How to Fix AirTags Not Working with iPhone or iPad
AirTags are a convenient way to keep track of your belongings, but they can be frustrating when they’re not working properly. If you’re having trouble getting your AirTag to work with your iPhone or iPad, there are a few things you can try.
Check Your Bluetooth Connection
The first thing to check is your Bluetooth connection. AirTags use Bluetooth to communicate with your iPhone or iPad, so make sure that Bluetooth is turned on and that your AirTag is within range. You can check your Bluetooth connection by going to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad.
Reset Your AirTag
If your Bluetooth connection is fine, but your AirTag is still not working, you can try resetting it. To reset your AirTag, remove the battery and wait 5 seconds. Then, reinsert the battery and hold down the button on the back of the AirTag for 10 seconds. The AirTag will reset and start flashing white.
Update Your iPhone or iPad Software
If you’re still having trouble getting your AirTag to work, you can try updating your iPhone or iPad software. Software updates often include fixes for bugs that can affect AirTags. To update your software, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad.
Check for Battery Life
AirTags use a small battery that needs to be replaced every year or so. If your AirTag’s battery is low, it may not be able to connect to your iPhone or iPad. You can check the battery life of your AirTag by going to the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
Check for Firmware Updates
AirTags also have firmware updates that can be installed to fix bugs and improve performance. To check for firmware updates, go to the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad and select the Items tab. Then, select your AirTag and tap on the Firmware Version section. If there is an update available, tap on the Update button.
Conclusion
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your AirTag is still not working, you may need to contact Apple Support. Apple Support can help you troubleshoot the issue and determine if your AirTag needs to be replaced.
FAQ about AirTag Not Working with iPhone/iPad
1. Why won’t my AirTag connect to my iPhone or iPad?
- Make sure your device is compatible with AirTags (iPhone 11 or later, iPad Pro or Air 4th generation or later).
- Ensure your device has Bluetooth and Location Services enabled.
- Check if the AirTag’s battery is low or needs to be replaced.
2. I can’t hear the sound from my AirTag when I trigger the "Play Sound" feature.
- Verify that the volume on your device is turned up.
- Ensure that the AirTag is within Bluetooth range.
- Move closer to the AirTag to enhance signal strength.
3. My AirTag shows "Unknown Accessory" on my device.
- Reset your AirTag by removing the battery and reinserting it.
- Ensure that you are signed in to iCloud on the same Apple ID associated with your AirTags.
- Check for available updates for your iOS or iPadOS.
4. How do I unpair an AirTag from my iPhone or iPad?
- Tap the AirTag in the "Find My" app on your device.
- Scroll down and select "Remove Item."
- Confirm the removal by tapping "Remove."
5. My AirTag keeps disconnecting from my device.
- Move the AirTag closer to your device to maintain a strong Bluetooth connection.
- Ensure that your device’s battery level is sufficient.
- Check for any interference from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi signals.
6. How do I update the firmware on my AirTag?
- AirTag firmware updates are installed automatically when connected to an iPhone or iPad.
- Ensure that your device has an active internet connection.
- The AirTag will update itself overnight while connected to your device.
7. Why is the location of my AirTag not updating?
- Check if Location Services is enabled for your device.
- Ensure that your AirTag is within range of an iPhone or iPad.
- Wait for the location to update as it may take some time.
8. How do I know if my AirTag is being tracked?
- Your device will receive a notification if an unknown AirTag is traveling with you.
- You can also manually scan for AirTags nearby by tapping "New AirTag Detected" in the Notification Center.
9. Can I use an AirTag to track people?
- No, AirTags are not designed to track people. Using them for this purpose violates Apple’s privacy policy.
10. What should I do if I lose my AirTag?
- Mark your AirTag as lost in the "Find My" app.
- This will put it into "Lost Mode" and notify you if it is detected.
- If found, the finder can scan the AirTag to get your contact information for return.