Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
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2
votes
2
answers
592
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How can I configure my iPhone so that it rings if my Apple AirTag gets less than 1 kilometer away from my phone?
I've linked an Apple AirTag with my iPhone (i.e., I see the AirTag in the "Find My" app). The AirTag is currently in some bag far away, but it will get back to my place soon. How can I configure my phone so that it rings if the AirTag gets less than 1 kilometer away from my phone?
I've linked an Apple AirTag with my iPhone (i.e., I see the AirTag in the "Find My" app). The AirTag is currently in some bag far away, but it will get back to my place soon. How can I configure my phone so that it rings if the AirTag gets less than 1 kilometer away from my phone?
Franck Dernoncourt
(3616 rep)
May 3, 2024, 05:32 AM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2025, 01:04 AM
3
votes
2
answers
296
views
Find My on my MacBook Pro refuses to locate my AirTags, is there a way to clear its cache or something?
I have a few AirTags. They show up fine on my iPhone and iPad but on my MacBook Pro M2 they say "No location found". I have an older Intel MacBook Pro and they show up fine there. Same account on all of the devices. Only account actually. So I'm wondering if maybe I can reset the data or cache on th...
I have a few AirTags. They show up fine on my iPhone and iPad but on my MacBook Pro M2 they say "No location found". I have an older Intel MacBook Pro and they show up fine there.
Same account on all of the devices. Only account actually.
So I'm wondering if maybe I can reset the data or cache on the "Find My" app on OS X, is that possible?
Edit: I created a new user on my Mac, logged into the same icloud and it has no issues. I went back to my normal account and it can now find airtags near it but it can't find airtags that are somewhere else while my iPad sitting next to me can do it just fine and the other user account on my Mac can also do it.
Edit: I've spent hours on the phone and chat with Apple support and they don't really know what the issue is.
Any other suggestions?
casolorz
(85 rep)
Apr 21, 2023, 09:41 PM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2025, 03:03 AM
23
votes
5
answers
77344
views
How do you find an AirTag on the web
How do you find an AirTag on the web using iCloud.com's FindMyiPhone (not the app?)
How do you find an AirTag on the web using iCloud.com's FindMyiPhone (not the app?)
ina
(929 rep)
May 7, 2021, 01:32 AM
• Last activity: Feb 25, 2025, 04:26 AM
4
votes
1
answers
869
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mac OS/iOS FindMy URL scheme: Possible to open a specific person/device/item directly?
Using the URL schemes - `findmy://friend` or `friends` - `findmy://devices` - `findmy://items` opens the FindMy.app with the respective tab. But has anyone figured out whether it's possible to also activate/mark a specific item (say: a particular AirTag) directly in the list of items via URL scheme,...
Using the URL schemes
-
findmy://friend or friends
- findmy://devices
- findmy://items
opens the FindMy.app with the respective tab.
But has anyone figured out whether it's possible to also activate/mark a specific item (say: a particular AirTag) directly in the list of items via URL scheme, something like findmy://items?MyBicycleAirTag?
Dr. Woo
(964 rep)
Sep 25, 2021, 05:42 PM
• Last activity: Feb 22, 2025, 05:49 PM
5
votes
1
answers
7770
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AirTag can’t be used to recover stolen item if thief has an iPhone?
The AirTag has an anti-stalking mechanism, so than when an unknown AirTag moves with your iPhone you will get a notification. This would mean that a thief who has an iPhone will get notified that the stolen item is being tracked. The thief then can locate the AirTag with their own iPhone and disable...
The AirTag has an anti-stalking mechanism, so than when an unknown AirTag moves with your iPhone you will get a notification.
This would mean that a thief who has an iPhone will get notified that the stolen item is being tracked. The thief then can locate the AirTag with their own iPhone and disable it.
So for theft situations the AirTag seems to be pretty useless to me.
Am I missing something? Is there a solution to this built in?
bitbonk
(406 rep)
May 3, 2021, 06:34 AM
• Last activity: Feb 18, 2025, 02:31 AM
6
votes
2
answers
5468
views
Air Tag not showing on "Find My" on my Mac
I just bought an AirTag to be able to track my bike in case it gets stolen. Thing is, I have an iPad Pro, an MacBook Pro, but no iPhone. I added the AirTag with my iPad which worked great. The tag is now showing in my "Find My" app as supposed to under "Items". Anyhow, when opening the "Find My" app...
