AirTag Not Connecting? Here’s How to Fix It

Apple’s AirTag tracking device has been around for quite some time now. While most users find it useful, there might be times when an AirTag malfunctions. It may not connect nor show up in the Find My app on your iPhone, for example. If that’s the case, here’s what you need to do to fix it.

How to Fix AirTag Is Not Connecting

1. Change Your AirTag’s Battery

The main reason why your AirTag is not connecting is a low or depleted battery. In this case, you will have to simply change the battery.

Unfortunately, since you currently can’t find it on Find My, you have no way of checking the battery status. So, the next time your AirTag shows up again in Find My, be sure to check if the battery needs to be replaced. You can check the battery status by following the steps below.

1. Open Find My.
2. Click the Items tab, then tap the AirTag.
3. If your AirTag’s battery is running low, there will be an alert next to the indicator. This alert will say, “Low Battery.”

If your AirTag’s battery needs to be replaced, you can follow our directions to replace it and ensure the new one works.

2. Restart Your Device

Since the AirTag is connected to your iPhone, the only way that you can reset it is by restarting your iPhone. Hopefully, by doing so, it will show up again in Find My. So, there’s no harm in doing so.

3. Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS Version

Unlike other Apple devices, you can’t force update your AirTag’s firmware. Therefore, updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version could make it show up again in Find My. That’s because Apple may have rolled out updates with the Find My app that address the issue at hand.

4. Reset Location & Privacy on Your iPhone

Occasionally, an iPhone will be unable to connect to an AirTag because of problems with Location Services on the handset. The only way to cure this particular issue is by resetting the Location & Privacy settings on your iPhone.

5. Make Sure You’re Not Using a Managed Apple ID

If you’re using an iPhone or iPad with a Managed Apple ID, you won’t be able to use AirTag. Managed Apple IDs are typically used by schools and businesses and have certain restrictions. One of those limitations is the inability to pair AirTags.

To use AirTag, you’ll need a personal Apple ID, which allows access to all of Apple’s consumer features and services.

You can, however, share your AirTag with others using a private Apple ID account.

7. Manually Reset Your AirTag

If you’re not aware of this, you can manually reset your AirTag by simply removing its battery. If you have successfully replaced the battery, you can easily reset your AirTag manually as well. Try removing the battery and placing it back again at least four times to completely reset your AirTag. After resetting, you need to set it up again on your iPhone.

1. Place your AirTag near your iPhone.
2. Tap Connect when it appears on your iPhone’s screen.
3. Tap Finish once the setup process is done.

Hopefully, after manually resetting your device, it will show up again in Find My. If not, the next tip might solve the problem.

8. Update Your AirTag’s Firmware

Unfortunately, Apple has not yet come up with a way for AirTag owners to force the update of the accessory’s firmware. It’s still done over the air through iOS updates on a connected iPhone. So the trick here is that when Apple announces firmware updates for AirTag, make sure to bring it he tracker near your iPhone and wait for the update to be rolled out to the device. You can check the firmware version of your AirTag by following the steps below.

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Items tab.
3. Select your AirTag.
4. Tap your AirTag’s name.
   

You can see your AirTag’s serial number and current firmware version. Check if it’s the same as the version that Apple just rolled out.

9. Check Location Settings on Your iPhone

Most of the time, users may overlook the fact that Location Services on their devices are disabled. If that’s the case, you won’t see your AirTag showing up in Find My. So, make sure Location Services is turned on. On your iPhone simply go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Find My > While Using the App.