Air Tags: Here’s how to use the new Apple trackers to find the things you’re missing

This story is part of Apple event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple headquarters.

The new Apple AirTags tracking devices debuted Tuesday at the tech giant virtual product launch event. Beacon-style devices work similarly Tile and Samsung SmartTag Bluetooth trackers and can help you find lost items such as keys, backpack and more by tracking them with Find my app and iOS 14.5.

Apple AirTags costs $ 29 (GBP 29, USD 45) each or USD 99 (GBP 99, USD 149) for a package of four and will be available for pre-order Friday. They will sell in stores on April 30. You can also find different AirTags accessories, such as keychains and spectacle straps available from third-party vendors such as Belkin.

But once you get your AirTag tags, how do you actually use them? Here’s what you need to know about getting started using AirTags.

How to set up AirTags

Apple says setting up AirTags is similar to how you enable AirPods. Here’s what to do after you have the devices in hand.

1. Find the Find Me app on your iPhone or compatible Apple device. The application should be preinstalled, but you will need to configure it.

2. Associate the AirTag with your iPhone. All you have to do is bring the AirTag close to your iPhone and it should connect.

3. Follow the onscreen steps to name your new item (e.g. “My Car Keys” if you attach AirTag to the keys) and register it with your Apple ID.

4. Once the AirTag tag is associated, you should be able to see it under Elements in the app, where you can see your current or last location on a map.

5. Attach AirTag to any item you want to track – keys, phone, anything.

Find nearby items with AirTags or activate Lost Mode

Another interesting feature: if the item you misplaced is within range of Bluetooth, you can use the Find Me app to play an AirTag sound to help you find it. You can also ask Siri to find the item, and AirTag will play a sound if it is nearby. If you have a iPhone 11 or iPhone 12, you will be able to take advantage of the Precision Find function, which can help you navigate to AirTag with more precise directions.

If you misplaced your item in a public place, you may place AirTag in lost mode and receive a notification that it is within range or has been located by the Find Me network. If someone finds it, they can touch it using their iPhone or other NFC-enabled device and it can be taken to a website to display the owner’s contact information if you’ve set it up.

For more, check how to use the Find Me app, and everything you need to know about iOS 14.5.