Have you lost the plastic tab of AirTag and want to connect it without the tab? If pulled out, the plastic tab activates the AirTag by finishing the battery connection.
If you don’t have the plastic tab, or it is broken, you may think you can’t use your AirTag. But this is not the case. In this article, we’ll explain how to connect AirTag without the plastic tab.
Connect AirTag without the tab
You’ll need a NFC-enabled iPhone or iPad to connect the AirTag without the plastic tab. Along with that, your device should also support Ultra Wideband technology. This means you can use the iPhone 11 or the succeeding models.
Here are the steps to connect AirTag without the tab:
- Open Find My app and tap on Items.
- Now, select Add Item and then hit AirTag.
- Now, hold your AirTag close to the device till it gets detected. You may have to move the AirTag around for a while for this to work.
- Select Connect and then follow the instructions.
You will have to assign a name and item category to the AirTag. You’ll see a message displaying that the AirTag is linked to your Apple ID, and you’ll also see a revolving pointer showing that the connection is in process.
Also read: How to check your AirTag’s battery?
Troubleshooting connecting AirTags without the tab
If you are facing problems connecting AirTags without the tab, we have some troubleshooting tips.
Check the Bluetooth
AirTags require Bluetooth, NFC and Ultra Wideband to connect. So, if your Bluetooth isn’t turned on, the AirTag will not work.
Head to Settings > Bluetooth and turn the toggle off and on to resolve any bugs or turn on the toggle to activate Bluetooth.
Turn on Location Services
If the Location Services are off, AirTags your device may find it difficult to locate the AirTags.
Here’s how to turn on Location Services on your iPhone:
- Head to Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Tap on Location Services.
- Turn on the toggle beside Location Services.
- Next, tap on System Services and turn on Find My iPhone and Significant Locations.
Also read: How to share your AirTag with family?
Reset your AirTag
Open the AirTag’s front panel by pressing it downwards and rotating it anticlockwise. Remove the battery and then wait for a few moments before inserting it again. Remember to place the positive side upwards.
Now, place the panel, press it and rotate it clockwise to firmly set it. Try connecting the AirTab again.
Restart your Apple device
Sometimes, restarting your device is the best solution for technical problems. When you restart your device, you clear the RAM and fix minor bugs.
So, when the device reboots, it starts afresh. Although it is a workaround and will not work for serious technical problems, there is no harm in giving it a try.
Disconnect the AirTag from another device
If you have connected AirTag with some other Apple device, it is imperative that you first disconnect the AirTag from that device before trying to connect it to your device.
- Hea to Find My > Items and then select the AirTag.
- Next, tap on Remove Item and confirm the process by tapping on Remove.
Trouble with Apple ID
Ensure you have used the same Apple ID for your Apple device and AirTag. A conflict in Apple IDs may result in the AirTag not connecting with the device.
In conclusion, you can connect the AirTag to Apple devices without the tab. Follow the instructions given above to do it easily. However, if you face any trouble, we have given six troubleshooting tips by which you can easily resolve the issue.
Also read: How many AirTags can you have?
