Apple AirTags tips and tricks

This page has been translated using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

(Pocket-lint) – Apple AirTags are small round devices that you can attach to your belongings with a set of accessories. If you later lose any of these personal items, you can use the Apple Find My app to help locate them.

There are not as many hidden features with AirTags as AirPods, but there are still a few features that will help you get the most out of them.

Here are the best Apple AirTag tips and tricks.

squirrel_widget_4545601

How to set up AirTag

Setting up AirTag is very easy. Simply remove the plastic tab once you are ready to install it and keep the AirTag within 50mm of your device.

A map will appear at the bottom of the screen, click on it to follow the instructions and get your AirTag setup.

How to rename AirTag

You can name the AirTag when you configure it but if you modify it later if you wish. Open Find My app > tap on the items > tap on the AirTag you want to rename > scroll to Rename item > choose from the list.

How to delete AirTag

If you want to remove the AirTag from your Apple ID account and from the Find My app, open the Find My app > tap on the items > tap on the AirTag you want to remove > scroll down and tap Remove.

You can also swipe the AirTag from right to left in the list in the Find My app and tap the red trash can icon.

How to find AirTag

If you’re looking for something you’ve attached an AirTag to, you can open the Find My app to get exact location directions.

Open the Find My app > tap on the items > tap on the name of the item you want to search > tap on the search icon. You will then get a path to your item.

Get an AirTag to play a sound to find it

Instead of getting directions to an item you’ve attached to your AirTag, you can also make it beep. This is ideal if you have dropped your keys on the side of the sofa or something, for example.

Open the Find My app > tap on the items > tap on the item you attached to the AirTag you want to search > tap on the audio playback icon.

Put AirTag in Lost Mode

If you misplace an item you attached to your AirTag and you know it’s missing, you can put it in Lost Mode.

In Lost Mode, you can choose to be notified when the item is found, lock it so that the AirTag cannot be assigned to another Apple ID, and leave a message with a phone number or email address for the finder to find.

Open Find My app > tap on items > select the item you want to put in Lost Mode > scroll to Lost Mode > select activate > select continue.

How to be notified when you leave an AirTag behind

It is possible to configure your AirTag to notify you if you left it somewhere, and you can also configure exceptions. Perfect if you are taking your keys somewhere and want to make sure you don’t forget them when you leave.

Open the Find My app > Tap on items > Tap on the item you attached to the AirTag you want to be notified > Swipe up > Tap Notify when left > Turn on Notify when left.

How to set up exceptions when not notified when AirTag is left behind

You may want to set up your AirTags to alert you when they are left behind, except when you leave the house, for example.

Open the Find My app > Click on the items > Click on the item you attached to the AirTag that you want to set up an exception for > Scroll up > Click Notify when it is left > Click New Location > Enter an address > Click Done.

How to check your AirTag battery

AirTags come with a user-replaceable battery and you should have it for about a year before you need to replace it. Still, you might want to check the battery anyway.

Open the Find My app > tap on the items > tap on the item containing the AirTag you want. You will see the battery under your AirTag’s name.

Make sure you are not harassed by AirTag

You cannot be tracked by AirTag, because if your iOS device detects an AirTag that is not registered with your Apple ID, you will receive an alert letting you know. It is possible to turn off item security alerts, but if you do that, you will not be notified and the owner of the Apple AirTag will be able to see your location.

To turn off item security alerts, open the Find My app > tap the Me tab in the bottom right corner > turn off item security alerts.

Written by Britta O’Boyle. Originally Posted in December 1, 2021.