What to Know

If your AirTag isn't connecting or the signal is weak, start by checking your location and Bluetooth settings.
You should also confirm that you have Precise Location enabled.
If that doesn't work, reset your AirTag. As a last resort, you may need to replace the battery.

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. If your AirTag won't connect, I'll help you figure out why. In this article, I'll cover key AirTag settings and teach you how to reset AirTags that aren't working as they should.

Precision Finding Not Working: AirTag 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, double-check your Bluetooth connection and 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 the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on your profile icon at the top.
Select Find My.
Tap Find My iPhone.
Make sure that Find My iPhone, Find My network, and Send Last Location are all 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 & Security.
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 the main Settings screen 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 or if you experience your AirTag not showing up, try to reset the AirTag next. To learn more about your AirTags, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

How to Reset AirTags

Resetting an AirTag can be compared to restarting your iPhone to fix some glitches. When an AirTag is removed from FindMy, it will sometimes not show up when you try to re-pair it with the same or different iPhone. Resetting AirTags can solve AirTag not connecting issues and other problems:

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 sometimes takes multiple resets to be able to re-pair your AirTag with your iPhone. If the AirTag reset is not working and you are still experiencing issues, contact Apple Support.

Now you know how to reset an AirTag that isn't connecting! You should be able to connect AirTags to your iPhone normally after a reset. We hope these steps have helped you get the AirTag working properly. AirTags have some really exciting features other trackers don't offer, such as precision tracking. You can also customize Left Behind notification alerts for AirTags.

FAQ

How to check AirTag battery life? 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 with a basic CR2032 battery that you can buy in most drug or convenience stores.
How to set up AirTags? Setting up AirTags is quite simple; just bring your AirTag close to your phone and follow the on-screen directions. If you are concerned about safety, you may want to look into AirTag privacy issues.
Are AirTags waterproof? No, but AirTags are as water-resistant as iPhones, so they can spend up to 30 minutes underwater with a maximum depth of 1 meter (3.2 feet) without experiencing permanent damage.
Is your AirTag not updating the location? While you cannot refresh your AirTag's location manually, you can learn how to better track your AirTag and use AirTag Lost Mode.