How Do You Setup An Apple AirTag?

AirTags are small devices designed by Apple to help users keep track of their valuable items. As useful as they may be, many often wonder how to set up Apple AirTags.

While you are researching Apple AirTags, be sure to check out the full AirTag Category page and bookmark: Do Apple AirTags Work Without WIFI? (The Truth) and Can Apple Airtags Be Used On Multiple Devices?

However, it is safe to say that not everyone is good with tech. Now and then, we all need a little guidance to learn how to use these devices to the fullest. Here we go over precisely what AirTags are, how they work, and how you can easily set them up to track your important belongings.

What Are Apple AirTags?

Released by Apple in 2021 as a part of their IOS 14.5 update, AirTags are small, wireless tracking tags that make it easy to locate objects or people.

No bigger than the size of a standard matchbox, this device uses Apple’s state-of-the-art Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for precise location determination. 

All users need is an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, to easily find their misplaced items by tagging them with Apple AirTags and using the “Find My” app to locate them.

These small yet unique devices offer a wide range of comprehensive features that make this technology all the more fascinating and useful, some of which include the following:

• An embedded speaker and a “play sound” feature help users locate their items even if they are far away.
• This feature also includes a privacy mode, which keeps the sound from being heard by anyone else but the user who is looking for the item.
• The “Precision Finding” feature uses augmented reality to help you locate your lost item. This can be done by pointing the camera of your device at a specific location, and it will show an arrow pointing toward your missing item.
• Face ID or Touch ID authentication for anyone who finds a lost item.

How Do Apple AirTags Work?

Since Apple designed AirTags with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, these devices possess the ability to communicate with nearby iOS devices. This allows users to easily locate their item by using the “Find My” app.

The working is quite simple – whenever an AirTag is within range of a compatible device, it will send its unique ID to that device. 

This allows users to pinpoint exactly where their item is located on a map in the Find My app. They can then retrieve the item or take further action as per their needs.

Those who would like to manage multiple AirTags from a single interface can use third-party apps like Tile to keep track of their belongings.

However, the fun doesn’t end there; Apple AirTags are also equipped with sophisticated security features like privacy settings and encryption-secured data storage – meaning that no one can access your AirTag’s information without authorization from you or your iCloud account.

How to Setup Your Apple AirTag?

Setting up AirTags is a task that can be achieved by following a few simple steps. Users can set up as many AirTags as they want, provided that they have a valid iCloud account. 

To simplify it, Apple allows users to assign each AirTags a unique ID for personalization. Additionally, when setting up your AirTags, you can also attach a contact number or email address to them in case they are found by someone else.

Begin the setup process by unboxing the Apple AirTag and remove all plastic packaging and protective covers from the device before you proceed any further. The box typically comes with two Bluetooth-enabled tags, a charging case, and a quick start guide.

Once done, you will need to turn on your iPhone, go to the home screen and open the ‘Find My’ app. 

Within this app, you will find a list of options – here, you must simply select ‘Items’ and then tap the ‘+’ icon at the screen’s top right corner. This will open up a list of compatible tracking devices, including an option for Apple AirTags.

Upon selecting this option, you will be automatically prompted to enter a name or brief description of the item you’re connecting with the tag. 

To make it more fun, Apple has also given users the option of adding an emoji or a photo. 

Once you’ve entered the information, you can place the AirTag in its holder and hold it up to your device’s camera. This will allow the Find My app to establish a Bluetooth connection with the tag and set it up for use.

Finally, go ahead and enable the Privacy feature on your AirTag so that you alone have the authority to access all the information. 

Additionally, if you aim to set up more than one AirTag, simply repeat the above-mentioned process for each item you need to tag.

How to Operate Your Apple AirTag?

Once your AirTags are set up, they are ready to use. Here are a few aspects you must learn to manage your Apple AirTags as best as possible.

Personalization

For those using multiple AirTags connected to multiple devices, personalization is key to ensuring that you can differentiate each tag at a glance. 

This option too can be found in the ‘Find My’ app on your iOS device. 

Within the app, scroll down and select ‘Items’ and then tap the AirTag option located at the top of the screen.

Next, click on the tag you want to personalize and then select ‘Personalize’ from the list of options. 

Here, you’ll be given the option to add a custom name for each of your AirTags as well as emojis and photos of your choice. 

When finished, simply select ‘Save,’ and your personalized settings will be applied.

Tracking

Next, you must learn how to track and locate your Apple AirTag. Do so by navigating to your device’s ‘find my’ app and selecting items from the bottom of the screen.

Then go ahead and select the AirTag that you want to track from the list of items, and press ‘Track’ in the upper right corner. 

Here you will automatically be taken to a map view showing where your AirTag is located, along with its current battery level, estimated range, and additional information, like its name, serial number, and type of tag it is.

The map will zoom in and center on your AirTag’s location if you tap the map. You can also use the search bar to quickly find a specific address or point of interest. 

If you’re having trouble studying the map and need to locate your AirTag more precisely, select “Play Sound” from the menu at the bottom of the screen.

This will play a series of beeps that get intense and more frequent as you get closer to your item. 

Keep moving until you hear one long continuous sound, which means the item you’re searching for is very close by.

When you find the AirTag, press and hold its button for three seconds to make sure it is secure and cannot be tracked by anyone else.

Retrieving

Now that you have located your item, you must go ahead and retrieve it. To do this, simply select “Retrieve” under the “Items” tab on the Find My app, where you can see a list of suggested retrieval methods. 

Depending on your location and other factors, you can choose from one of these methods to recover your lost item.

One of these ways is to use a Bluetooth signal. With the help of this feature, you can send out a signal that will make your AirTag play an alert sound when it’s within range.

Another way to retrieve your lost item is to ask a friend or family member to help you search for it. All they need to do is download the Find My app and then follow the same steps listed above.

Finally, if all else fails, you can also contact Apple Support for assistance in locating your lost AirTag.

They will be able to provide further advice on how to locate and recover your item.

Key Takeaways

• Apple AirTags are small devices designed to locate and track valuable items.
• They are equipped with state-of-art Bluetooth technology, enabling them to communicate with nearby iOS devices.
• Apple AirTags are highly secure, ensuring that no access is given to an individual unless they have the password to the connected iCloud account
• Setting up and personalizing multiple Apple AirTags is easy with the help of the Find My app.
• To track your AirTag, open the Find My app, then select “Items” and the AirTag you want to track.
• To retrieve a lost AirTag, use one of the methods suggested in the Find My app
• These include Bluetooth signal, asking a friend or family member for help, or contacting Apple Support