I just bought an AirTag to be able to track my bike in case it gets stolen. Thing is, I have an iPad Pro, an MacBook Pro, but no iPhone.
I added the AirTag with my iPad which worked great. The tag is now showing in my "Find My" app as supposed to under "Items".
Anyhow, when opening the "Find My" app on my MacBook pro, I don't get the AirTag, or any other items in the "items" list.
* MacBook Pro is from 2017, it runs Monterey 12.3.1
* iPad Pro is a model "MLQ62FD/A" running iOS 15.2.1
* Both devices are logged in with the same AppleID
* Location sharing in the settings is set to "on" on both devices
* "Find My" is "on" on both devices in iCloud settings
Specifically on my MacBook Pro:
* In "System Preferences" -> "Security & Privacy" -> "Location Services", "Find My" is enabled
* In "System Preferences" -> "Apple ID" -> "iCloud", "Find My" in enabled
How do I fix this so that the AirTag is showing up in the Find My app on my MacBook pro?
How do I fix this so that the AirTag is showing up in the Find My app on my MacBook pro?
Xenonite
(335 rep)
Apr 29, 2022, 06:43 PM
• Last activity: Feb 17, 2025, 06:44 AM
5
votes
4
answers
4201
views
Is there a way to find AirTags programmatically?
I want to search for my AirTags from the **web**, **macOS**, **Android**, and/or **my server**. There does not appear to be an API available to do this. Does a method exist to read this info or automatically send this info from my iPhone?
I want to search for my AirTags from the **web**, **macOS**, **Android**, and/or **my server**. There does not appear to be an API available to do this. Does a method exist to read this info or automatically send this info from my iPhone?
alejandro pereira ALEW140
(151 rep)
May 11, 2022, 06:29 PM
• Last activity: Dec 30, 2024, 09:24 AM
10
votes
0
answers
2174
views
Is it possible to programmatically (or in machine-readable form) get location data from an AirTag?
[AirTags][1] seem to be an incredibly useful way of creating a de-facto globally available location tracker, by taking advantage of the sheer number of iOS devices around. I'd love to be able to obtain an AirTag and get location data from it (or more precisely from the Apple 'Find My' network) progr...
AirTags seem to be an incredibly useful way of creating a de-facto globally available location tracker, by taking advantage of the sheer number of iOS devices around.
I'd love to be able to obtain an AirTag and get location data from it (or more precisely from the Apple 'Find My' network) programmatically or in machine-readable form, though. Currently as I understand it the location is only available through the 'Find My' tool (digression: see this fascinating recent article illustrating that), which in effect means it's limited to what's plotted on a map. Can I get lat/long co-ordinates from this? Can I programmatically trigger the request for location? This would be a great way to (for example) plot everywhere I travel, by popping one in my bag and having a central server somewhere request my location periodically and log it. Real-time would be ideal, but even a history of locations would be good.
(Note: I wasn't sure if this question was better suited for here or StackOverflow. Happy if the community wants to move it).
Andrew Ferrier
(3520 rep)
May 12, 2021, 03:52 PM
• Last activity: Dec 27, 2024, 08:46 AM
10
votes
5
answers
9801
views
Can I use a LIR2032 battery instead of a CR2032 for my AirTag?
Original AirTags use a CR2032 "coin" battery. I would like to replace it with an LiR2032 battery, which is the same size but rechargeable, while CR2032 is not. I thus feel LiR2032 is more eco-friendly. Is there any risk of damaging the device? And will there a be difference in terms of battery life?...
Original AirTags use a CR2032 "coin" battery. I would like to replace it with an LiR2032 battery, which is the same size but rechargeable, while CR2032 is not. I thus feel LiR2032 is more eco-friendly.
Is there any risk of damaging the device? And will there a be difference in terms of battery life?
In particular, I noted the following specifications:
| |CR2032|LIR2032|
|-|:-:|:-:|
|Voltage|3 V|3.7 V|
|Capacity|200 mAh|40 mAh|
Sarye Haddadi
(203 rep)
Sep 17, 2023, 09:27 AM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2024, 01:22 AM
1
votes
1
answers
414
views
Apple Watch Series 9 cannot use precision finding to locate an AirTag
I have some AirTags and an iPhone 11, all of which use Ultra-Wideband 1. With my iPhone, I can find the AirTags, but not with the Apple Watch. So, I wanted to know if the fact that the Series 9 has UWB2 prevents it from finding the AirTags. This has frustrated me so much that I am considering downgr...
