Apple’s AirTag makes it easy to keep track of everyday items like keys, bags and luggage with 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 will work silently in the background to help you find misplaced items. This guide walks through how to set up an AirTag, how to name it so you can easily identify what it includes and what to do if the setup doesn’t go as planned.

What you need before setting up an AirTag

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• An iPhone or iPad signed in to your Apple Account

• Bluetooth is enabled on that device

• Location Services is enabled

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

• A 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 an AirTag using your iPhone or iPad

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

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

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

3. When the setup animation appears, tap connect.

4. Choose a category for your AirTagsuch as Keys, Backpacks or Luggage. If you choose Custom Nameyou can type your own label and choose an emoji.

5. pat Keep to link AirTag to your Apple Account.

6. pat It’s over to finish the setup.

Once done, the AirTag will appear under the Things tab on Find My app. If you are setting up multiple AirTags, make sure only one is near your device at a time. If more than one is found, a notification will appear saying “More than one AirTag found”. If this happens, move the others away and try again.

How to add an AirTag using the Find My app

If the setup animation does not appear automatically, you can add an AirTag manually through Find My.

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

4. selection Add AirTag or Another Thing (if you add 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 have reached the limit, you must 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 your iPhone or iPadopen 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 that out Find My with permission to use Precise Location.

4. Make sure you are signed in to your Apple Account and iCloud Keychain activated.

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

If the AirTag still won’t connect, the battery may need to be replaced. AirTags use a standard CR2032 coin cell batteryand the exchange only takes one minute. If the issues persist after replacing the battery, you should reset the AirTag and try the setup again.

How to name and label your AirTag

Naming your AirTag makes it easy to identify when you’re tracking multiple items. During setup, Apple offers preset labels like Keys or Backpack, but you can customize them at any time.

To rename an AirTag after setup:

2. pat Things and choose your AirTag.

3. pat Add Name or Rename the item.

4. Select a preset label or selection Custom Name.

5. Optionally add an emoji for easy visual recognition.

The clear labels are especially helpful if you use AirTags for travel, work use or shared household items.

Connect your AirTag to everyday objects

AirTags don’t have built-in clips or adhesives, so you usually need an accessory to put one on securely. Depending on how you plan to use it, that could mean a key ring, luggage tag, wallet insert or bike mount.

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

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After setup, your AirTag will automatically update its location using Apple’s Find My network. You can view its last known location, play a sound to help find it nearby or use Precision Finding on supported iPhones to guide you directly to it. With just a few minutes of setup and a clear label, an AirTag can be a reliable way to track important items, whether you’re at home or on the move.