Learn how to use the Precision Finding feature on your iPhone to locate the item attached to your AirTag.
AirTags offer an easy way to keep track of items like keys, wallets, bags, bikes, etc. While it’s similar to other Bluetooth trackers, it does have something special known as Precision Finding, which offers a very accurate location of the object you’re tracking.
Precision Finding is made possible thanks to Apple’s Ultra Wideband chip (U1 or U2) inside AirTags and iPhone 11 and newer (except iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation). Note that the iPhone 15 and later (except iPhone 16e and the new iPhone 17e) and AirTags 2nd generation have a second-generation U2 chip for improved spatial awareness.
The chip on the iPhone uses inputs from its accelerometer, gyroscope, and camera to show you the exact location of the AirTag with sound, visuals, and haptics. It’s worth noting that Precision Finding only works when both devices have the Ultra Wideband chip. Furthermore, it isn’t available in all countries and regions.
Use Precision Finding to locate your AirTag
1) Open the Find My app on your iPhone and go to the Items tab.
2) Select the AirTag you want to locate, and tap Find.
Note that you’ll see the word “Nearby” if your AirTag is around. Otherwise, your iPhone will instruct you to move around to a different location so it can establish a connection with your AirTag. In case your AirTag is far away, or if you’re using an iPad or iPhone without the Ultra Wideband chip, you’ll see a Directions tile instead of Find.
Once near the item, the app will show an arrow pointing in the direction of the AirTag once you start moving around. It will also show things such as approximate distance and tell you if the AirTag is on a different floor.
As you get closer to the lost AirTag, your iPhone will provide haptic feedback and audio alerts to let you know you’re getting close. Remember that you can also tap the speaker icon to have the AirTag make a sound, making it easier to find.
The process to locate other devices using Precision Finding, such as the AirPods Pro (2nd and 3rd generations), is similar.
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