I have some AirTags and an iPhone 11, all of which use Ultra-Wideband 1. With my iPhone, I can find the AirTags, but not with the Apple Watch.
So, I wanted to know if the fact that the Series 9 has UWB2 prevents it from finding the AirTags.
This has frustrated me so much that I am considering downgrading to the Series 8.
Skhaz
(125 rep)
Jul 23, 2024, 01:18 PM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2024, 01:47 PM
4
votes
2
answers
7269
views
How can I set up Airtag via my MacBook Pro M1?
I have several MacBooks and no iPhones at all - I just don't like them. I have a cat and I ordered an Airtag to follow him if he passes outside. I wonder how I can **set up** the Airtag on a MacBook. It seems to me like a ridiculous attempt from Apple to lock Airtag to an iPhone and it's quite disap...
I have several MacBooks and no iPhones at all - I just don't like them. I have a cat and I ordered an Airtag to follow him if he passes outside.
I wonder how I can **set up** the Airtag on a MacBook. It seems to me like a ridiculous attempt from Apple to lock Airtag to an iPhone and it's quite disappointing.
I would like to have any option to track my cat via MacBook M1, Mini M1, or Mac Studio. Does anyone know any way to do it?
Oleg Borisenko
(41 rep)
Jul 23, 2022, 10:40 PM
• Last activity: Jun 8, 2024, 07:28 PM
1
votes
0
answers
46
views
How to disable unknown tracker alerts for specific trusted Airtags
Is there a way to mark specific Airtags, that belong to other people, as trusted so your phone never generates stalker alerts for them? This is needed for example if you put airtags in your car, or in your childrens' bags, and they are all attached to one icloud account. Everyone in the family excep...
Is there a way to mark specific Airtags, that belong to other people, as trusted so your phone never generates stalker alerts for them?
This is needed for example if you put airtags in your car, or in your childrens' bags, and they are all attached to one icloud account. Everyone in the family except the owner gets constant useless stalker warnings. You can turn off warnings entirely but that's not desireable. You want to say "I trust *this* airtag even though I don't own it" so your own phone stops notifying it. Can you?
jay613
(2890 rep)
Jun 6, 2024, 12:04 PM
• Last activity: Jun 6, 2024, 12:49 PM
4
votes
3
answers
6791
views
New iPhone transfer did not bring AirTag info from old phone
I just got a new iPhone SE 3rd generation to replace my iPhone SE 2nd generation. I just when through the automated migration process of transferring over all info while holding the phones close. Seemed to have worked well. But I was surprised to find that the *Items* tab of the *Find My* app knows...
I just got a new iPhone SE 3rd generation to replace my iPhone SE 2nd generation. I just when through the automated migration process of transferring over all info while holding the phones close. Seemed to have worked well.
But I was surprised to find that the *Items* tab of the *Find My* app knows none of my AirTags.
👉 Is there a way to bring over those AirTag registrations? Or must I re-register AirTags with the new phone from scratch?
If re-registering is required, is the proper route that is described in Apple Support page, *How to reset your AirTag* , where you remove, replace, and press the battery inside the AirTag five times?
Basil Bourque
(13982 rep)
Mar 18, 2022, 11:41 PM
• Last activity: May 13, 2024, 03:34 AM
5
votes
3
answers
29570
views
How to stop an AirTag from beeping when not near iPhone?
I use all Apple devices, and my partner uses all Android devices - let's assume that won't change. I have put AirTags on various suitcases etc. My partner went to stay many miles away for a week. According to them, after a week or so the AirTags on these items beeped annoyingly even though they were...
I use all Apple devices, and my partner uses all Android devices - let's assume that won't change.
I have put AirTags on various suitcases etc. My partner went to stay many miles away for a week. According to them, after a week or so the AirTags on these items beeped annoyingly even though they were not being moved. My partner is now back home and the devices do not seem to be beeping.
Is there a way that I can use AirTags on items that can be moved by either of us, without them beeping and without my partner having an Apple device? Is there, for example, an Android app they can run? Alternatively, is there a way to shut the beeping up while my partner is traveling alone?
