If your iPhone cannot find your AirTag, it could be due to connectivity issues, settings misconfigurations, or hardware problems. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to fix the issue and reconnect your AirTag quickly.
Check If AirTag Is Properly Set Up
Ensure AirTag Is Linked to Your Apple ID
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap Items and check if your AirTag appears.
- If it does not, the AirTag may not be linked to your Apple ID.
- Reset the AirTag and set it up again.
Verify That Bluetooth, Location Services, and Find My Are Enabled
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and check if Location Services are enabled.
- Open Find My > Me and ensure Find My Network is turned on.
Restart Your iPhone and AirTag
Restart Your iPhone
- Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons (on newer iPhones) until the slide to power off appears.
- Slide to turn off the device, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
Reset the AirTag
- Remove the AirTag from your Apple ID in the Find My app.
- Press down on the AirTag’s back cover and rotate it counterclockwise to remove the battery.
- Wait a few seconds, then reinsert the battery until you hear a sound.
- Repeat the process four times (hearing the sound each time).
- After the fourth time, reassemble the AirTag and re-add it to your Apple ID.
Check for Software and Firmware Updates
Update iPhone to the Latest iOS Version
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Ensure AirTag Firmware Is Updated
- Open Find My and check the firmware version of your AirTag under Items.
- AirTag firmware updates automatically when in Bluetooth range of your iPhone.
- If it is outdated, keep your AirTag near your iPhone for a while to allow it to update.
Check AirTag Battery and Replace If Needed
- Open Find My > Items and select the AirTag.
- If the battery is low or dead, replace it with a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery.
- Some batteries with bitterant coating may not work properly.
Verify iPhone and AirTag Are Within Range
- The AirTag uses Bluetooth with a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters).
- Move closer to the AirTag and check if it reconnects.
- If it still does not show up, try moving to a different location to rule out interference.
Check for Signal Interference
- Metal objects, thick walls, and electronic devices can interfere with Bluetooth signals.
- Move to an open space and check if your iPhone can detect the AirTag.
Remove and Re-Add AirTag to Find My App
- Open Find My > Items.
- Select your AirTag and tap Remove Item.
- Reset the AirTag and set it up again by bringing it near your iPhone.
Reset Network Settings on iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings (this will erase Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections).
- Restart the iPhone and check if the AirTag appears in Find My.
Check if AirTag Is Marked as Lost or Belongs to Someone Else
- If the AirTag was previously lost and found by someone else, it might be locked to their Apple ID.
- If you found an AirTag that is not yours, check if it is in Lost Mode in the Find My app.
Use Another Apple Device to Detect the AirTag
- Try using another iPhone, iPad, or Mac signed in with the same Apple ID.
- If another device detects the AirTag, the issue may be with your iPhone.
Contact Apple Support
- If none of the above steps work, your AirTag may be defective.
- Visit Apple Support or go to an Apple Store for further assistance.