So, you finally bought an AirTag. Maybe you got a four-pack because you're tired of losing your keys, or perhaps you're just tracking a checked bag for a flight. You take it out of that sleek, oddly satisfying Apple packaging and see that little plastic slip sticking out like a tongue. It's time. You need to know how to pull the tab on AirTag so the thing actually starts working.
It feels like a simple task. It should be. But honestly, if you pull it at the wrong angle or with too much "enthusiasm," you might feel like you’re going to snap something. Or worse, the tab tears, leaving a tiny sliver of plastic stuck deep inside the battery compartment, blocking the connection and leaving you with a dead puck before you’ve even tracked a single item.
Let's get into the mechanics of why that tab is there and how to get it out cleanly.
💡 You might also like: How to separate keyboard on iPad: The weirdly simple fix for thumb typing
The Physics of the Battery Pull Tab
Apple uses a CR2032 lithium 3V coin battery. These things are tiny. They sit inside the AirTag held down by a stainless steel battery cover that uses a "press and twist" mechanism. The plastic tab you see is actually a non-conductive barrier. It sits directly between the positive terminal of the battery and the internal contact points of the AirTag.
Until you pull that tab, the circuit is open. No power. No Bluetooth. No "Find My" signal.
When you're ready, hold the AirTag firmly by its edges. Don't press down on the silver center—that's the battery door. If you squeeze the center while pulling, you're essentially clamping the battery down onto the plastic tab, making it ten times harder to slide out. Just grip the white plastic rim. Pull the tab straight out in one smooth, continuous motion. You’ll hear a chirping sound. That’s the AirTag’s internal speaker letting you know the power is flowing and it’s ready to pair.
What Happens if the Tab Tears?
This is the nightmare scenario. You pull, the plastic stretches, and then snap. A piece of the film is still inside. If this happens, your AirTag won't make that happy little "I'm alive" sound.
Don't panic. You don't need to return it.
You’ll have to open the case manually. To do this, press down on the stainless steel battery cover and rotate it counter-clockwise. It’s a bit fidgety. If your fingers are oily, it’s almost impossible. Use a microfiber cloth or even a piece of rubber grip tape if it’s being stubborn. Once the cover pops off, lift the battery out. You'll see the leftover plastic scrap. Remove it, put the battery back in (positive side facing you), and then realign the three tabs on the cover with the slots on the AirTag. Press and twist clockwise until it stops.
Pairing After You Pull
Once you've successfully managed to how to pull the tab on AirTag and heard that chime, the clock starts ticking. Your iPhone or iPad should automatically detect it within seconds. A "Connect" prompt will slide up from the bottom of your screen.
But what if it doesn't?
Sometimes the software lags. If you pulled the tab and nothing happened on your phone, make sure your Bluetooth is on and you have a solid Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Also, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) must be enabled on your Apple ID. If it still won't show up, you might have a "dud" battery. It's rare, but it happens. Lithium batteries lose charge over time even when they aren't being used, and if that AirTag sat on a shelf for two years before you bought it, the voltage might be too low to trigger the pairing sequence.
Common Misconceptions About the Tab
Some people think you need to keep the tab. You don't. Once it's out, it's trash. It’s not meant to be reinserted. If you’re trying to "turn off" an AirTag to save battery while you aren't using it, you can't just shove the plastic back in there. You'll likely just bend the delicate metal contact pins inside the housing.
If you really want to disable an AirTag, just take the battery out. Simple.
Another weird thing people worry about is the "sticky" residue. Apple’s tabs are generally clean, but occasionally a bit of static or manufacturing film might make the battery feel tacky. If you notice this, wipe the battery with a dry cloth before putting it back in. Don't use water.
Real-World Troubleshooting: The Sound Check
The sound is your primary diagnostic tool.
- One solid chime: You pulled the tab correctly, the battery is good, and it’s ready to pair.
- No sound at all: The tab didn't come out fully, the battery is dead, or you’re pressing too hard on the cover while pulling.
- A stuttering sound: The battery isn't seated properly. Re-open the back and press it down.
Apple’s official support documentation confirms that the AirTag uses a standard CR2032, but they warn against using batteries with bitterant coatings. Many battery brands, like Duracell, coat their small batteries in a bitter substance to prevent kids from swallowing them. This coating can actually prevent the AirTag from getting power because it acts as an insulator. If you pull the tab and then eventually replace the battery with a "bitter-coated" one, your AirTag might stop working entirely.
✨ Don't miss: The Trump SpaceX Launch: What Really Happened in South Texas
Taking Action: Your AirTag Checklist
Don't overthink it. It's a piece of plastic. But if you want to be surgical about it, follow these steps:
- Clear the area: Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and sitting right next to you.
- The Grip: Hold the white outer shell. Avoid the silver circle.
- The Pull: Smooth, steady, and straight. No jerking movements.
- The Listen: Wait for the "hello" chirp.
- The Sync: Follow the on-screen instructions to name your tag (Keys, Backpack, "Stolen" Bike, etc.).
If you've done all this and the AirTag is still silent, the most effective fix is a hard reset. Open the battery cover, remove the battery, press it back down until you hear a sound, and repeat that process five times. On the fifth time, you'll hear a different chime. That means it’s factory reset and ready for a fresh start.
Now that the tab is out, your next move is to find a secure way to attach it. Whether you're using a leather keychain or a hidden adhesive mount, make sure the white plastic side is facing "out" if you want the best signal range, as the Bluetooth antenna radiates more effectively through the plastic than through the metal battery cover.