(I am aware that we may be running into anti-stalking protection or something, but my partner is quite aware of these AirTags and has indeed threatened to liquidise them!)
abligh
(1281 rep)
Apr 11, 2024, 12:52 PM
• Last activity: Apr 13, 2024, 08:39 PM
15
votes
2
answers
11719
views
How to share an AirTag with family members
I have an AirTag. I would like my wife to be able to see where it is. We are part of a family in terms of AppleID (if I download an app, she can also install it). Is there a way she can also access the AirTag’s location?
I have an AirTag. I would like my wife to be able to see where it is.
We are part of a family in terms of AppleID (if I download an app, she can also install it).
Is there a way she can also access the AirTag’s location?
tomh
(846 rep)
Apr 30, 2021, 05:17 PM
• Last activity: Apr 13, 2024, 07:52 PM
4
votes
3
answers
4532
views
can I temporarily disable an AirTag?
I have the following issue. I want my daughter to have an AirTag in her bag, but I want to disable it throughout the time she in school, as it interacts with her school iPad and makes her uncomfortable because the iPad tells her she is being tracked in front of her friends, for example. Is there a w...
I have the following issue. I want my daughter to have an AirTag in her bag, but I want to disable it throughout the time she in school, as it interacts with her school iPad and makes her uncomfortable because the iPad tells her she is being tracked in front of her friends, for example.
Is there a way to predictably disable an AirTag for a specific set time (her school hours), and then re-activate it when she leaves school? Doing it manually is fine too, as long as it doesn't require physically tinkering wit the AirTag.
user2299502
(41 rep)
Mar 19, 2024, 11:15 PM
• Last activity: Mar 21, 2024, 02:59 AM
0
votes
1
answers
571
views
Reset AirTag without iPhone
I recently got an Android phone and forgot to remove my AirTags from findmy before giving the iPhone away. I still have my MacBook. But the findmy app won't let me reset my AirTags as in remove them from my Apple ID.
I recently got an Android phone and forgot to remove my AirTags from findmy before giving the iPhone away. I still have my MacBook. But the findmy app won't let me reset my AirTags as in remove them from my Apple ID.
H3R3T1K
(523 rep)
Feb 2, 2024, 09:43 AM
• Last activity: Feb 2, 2024, 01:00 PM
0
votes
1
answers
216
views
Enable selective muting of AirTag alerts in designated areas
I've equipped my children with AirTags for their keys to ensure their belongings are trackable. However, we've encountered an issue where the AirTags sometimes emit sound during their classes at school. I suspect this happens because the students are required to turn off their phones, but the teache...
I've equipped my children with AirTags for their keys to ensure their belongings are trackable. However, we've encountered an issue where the AirTags sometimes emit sound during their classes at school. I suspect this happens because the students are required to turn off their phones, but the teacher's phone remains on. The AirTags seem to activate their sound when in proximity to an unknown iPhone. Is there a way to disable this sound feature when the AirTags are at a specific location, such as the school?
Филипп Цветков
(239 rep)
Jan 19, 2024, 02:08 PM
• Last activity: Jan 19, 2024, 06:54 PM
1
votes
0
answers
4099
views
Sharing Apple Airtag with family: Unable to share AirTag
I am trying to share my AirTag. I followed the Apple Support document [Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone][1] and updated my iOS as indicated in an answer for [How to share an AirTag with family members][2]. I have the option of adding people, but when I click it, I get to choose a c...
I am trying to share my AirTag. I followed the Apple Support document Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone and updated my iOS as indicated in an answer for How to share an AirTag with family members . I have the option of adding people, but when I click it, I get to choose a contact. When I chose the person, who has an even newer iPhone than mine, it says, "**unable to share AirTag XXX is not eligible for sharing**". I was never asked to type in an Apple ID as described in the documentation. What might be wrong here?
user1721135
(557 rep)
Oct 22, 2023, 07:41 PM
• Last activity: Oct 22, 2023, 11:00 PM
0
votes
0
answers
64
views
Does lost mode post more frequent updates?
When trying to follow an AirTag attached to a dog’s collar, it’s very hard to locate them if they’re on the run, since location updates might only happen every 3-5 minutes, even with a full battery. Is there a way to get more frequent updates on an AirTag? E.g. by enabling Lost Mode or a similar fea...
When trying to follow an AirTag attached to a dog’s collar, it’s very hard to locate them if they’re on the run, since location updates might only happen every 3-5 minutes, even with a full battery.
Is there a way to get more frequent updates on an AirTag? E.g. by enabling Lost Mode or a similar feature?
Senseful
(24445 rep)
Aug 5, 2023, 02:34 PM
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