Learn what to do if your AirTag isn’t working, precision finding is on the fritz, or if your battery runs out of juice!

By Olena Kagui Updated 02/15/2023

What to Know

Check location and Bluetooth settings.
Confirm that you have Precise Location enabled.
Try resetting your AirTag, or replace its battery.

Apple AirTags are the newest addition to the Apple ecosystem. Just as any new device, it comes with many exciting features but also many questions! I will walk you through AirTag troubleshooting tips and help you figure out why your AirTag isn’t working.

What Are Apple AirTags?

Before I dive into troubleshooting, let me explain what AirTags are. AirTags are tracking devices that work with Find My and can help you find everyday devices such as keys, wallets, backpacks, and so much more. They even happen to be water-resistant, so you can safely bring them to the beach.

Setting up AirTags is quite simple, but they don't work perfectly. One big concern has been safety; you can read about AirTag privacy issues here. So far, the only issue I have experienced personally is with re-pairing a removed AirTag. Let me tell you how I fixed it!

Return to top

Common AirTag Issues

In general, AirTags seem to work exactly as they should. However, a few common errors have been reported. One occurs when an AirTag is removed from FindMy. After it is removed, it does not show up when you try to re-pair it with the same or different iPhone.

Another issue is a weak signal that makes precision finding unavailable. This can result in an AirTag Not Reachable, Move Around to Connect error message. This usually means you are out of the AirTag's Bluetooth range or something is interfering with the signal.

Finally, if the AirTag suddenly stops working altogether, it is possible that the battery ran out. Although your iPhone is supposed to warn you when it's low, it's possible to miss it. If you're not getting Left Behind alerts for your AirTag, you can find out how to turn on and customize Left Behind notifications, too. To learn more about your AirTags, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

Return to top

AirTag Precision Finding Not Working: Signal is Weak Notification

If the precision finding on your AirTag isn’t working or you are getting an AirTag Not Reachable error message, it may be caused by a weak signal. If you get a weak signal notification, try going to a different location to see if it’s better there. If this keeps happening or if moving doesn’t help, you’ll need to check your settings.

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap on your name.
Select Find My.
Tap Find My iPhone.
Make sure that everything is toggled on.
Return to Settings and tap Bluetooth.
Make sure Bluetooth is toggled on.
Next, check that your Wi-Fi or cellular connection is strong.
Return to Settings and tap Privacy.
Select Location Services.
Make sure Location Services is toggled on.
Next, scroll down and tap Find My.
Make sure that Ask Next Time or While Using the App is selected.
Also, make sure that Precision Location is toggled on.
Finally, make sure that your iPhone is up to date by returning to Settings and tapping General.
Tap Software Update.

If an update is available, update your iPhone. Updates can help fix known bugs and issues. If the issue persists, try to reset the AirTag next.

Return to top

How to Reset an AirTag

Resetting an AirTag can be compared to restarting your iPhone to fix some glitches. When I removed an AirTag from Find My and tried to pair it again, it wouldn’t show up until I reset it. Resetting might also solve other issues:

Open the AirTag by placing your fingers on either side of the Apple logo and turning the cap counterclockwise.
Remove the cap and battery.
Put the battery back in the same direction it was when you opened the AirTag. Press down on it until you hear a sound.
When the sound finishes, remove the battery again and put it back in, then push down on it.
Repeat this process four times.
The fifth time you do it, the sound will be different. This indicates that the AirTag can be paired again.
Put the cover back on, aligning the tabs over the slots.
Push down and rotate clockwise until it is tightly closed.

Pro Tip: It took me multiple resets to be able to re-pair my AirTag with my iPhone. If the AirTag reset is not working and you are still experiencing issues, contact Apple support directly.

Return to top

How to Check AirTag Battery Life & Replace It

There is currently no way to see your AirTag's battery life. However, you will receive a low battery warning when it’s time to get a new one. How long does an AirTag battery last? According to Apple, AirTags can last up to a year with regular use. AirTag batteries are not rechargeable, so if your AirTag is not turning on, you will have to replace the battery.

If you are wondering how to replace an AirTag battery, follow the steps in the previous section to remove the lid, replace the battery, and replace the lid again. AirTags use a basic CR2032 battery that you can buy in most drug or convenience stores.

Return to top

AirTags are a long-awaited product that I personally love using. It has some exciting features other trackers don't offer, such as precision tracking. Read about all the AirTag features and how it compares to its competitors here, and learn how to clean your AirTag.

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.