How do I set up an AirTag?

Setting up an Apple AirTag is easy. First, pull out the small plastic tab to activate the battery. Next, hold the AirTag near your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and tap Connect . (Make sure there’s only one AirTag near your iOS device at a time; otherwise, you’ll see the message More than one AirTag detected .) Next, select an AirTag name from the list or create a custom one. You can also choose an emoji. Tap Continue . To register the AirTag with your Apple ID, tap Continue again. Tap Done when you’re finished.

How far does an AirTag reach?

While Apple hasn’t provided exact details about the range of an AirTag, we know that AirTags work within Apple’s Find My range. So as long as your AirTag is within Bluetooth range of an iOS device, it can communicate passively with that device, so you can locate your AirTag. (Maximum Bluetooth range is about 30 feet.)

How do I know if an AirTag is tracking me?

If you see an Item Detected Near You message on your iOS device, an AirTag may be near you, and its owner may be able to see its (and your) location. If you've found an AirTag or suspect an AirTag is attached to an item you're carrying or near, tap the Item Detected Near You message and then tap Continue . To disable the AirTag, tap Instructions to Disable and follow the prompts. If you are at all concerned about your safety, immediately contact local law enforcement. If you've found an unknown AirTag on your belongings, be sure to provide it to the authorities.

Smart & Connected Life > Smart Watches & Wearables

How to Change an AirTag Battery

What you need to know about Apple AirTag battery life

By

Sam Costello

Updated on January 29, 2022

Smart Watches & Wearables

What to Know

Press down and turn counterclockwise on the back of AirTag until the cover doesn't rotate anymore. Remove the back cover and the battery.
Add a new CR2032 battery with the positive side up. Replace the back and turn it clockwise until a sound plays.
AirTag batteries are not rechargeable. Expect it to last about a year.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for changing AirTag batteries and answers essential questions about whether you can recharge AirTag batteries and other topics.

Can You Change AirTag Battery?

If the battery has expired, or is about to expire, you can change an AirTag battery by following these steps:

Place the AirTag with the stainless steel back facing up.
Press down on the back with your fingers and rotate counterclockwise until the cover can't turn anymore.
Remove the back cover and remove the battery.

Because these parts are small and easy to lose, take care when disassembling an AirTag around small children.
Replace the battery with a standard CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery, with the positive side of the battery facing up.

According to Apple, CR2032 batteries with bitterant coatings may not work with AirTags. The bitterant layer is there to stop children from playing with the battery. Check the packaging of your batteries to see if they have this coating.
Replace the back cover and rotate until the back can't turn anymore and a sound plays.

You don't need to set up the AirTag again after changing the battery. All previous configurations are saved.

Does an AirTag Have a Battery?

The Apple AirTag tracker uses a standard CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. You can purchase these batteries in electronics stores, drug stores, convenience stores, and similar retailers.

Does an AirTag Need to Be Charged?

No, you don't need to charge AirTag batteries. CR2032 3V batteries are disposable, so you can't recharge them.

According to Apple, on average, a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery will last for about one year when used in an AirTag.

You can check how much battery life your AirTags have by going to the Find My app on your iPhone. Tap the AirTag whose battery life you want to check, and the battery icon beneath the item's name provides an estimate of its remaining battery life.

Since the Find My app exists only on iPhone, learn about the process for finding an AirTag using Android.

What Happens When AirTag Battery Dies?

If you don't manage to replace an AirTag battery before its charge runs out and the AirTag battery dies, you won't be able to track the device's current location. The AirTag can't communicate with Apple's Find My network without a charged battery. As a result, checking the Find My app will show you the last known location of the AirTag before the battery died.

Once you have the AirTag in hand again, replace the battery following the instructions above.

FAQ

How do I set up an AirTag?

Setting up an Apple AirTag is easy. First, pull out the small plastic tab to activate the battery. Next, hold the AirTag near your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and tap Connect. (Make sure there’s only one AirTag near your iOS device at a time; otherwise, you’ll see the message More than one AirTag detected.) Next, select an AirTag name from the list or create a custom one. You can also choose an emoji. Tap Continue. To register the AirTag with your Apple ID, tap Continue again. Tap Done when you’re finished.
How far does an AirTag reach?

While Apple hasn’t provided exact details about the range of an AirTag, we know that AirTags work within Apple’s Find My range. So as long as your AirTag is within Bluetooth range of an iOS device, it can communicate passively with that device, so you can locate your AirTag. (Maximum Bluetooth range is about 30 feet.)
How do I know if an AirTag is tracking me?

If you see an Item Detected Near You message on your iOS device, an AirTag may be near you, and its owner may be able to see its (and your) location. If you've found an AirTag or suspect an AirTag is attached to an item you're carrying or near, tap the Item Detected Near You message and then tap Continue. To disable the AirTag, tap Instructions to Disable and follow the prompts. If you are at all concerned about your safety, immediately contact local law enforcement. If you've found an unknown AirTag on your belongings, be sure to provide it to the authorities.

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