Apple’s AirTag tracking devices utilize the Find My network to help you locate lost items. However, sometimes your AirTag may not show up in the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. Here are the top solutions for fixing an AirTag missing from Find My.
Table of Contents
Check Location Services Settings
The first thing to check is whether Location Services are enabled for the Find My app on your device. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and scroll down to Find My. Make sure Location Access is set to “Allow While Using App” and Precise Location is enabled. If Location Services are disabled, your devices cannot accurately report the location of your AirTag.
Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that may be preventing your AirTag from appearing in Find My. To restart, press and hold the side or volume button and drag the slider to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn your iPhone back on. Open Find My and check if your AirTag is now listed.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings may clear up any connectivity issues that could cause your AirTag to not show up properly. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset Wi-Fi networks, cellular settings, and other network-related configurations, which could resolve the missing AirTag.
Check If Other Devices Are Visible
Open Find My on another Apple device signed into your iCloud account, like an iPad or Mac. Check if you can see your other Apple devices listed there. If other devices are also missing, it likely indicates an issue with Find My or iCloud that needs to be addressed first before troubleshooting your AirTag.
Update iOS Software
Make sure your iPhone, iPad, and any other Apple devices are updated to the latest iOS or iPadOS version. Software updates often include bug fixes and optimizations for Find My and connectivity services required for AirTag tracking. Updating may resolve a software-related issue causing the problem.
Remove AirTag Battery
If your AirTag is brand new, try removing its battery for 60 seconds, then reinserting it. This forces a hard reset which could kickstart communication between the AirTag and your devices. Repeat this remove and replace process a few times while holding the AirTag near your iPhone to troubleshoot.
Factory Reset AirTag
If no other fixes resolve your AirTag missing in Find My, try factory resetting the AirTag itself. Twist off the silver cover and remove the battery. Replace the battery and remove it 4 more times in quick succession. This should fully reset your AirTag’s settings and connectivity. Then try setting it up again.
Contact Apple Support
If you still cannot get your AirTag to appear in the Find My app after trying all troubleshooting steps, your last resort is to contact Apple Support directly. Provide the serial number and details of your issue, as well as the troubleshooting you have attempted. They can further advise or potentially replace the AirTag if a hardware defect exists.
Following these troubleshooting tips should help you get a missing AirTag showing properly in Find My again. Check that Location Services, software, and internet connectivity are enabled, then try resetting your iPhone and AirTag to re-establish communication. Get in touch with Apple if problems persist after troubleshooting.
