Apple AirTags are coin-sized trackers that rely on nearby iDevices to communicate with the company's Find My servers. So you can attach one to an item of yours, and as long as there's an online Apple device nearby, you will be able to locate it on the map. You also get some handy perks, such as audible pings, precision finding, and more. To get started, you will need one of the new iPhones, iPads, or iPods. After it's paired to your Apple ID, you can locate and ping it from even more Apple devices, such as Macs and Apple Watches. Without further ado, here's how to set up and use an Apple AirTag.

Setting up an AirTag on your iDevice

You will need an iPhone/iPod touch running iOS 14.5 or later. Alternatively, you can use an iPad running iPadOS 14.5 or later. You can’t set up an AirTag using a Mac, unfortunately. However, you will be able to use and control it on macOS once you connect it to your Apple ID. To set up an AirTag with an iDevice, follow the step below:

  1. Make sure your device has Bluetooth enabled and an active internet connection.
  2. Remove the plastic wrap on your AirTag. This should turn it on and make it beep.
  3. Bring your iDevice closer to it.
  4. A pop-up alert will appear with a Connect button. Click it.
  5. You will be asked to name your AirTag. You can choose one from the list of available names or give it a custom one. Hit Continue when done.
  6. The pop-up will state that the AirTag will be registered to your Apple ID. It will also mention the email address and phone number associated with your Apple ID. Tap Continue.
  7. Wait for it to finish setting up.
  8. Once done, it’ll show you its current location — with you — and introduce you to some of its features. Click Done or View in Find My app, depending on what you want to do next.
  9. Now you will be able to find it in the Items tab on all of your updated Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, iPods, Macs, and Apple Watches.

Using it on an iDevice

  1. Launch the Find My app.
  2. Head to the Items tab.
  3. You will be able to see your AirTag’s name and last seen location there.
  4. Click on it to make it play a sound, navigate to it, activate Lost Mode, rename it, or remove it from your account.

Using an AirTag on a Mac

  1. Open the Find My app from Launcher or Spotlight Search.
  2. Head to the Items tab.
  3. You will be able to see your AirTag’s name and last seen location there.
  4. Click on it to ping it, navigate to it, or activate Lost Mode.
    AirTags on macOS

That's how simple the entire process is! AirTags can help you locate your luggage when traveling, car parking spot, or your backpack in a playground — the use cases are endless! Personally, I keep one in my wallet, just in case I drop or misplace it someday. It barely costs anything, and its replaceable battery lasts for around a full year.

Apple AirTag
Apple AirTag

Apple's AirTag offers a low-cost, reliable solution when you need to track an object. It integrates into the Find My network, which allows it to be detected by millions of other Apple devices.