.

Once done, the AirTag will appear under the Subjects section c Find my app. If you’re setting up multiple AirTags, make sure only one is near your device at a time. If more than one is detected, a notification will appear saying « More than one AirTag detected ». If this happens, move the others further away and try again.

How to add an AirTag using the Find My app

If the setup animation doesn’t appear automatically, you can add the AirTag manually via Find My.

1. Open up Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.

4. Choose Add an AirTag or Another item (if adding a compatible FindMy Network accessory).

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

You can add up to 32 items to Find My, including AirTags, shared items and compatible accessories. If you’ve reached the limit, you’ll need to remove an item before adding a new one.

What to do if your AirTag won’t connect

If the setup fails or the pairing animation disappears, try the following steps:

1. Lock yours iPhone or iPadunlock it again and wait about 15 seconds for the animation to appear again.

2. Make sure Bluetooth and location services are turned on Settings.

3. Check this out Find My has permission to use Exact location.

4. Make sure you’re logged into your Apple account and iCloud Keychain is activated.

5. Check that your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS (iOS or iPadOS 26.2.1 or later).

If the AirTag still does not connect, the battery may need to be replaced. AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin-sized battery and it only takes a minute to change. If problems persist after replacing the battery, you may need to reset the AirTag and try the setup again.

How to name and label your AirTag

Naming your AirTag makes it much easier to identify when tracking multiple items. During setup, Apple offers preset tags such as keys or backpack, but you can customize them at any time.

To rename an AirTag after setup:

2. Touch Subjects and choose yours AirTag.

3. Touch Add name or Rename an element.

4. Choose a preset label or choose Custom name.

5. Optionally add emojis for quick visual identification.

Clear labels are especially useful if you use AirTags for travel, work equipment or shared household items.

Attach your AirTag to everyday objects

AirTags don’t have built-in clips or adhesive, so you’ll usually need an accessory to attach them securely. Depending on how you plan to use it, that could mean a keychain, luggage tag, wallet insert, or bike rack.

If you’re not sure which style works best, Engadget has rounded up the best Apple AirTag accessories, covering options for keys, bags, wallets, and more. Choosing the right accessory helps ensure that your AirTag stays attached and works the way you expect.

Summary

Once set up, your AirTag will automatically update its location using Apple’s Find My network. You can see its last known location, play a sound to find it nearby, or use Precision Finding on supported iPhones to point you directly to it. With just a few minutes of setup and a clear label, AirTag can become a reliable way to keep track of important items, whether you’re at home or on the go.