AirTag Not Connecting: A List of Common Connection Issues and How to Fix Them

The Apple AirTag is a device that helps you keep track objects, but sometimes, there may be glitches, and it may not connect properly. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common connection problems you might face.

Going forward, we'll break down some of the most common AirTag connectivity issues. And for each problem, we’ll also explain the best way to solve it. Hopefully, this will help you identify the problem you're having and fix it. Fingers crossed.

AirTag Battery Is Low or Dead

One problem you may have with your AirTag is that the battery is low or dead. Remember that AirTag batteries typically lasts about a year, so sometimes, you might not even realize that you need to replace it.

The Find My app will tell you if the battery is low or dead. The good news is this issue is an easy fix: All you need to do is replace the AirTag battery. Purchase a 2V CR2032 battery, open the AirTag by turning the metal part counterclockwise, and replace the inner battery with the new one.

Apple ID Connecting Issues

If someone gave you AirTag or you bought it used, it might still be associated with someone else’s Apple ID, which means that it won’t work with yours. This Apple ID pairing problem can happen if you switch iPhones or iCloud accounts, and the device simply won’t connect.

Either way, the best solution is to reset your AirTag and reconnect it to your iCloud account. To do this, go to the Find My app, click Items, and tap on AirTag. On your tracker’s options screen, select Delete. This action will reset the AirTag. Then, all you have to do is set it up again.

You Can't Connect Your AirTag After Changing the Battery

Another common problem involves your AirTag not working after you change the battery. It may not respond to your commands or emit a tracking or location beep. In this case, there’s another method you can use to reset your tracker correctly.

Remove the AirTag cover and extract the battery. Once you do, wait a few seconds. Then insert the battery and press it just above the contact pins until you hear the sound from the connection. Hold the battery down to disconnect it.

Press the battery again to hear the connection beep and hold it down until it disconnects. Do this four times. The sound will be different the fifth time. You’re now in pairing mode, and your iPhone should recognize the AirTag and allow you to add it to your AppleID.

Your AirTag Doesn’t Show Up in the Find My App

If your AirTag doesn’t appear in the Find My app, something may have disconnected it from your account. It doesn’t matter if you have the device nearby because it won’t appear on your iPhone’s screen.

To reconnect it, repeat the steps in the previous section. First, try removing and reinserting the battery. If that doesn’t work, you can go through the previous steps of inserting and removing the battery to get into pairing mode.

You Don’t Get AirTag Notifications

AirTags can send notifications to the device they're paired it with, which lets you know when you’re moving far away from your tracked object. This helps you  avoid situations like leaving your wallet or keys at home. Sometimes, though, you might not get these notifications, and the reason could be simple.

If you aren’t receiving AirTag notifications, this may be due to the reasons listed above, but if you have paired your device correctly, make sure you have notifications turned on. So, go to the Find My app and click on the device. In the app, you can see if notifications are enabled.

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