'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
How to add an AirTag to Find My on iPhone
An AirTag, Apple's much-improved rendition of a Tile, is a helpful tool for anyone from the traveler, bike commuter, or just a downright forgetful person.
Using it to track your most important -- or most forgotten -- items is as easy as opening an app on your iPhone.
Also: 5 ways AirTags can simplify your life
But if you just bought or received a new AirTag, how do you get started?
How to add an AirTag to Find My on my iPhone
1. Unbox the AirTag and remove the plastic film
Unboxing is the first part of the fun when you get a new device and, like all Apple devices, the AirTag doesn't disappoint. Get your new AirTag out of the box and remove the plastic film completely. The AirTag will turn on and play a sound when you pull the tab from the battery.
2. Unlock your iPhone and place it near the AirTag
Once your AirTag has chirped to announce it's on, unlock your iPhone to add it to Find My. To do this, hold your AirTag near your iPhone until a pop-up comes up on your screen prompting you to "Connect" your AirTag.
3. Name your AirTag
Choose a name from the list of things your iPhone provides or create your own name.
I'll choose the name Keys for this example.
4. Follow the prompts on your iPhone to finish adding your AirTag
A message will appear disclosing that the AirTag you're adding will be linked to your Apple ID, which means it's only for tracking things that belong to you and never tracks people without their consent.
5. Your AirTag is ready to use
Allow a few seconds for your iPhone to finish pairing the AirTag to your Apple ID and it'll be ready to use. In the future, you can find your AirTags in the Find My app, by going into the Items tab.
Also: How to track an AirTag
Map is blurred for privacy.
FAQ
How do I add an AirTag if the pop-up doesn't appear on my iPhone?
If you've held your unlocked iPhone near your AirTag and aren't seeing a pop-up on your screen, you can try adding your new AirTag right from the Find My app.
Press the plus sign to add a new AirTag.
Before doing this, do check to see that you removed the plastic tab from the battery. If it's still not popping up, follow these steps:
- Hold the iPhone and AirTag near each other.
- Open the Find My app.
- Go to the Items tab.
- Press the plus (+) sign to Add a new item.
- Select Add AirTag and follow the prompts on your screen.
Can I add an AirTag to two separate phones?
Unfortunately, no. AirTags are exclusively linked to the Apple ID they are added to, so to add an AirTag to a different phone with a different Apple ID, you'd need to remove it from the previous iPhone.
Also: How to securely attach your Apple AirTag to things
If you have two iPhones with the same Apple ID, however, then you can track the AirTag from either phone.
Why is my AirTag not working?
The AirTag is a pretty simple device, so if it's not working, chances are the battery needs to be replaced. If you're having issues pairing your AirTag with your iPhone, Apple recommends taking out the battery and putting it back in. If that doesn't work, try replacing the battery.