Make the most of your Apple AirTags with these tips and tricks

The emergence of Apple AirTag allows you to no longer worry about losing items. From keys to suitcase, these miniature trackers can connect to almost anything and report their location in the Find app on your iPhone.

As with most Apple products, AirTag’s design philosophy is “plug and play”. But if you have this type of device, you will definitely want to make the most of it with some advanced tips.

1. Prevent AirTag Tracking

Theoretically, if someone puts an AirTag in your bag, they should be able to see where you have been, right? OK, only to a certain extent.

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and the device detects that the AirTag is close to you and registers with someone else, you will see a "Discover AirTag Moves with You" message.

You can click this message to make the AirTag sound so that you can find it. If the AirTag is attached to your item and is not simply lost by the owner, for example, your device also provides the option to disable AirTag tracking.

[Related: Apple AirTag has built-in anti-tracking technology]

Unfortunately, if you don't carry your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with you, you won't see this alert. In this case, you just have to wait – the AirTag that is disconnected from the owner for three days will make a sound. This should remind you that AirTag is moving with you, although at that time the owner will still have three days of data on your whereabouts.

2. Reset AirTag to factory settings

It is always useful to understand how to reset the device to factory settings. This will be very convenient if your device stops working, or if you inherit a device that is still registered under the previous owner.

To reset the AirTag, you need to press your finger firmly against the stainless steel back cover and rotate it counterclockwise until you remove it. Remove the battery, put it back, and press until you hear a sound.

You need to do five such battery removal and replacement processes. On the fifth time, the sound from the AirTag will be slightly different and the device will be reset. You can then replace the back cover and set it to a new AirTag using your iPhone.

3. Learn more about your AirTag

You can view information about your AirTag, including where it was last recorded, by launching the Find app on your phone. There, click "Item" and click the AirTag you want to know.

At the top of the message card, you will see the name of the AirTag and the remaining battery power. But there is more – you can click on the battery symbol to see the serial number of the device and its firmware version, which is very useful for identifying and troubleshooting these devices.

4. View AirTag attachment

Apple and third-party manufacturers are scrambling to launch stands, covers and straps for AirTags. If you want to know how to connect your device to one of your precious items, there is probably an attachment that will do the job.

[Related: Even without 5G hype, the iPhone 12 Pro is a major upgrade]

Take the time to see what products are available, which may even give you some new ideas on how to use your tracking device.

5. Return the lost AirTag

If you encounter an AirTag that is not yours, you can check if it has been registered as missing and return it to the original owner. You don't even need an iPhone to do this – as long as your phone has near field communication (NFC) capabilities (which most modern smartphones have), you're ready to go.

Simply put the AirTag near the back of the phone for a few seconds. An alert should pop up and take you to a website that lists the owner's contact information. You can then contact them to return the AirTag and whatever it is connected to.

6. Use AirTag as a trigger

When it comes to NFC, you can use your AirTag as an NFC trigger to start automated operations in the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. For example, you can tap AirTag to turn on the downstairs lights, load the route to your home, or start playing your favorite playlist.

The "Shortcuts" app is pre-installed on your iPhone. To start using it with AirTag, click "Automatic" and then click the (plus) button. There, select "Create Personal Automation" and finally click "NFC". Once the tag is scanned, you can select the action you want AirTag to trigger.

7. Use AirTag on older phones

The ultra-wideband U1 chip built into iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 provides more precise location tracking, and also supports cool augmented reality navigation of lost AirTags.

[Related: Apple AirTag: 8 FAQs]

But, if you don't have the latest iPhone version, don't be discouraged. You won't get detailed routes to your AirTag (or what Apple calls "precision search"), but you'll be able to find them like you would find any other destination in the Apple map. In the Find App, click the Find button and your screen will change to Route.

These routes won't be as detailed as using the U1 chip, but when you get closer, you can still make the AirTag sound to help you find its exact location.

8. Replace the battery

Apple means your AirTag has about one year battery life. But after that time, don't throw it into the landfill – you just need to replace the standard CR2032 battery inside. You will see an alert on your phone that warns your device to low battery, so you have plenty of time to replace the battery before this happens.

Once you find the new CR2032 battery, press the AirTag’s stainless steel back cover and rotate it counterclockwise to the maximum. You should then be able to remove and replace the battery before holding the cover in place.

9. Rename AirTag

If you use multiple AirTags at the same time, you need to make sure they have clear labels for easy reference. Any device you use to configure will require you to name each AirTag. But you can change the name at any time in the future, which will be very convenient if you need to reuse your device.

Open the Find App on your phone, click "Item", and then click your AirTag. Swipe the message card up and select "Rename Item" to name it a different name. If the options provided are not suitable, you can choose "Custom Name".

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