The best AirTag tips: get the most out of your tracker with these 15 tips and tricks

The AirTag is Apple’s handy accessory that allows you to view the location of your personal items. For example, have you lost your keys? Thanks to the AirTag, you know where they are and you can find them with a sound or the search function of your iPhone. But there may be useful tricks and tips for the AirTag that you didn’t know about. From the basics to pro features, these are the best AirTag tips you need to know.

• Begin
• Put into use
• Pro tips

Best AirTag tips for beginners

If you are planning to buy an AirTag soon or have just purchased one, you should definitely know our beginner tips. From setting up your AirTag to changing the most important settings, these tips will go a long way.

#1 Setting up AirTag: this is how you get started

To get started, you must first link the AirTag to your account:

1. Remove the AirTag from the packaging.
2. Unwrap the plastic foil around the AirTag. The last piece is inside, between the battery and the contact points. Pull the foil to activate the AirTag. You hear a short sound.
3. Unlock your iPhone or iPad. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and keep the AirTag nearby.
4. A window will appear on the screen showing the AirTag. Tap Connect.
5. Read more in our tip about setting up the AirTag.

#2 Rename AirTag and customize icon

Do you want to use the AirTag for something else afterwards? Then you have to rename it first. The name is important to know what you are using the AirTag for (especially if you have several) and for searching via Siri. This is how renaming works:

1. Open the Find My app and tap the Objects tab.
2. Tap the AirTag you want to rename.
3. Swipe up the panel that appears. At the very bottom, tap Change object name.
4. Choose a different category at the top or choose Custom name.
5. You can also tap directly on the text box to enter a name yourself.
6. Tap the icon to choose another one.
7. Read more in our tip about renaming the AirTag.

More tips and tricks for beginners:

• #3 Give your AirTag to someone else? This way you can disconnect it and reset it
• #4 Replace AirTag battery: this is how you do it (and this battery is suitable)

AirTag tips for use

Once you have set up your AirTag, you basically don’t have to worry about it anymore. But what if you’ve lost something? Then it’s time to look for your AirTag. With these tips you will be able to find your object in no time.

#5 Find a lost AirTag: this is how you do it

There are several ways to search for a lost AirTag:

1. Open the Find My app and go to the Objects tab.
2. Tap the lost AirTag.
3. Tap the green button Find or play a sound.
4. Read more in our tip about searching for AirTag.

#6 Use Lost Mode when you’re out of range

If your AirTag (and therefore the associated object) is really lost and out of reach, it is wise to enable Lost Mode. This allows you to let the finder know how he or she can contact you as the owner:

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone and go to the Objects tab.
2. Tap the AirTag you want to mark as lost.
3. Scroll down and under the Lost Mode heading, tap Turn On.
4. Check your details and enter your contact details and any message. This is only possible if the AirTag is out of range of your iPhone.
5. Tap Activate.
6. View the information screen about the next steps.
7. Tap Continue.
8. Read more in our tip about the AirTag’s lost mode.

More tips for using AirTag:

• #7 This is what happens when someone finds your lost AirTag
• #8 How to find the AirTag serial number and firmware version

Best AirTag tips for pros

These tips will make searching for your items easier. We also explain what you can do if you find an AirTag yourself. We also provide more background information about certain scenarios in which you would like to use the AirTag, for example as an anti-theft device.

#9 Found an AirTag? Scan with NFC!

If you find an object somewhere with an AirTag attached to it, it is wise to scan it with your own iPhone or Android device with NFC. You will then see whether the AirTag is in Lost mode or you can check the serial number.

1. Grab your iPhone or Android device with NFC.
2. Point the top back of your iPhone against the white side of the AirTag. On an Android device, the NFC reader is usually in the middle.
3. Are you using an iPhone X or older? Then you must first activate the NFC reader via the Control Panel. Go to Settings > Control Center and add the NFC Tag Reader button.
4. A notification will appear on the screen with a link to the page. Tap this to open it.

If Lost Mode is enabled, you will see the phone number and a message from the owner. You can get in touch this way and help return the owner’s personal item. Read more in our tip on what you can do once you have found an AirTag.

#10 Flash on when searching

If you have to search for an AirTag in a dark environment, playing a sound may not be enough. For example, you also want to be able to see where the AirTag is. Since there is no light on it, Apple has come up with a solution for this:

1. Open the Find My app and tap the AirTag you want to search for in the Objects tab.
2. Tap Search with the green arrow. This is only possible on an iPhone 11 or newer.
3. The camera scans the environment. If you are in a dark environment, a message will appear stating that there is too little light.
4. A button will appear at the bottom to turn on your iPhone’s LED flash. Tap this.
5. Don’t see the button? Then hold your hand against the outer camera on the iPhone for a short time to make it darker. The button will then appear automatically.

#11 Disable AirTag tracking notifications when borrowing items

The AirTag’s security notifications keep you informed if you are unknowingly followed by someone else’s AirTag. This can be annoying if you deliberately borrow an object from someone, for example a bunch of keys. If that is the case, you can easily disable this. You must follow these steps on the iPhone of the person who borrows the item with the AirTag:

1. Open the Find My app.
2. Tap the Me tab.
3. Tap Customize tracking notifications.
4. You now arrive at the notification settings for the so-called Tracking notifications. Turn them off completely or change how they come in.

#12 Notification if left

You can receive a notification if you leave your AirTag at a location. This is useful, for example, if you forget your keys somewhere (think of a restaurant). You can set this per AirTag, where you can even indicate at which locations you do not want a warning (such as home or work):

1. Open the Find My app.
2. Go to the Objects tab and tap the AirTag you want to set it up for.
3. Tap Notify if left.
4. Turn the function on. If necessary, set which addresses you do not want to receive a notification for if the AirTag is left there.

More pro tips:

• #13 This is how Apple prevents stalking with the AirTag
• #14 Is it possible to use an AirTag against theft?
• #15 Using AirTag as an NFC tag: this is how you do it

Would you like to know more about the AirTag? Then read our AirTag explanation for more information. We also have an AirTag FAQ, where we answer frequently asked questions about the AirTag.

Are you still looking for a suitable accessory for your AirTag? Then read our article with the best AirTag accessories. If you still want to buy the AirTag, you can go to a large number of stores.