Here’s everything you need to know about setting up and using your AirTags once you buy them.
Apple / Screenshot by CNET
This story is part of Apple event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple headquarters.
Apple is new AirTags tracking equipment debuted at the tech giant on Tuesday virtual product launch event. The beacon style devices work in the same way as Tile and The SmartTag from Samsung Bluetooth trackers and can help you find lost items like your keys, backpack and more by tracking them with the Find my app and iOS 14.5.
Apple AirTags cost $ 29 (£ 29, AU $ 45) each or $ 99 (£ 99, AU $ 149) for a pack of four, and will available for preorder on Friday. They will go on sale in stores on April 30. You can also find several AirTags accessories such as key rings and spectacle belts available from third party vendors such as Belkin.
But once you get your AirTags, how do you actually use them? Here’s what you need to know to get started with AirTags.
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How to set up your AirTags
Apple says the AirTags setup is similar to how you activate AirPods. Here’s what to do once you get your hands on the devices.
1. Find the Find My app on your iPhone or compatible Apple device. The app must be pre-installed, but you must set it up.
2. Pair your AirTag with your iPhone. All you need to do is bring the AirTag close to your iPhone and it should connect.
3. Follow the steps on the screen to name your new item (eg “My car keys” if you attach your AirTag to your keys) and register it under your Apple ID.
Pairing your AirTags with your iPhone is easy thanks to Bluetooth technology.
Apple
4. Once the AirTag is linked, you should be able to see it under Items in the app, where you can see the current or last known location on a map.
5. Attach the AirTag to the item you want to track: your keys, your phone, whatever.
Find nearby items with AirTags or turn on Lost Mode
Another great feature: if the item you’ve lost is within Bluetooth range, you can use the Find My app to play a sound from the AirTag to help you find it. You can also ask Siri to find the item, and the AirTag will make a sound if it’s nearby. If you have a iPhone 11 or iPhone 12you can take advantage of the Precision Search feature, which can help guide you to the AirTag with more accurate directions.
If you lost your item in a public place, you can put the AirTag in lost mode and be notified as soon as it is in range or located by the Find My network. If someone finds it, they can tap it with their iPhone or any other NFC-compatible device and be taken to a website to display the owner’s contact information, if you have set that up.
Look for more information how to use the Find My app, and everything you need to know about iOS 14.5.
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