Tips & How tos

AirTags not Connecting – How to Fix it

If you are forgetful and cannot keep track of your essentials, AirTags by Apple is the product for you. AirTags help you quickly identify and find your belongings and can be tracked using an app on your Apple device that the AirTags are connected to.

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However, a widespread problem with these AirTags is connectivity. Many users have complained about it and have been looking for ways to address it independently. Just to be clear, AirTag not Reachable is different from this one.

In this article, we will discuss the possible causes for your AirTag not working, how you can fix this problem and other troubleshooting steps for your AirTag.

Possible Reasons Why Your AirTags are Not Connecting

Here is a list of possible reasons your AirTag device is acting up.

  • AirTag is Connected to Too Many Devices

In case the AirTag has been connected to multiple items (a maximum of 16 AirTags are allowed), it can sometimes cause connectivity issues with the device it is linked to. So, you should remove some of the AirTags that are not in use currently to get over this issue.

  • AirTags not Connecting After Battery Change.

If you have replaced the battery for some of your AirTags, the battery may need to be fixed or authentic, causing it to not connect with the device properly. You can replace the battery with another AirTag to see if the problem is with the battery or the AirTag.

  • AirTags are not Connecting after Reset.

After resetting the AirTag, the settings go back to default. It means the device it was previously connected to will have to be paired again to get the AirTag to function correctly.

How to fix AirTag not Connecting

Now that we know the possible reasons for the AirTag connectivity issue, below are some easy ways to fix this problem.

Ensuring only one AirTag is near your iPhone

Since AirTag comes in a bundle of four or one, it is crucial to keep all AirTags separately. If all the AirTags are kept near the connected device, i.e., your iPhone, it will need to be clarified for the device on which AirTag should pair first, creating connectivity issues. So, ensure you keep all the AirTags far away from the device when you pair them. You can also ensure that the battery for each AirTag is activated after the previous one is active and paired.

Removing and reinserting the AirTag battery

After you have separated all the AirTags and are still unable to pair them to your iPhone, the next thing to do is remove the battery and put it back in the AirTag. You can take out the batter of the AirTag by pressing on to its stainless steel backside and rotating it in the anti-clockwise direction. Once you reach the end, the rotation will stop, and you can open the two sides to find the AirTag battery.

Take out the battery from the device and then put it back in. Now, put the battery cover back and press the cover down. Again, rotate the cover in a clockwise direction this time. Now, pair the AirTag with your device to see if it works.

Resetting your AirTag

If the above method does not work, you should consider resetting the AirTag by following the steps below.

  • Press down on the steel covering on the AirTag and rotate the cover anti-clockwise until it can’t rotate anymore.
  • Once you open the cover, please remove the battery from the holder and then put it back.
  • Now press on the battery and ensure you hear the sound confirming the battery has been fixed properly.
  • Repeat the process four times and ensure the battery is removed and inserted back with the sound, confirming it has been placed in the holder.
  • Once done, put the steel cover of the battery back on and ensure that you put the three tabs against the slots on the AirTag and then press the cover. Wait until you hear the sound from the AirTag, confirming the cover is appropriately sealed.
  • Rotate the shiny cover clockwise until it is closed and cannot be rotated further.

It should reset the AirTag now. In case this also does not resolve the connectivity issue with your AirTag, try the following method now.

Toggling Location Services and Bluetooth

Your AirTag requires Bluetooth to sync up with your iPhone and Location access to connect with the app. However, if the Bluetooth and Location Service options have not been switched on, AirTag would not be able to connect with your iPhone. So, make sure to check that both these settings are switched on. If these are on, you should switch them back off, wait for 10 seconds and then switch them back on to see if the issue is still persistent. Now, try to connect back the AirTag to your iPhone and see if it is working.

You can toggle the Bluetooth feature off and then switch back on by opening the control centre and swiping the toggle downwards. It will switch off the Bluetooth and can be switched on by toggling it upwards.

Further, to switch off the Location service, go to the Settings option and select the Privacy option. After this, use the toggle to switch off the Location service and then switch it on.

Enabling Find My Device

Once you have tried the above methods, ensure that the Find My option on your device is always switched on. Even though the setting is on by default, you must ensure it by checking whether it is on or off. In case the feature is switched off, toggle it back on.

Rebooting your device

There is also a technical glitch in your iPhone that is causing connectivity issues with the AirTag. It would help if you reboot the iPhone to ensure this is not the case. Most of the time, rebooting the device can resolve significant connectivity issues. Once you reboot the device, bring the AirTag near your iPhone, and wait until the iPhone scans for the nearby available devices and AirTag’s name appears on the screen. Please tap on the device name to connect it.

Updating your device

It would be best to keep your iPhone software updated. When connecting your device to an AirTag, remember that the AirTags can only be used with devices that have iOS 14.5 and later versions. So, if your iPhone has an iOS version before 14.5, you should update its software. The latest OS version for your iPhone can be easily found on the official Apple website and you can install it from there on your device.

Alternatively, you can go to the Settings section on your device, click on the General menu and select the Software Update option. Now, if new software is available, you will be able to see it here, select the Download and Install option, enter the passcode for your device, and the software update will start right after.

Resetting network settings

The problem is often with the network settings rather than the device or your AirTags. Hence, it would help if you tried to reset the network settings by using the below steps-

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings and tap the General menu.
  2. At the bottom of the menu, look for the Reset menu. Here, select the Reset Network Settings option.
  3. Now, once the pop-up screen comes, add your iPhone password, and then click on the Reset Network Settings option once more.

It should reset the network settings, returning it to the default setup. In case there was any problem with the network until now, it should be resolved, and your network should be back to normal. If your AirTag could not connect with your iPhone, this should resolve that too.

AirTag Troubleshooting Tips

After you have performed the above steps, you should also consider the below troubleshooting tips to ensure the AirTag is appropriately connected to your device.

  • Fixing precision finding and signal strength issues

If the Precision Finding option is not working, remember to check that the technology it is based on is allowed in your country. You can also check if the Precision Finding is enabled or not. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone, and under the Privacy menu, look for Location Services. Here you will be able to locate the Find My App option. Ensure the While Using the App is selected, and the Precision Finding toggle bar is switched on.

  • How to reset an AirTag

You can reset an AirTag if it stops working or you face connectivity issues. It will allow the AirTag to go back to its default settings. All you need to do is remove the battery from the stainless steel cover and then put them back on. You will need to do this four times repeatedly. Once through, just put the cover back on, rotate it, and press it down until you hear a sound.

If the AirTag is not functioning correctly, check if its battery life is over. You can easily replace the AirTag battery with a new CR2032 lithium coin-cell battery, even though the AirTag battery is said to have a life of 12 months.

Conclusion

AirTag has excellent benefits. However, checking its battery life and whether the device is being misused is crucial. Moreover, if there is a connectivity problem, I hope the above troubleshooting tips and methods were helpful and you were able to resolve the issue for your AirTags. 

And remember that it is not just the AirTag, but its battery, the device you are connecting it to, and the network that may be at fault and that there is no technical glitch with the AirTag itself.