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Why Is My AirTag Beeping? Understanding the Alerts and How to Fix Them

By Author Smart Haus Tips Staff

Posted on Last updated:

AirTags are small, coin-shaped devices created by Apple to help users keep track of their valuable items, such as keys, wallets, or bags. These useful gadgets use Bluetooth technology to connect to your iPhone, allowing you to locate your lost belongings with ease. However, you might have noticed your AirTag beeping occasionally, leaving you puzzled about what it could mean.

There are several reasons why an AirTag might be making noise. For instance, when your AirTag has been separated from its owner for an extended period of time, it will start to beep as a reminder to stay close to your belongings source. Additionally, beeping could be due to the device being in “Lost Mode,” which causes the AirTag to make noise every time you handle it source. Understanding these beeping signals will help you better utilize the AirTag’s features and keep your items secure.

Why Airtags Beep

Locating a Lost Item

One of the primary reasons an AirTag might beep is to help users locate a lost item. When initiated through the Find My app, the AirTag emits a sound to guide users to the tagged item. This feature makes it easier for the user to find the misplaced object with the assistance of auditory cues. The beeping sound can also be helpful for other people who might come across the lost item, enabling them to identify the presence of an AirTag and potentially assist the owner in recovering it.

Battery Saving Mode

Another reason an AirTag might beep is to indicate that it is in battery-saving mode. AirTags are designed to conserve battery life by entering a low-power state when they are not actively being used. If an AirTag is in battery-saving mode and is moved or interacted with, it may emit a brief beep to signify that it’s waking up from the low-power state before returning to normal functionality.

Anti-Stalking Measures

AirTags are also equipped with security features designed to protect users from unwanted tracking. One of these features includes emitting a sound when an AirTag has been separated from its owner for an extended period and is detected moving with someone else. This beeping serves as an anti-stalking measure, alerting those nearby that an unknown AirTag is present, and they may be inadvertently carrying it. This alert system helps to maintain privacy and deter potential stalkers by making it difficult for them to use AirTags as a method of unauthorized tracking.

How to Stop the Beeping

AirTags can beep for various reasons, such as lost mode activation, device proximity, and battery notifications. In this section, we’ll discuss how to stop the beeping effectively by addressing these issues.

Locating and Pairing

If your AirTag is beeping during the locating process, make sure it’s successfully paired with your iPhone or iPad. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Find My app on your device.
  2. Go to the Items tab and select your AirTag.
  3. Check if the device is connected to your Apple ID.

In case it’s not connected, try moving closer to the AirTag. If it still doesn’t pair, you may need to reset the AirTag and set it up again.

Replacing the Battery

A low battery can cause the AirTag to beep. To check the battery level, go to the Find My app, select your AirTag, and check the battery status. If the battery is low or dead, follow these steps to replace the CR2032 battery:

  1. Press down on the stainless steel back of the AirTag and twist counterclockwise.
  2. Remove the back cover and the old battery.
  3. Insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing up.
  4. Place the cover back and twist it clockwise until it clicks into place.

Disabling Unwanted Notifications

AirTag beeping may also be due to unwanted notifications triggered by the item safety alerts. To disable these alerts, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Go to the Me tab in the bottom-right corner.
  3. Turn off the Item Safety Alerts toggle.
  4. When a confirmation pop-up appears, tap Disable.

Now your AirTag should stop beeping even when moving with it. Always ensure that disabling these alerts is appropriate and will not affect the safety of your items.

Possible Issues and Solutions

Weak Battery

A beeping AirTag may indicate a weak battery. AirTags are powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery which lasts for approximately one year. However, battery life can vary depending on usage. To check the battery level and replace it if necessary, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Find the AirTag in the Items tab.
  3. Tap on the AirTag to see its details page, where you can view the battery level.
  4. If the battery level is low, unscrew the AirTag’s back by pressing and rotating counterclockwise.
  5. Replace the battery with a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery.

Outdated Software

An outdated software version could cause unexpected beeping. Ensure that your AirTag’s firmware is up-to-date by keeping your paired iPhone or iPad running the latest iOS or iPadOS version. Updating your device will automatically update your AirTag’s firmware as well. To update your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to General > Software Update.
  3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

AirTag Malfunctions

Various malfunctions or glitches can cause random beeping in AirTags. To address this issue, you can try resetting your AirTag as follows:

  1. Remove the battery from the AirTag, as described in the Weak Battery section.
  2. Wait for about 30 seconds with the battery removed.
  3. Reinsert the battery and close the AirTag.
  4. Check if the beeping issue persists.

If the problem continues, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I silence my AirTag’s beeping?

To silence your AirTag’s beeping, you can disable Item Safety Alerts by following these steps1:

  1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Go to the Me tab in the bottom-right corner.
  3. On this page, turn off the Item Safety Alerts toggle.
  4. When a confirmation pop-up appears, tap Disable.

What triggers an AirTag to beep?

There are several reasons that can trigger an AirTag to beep, such as:

  • Lost Item Signal2
  • Tracking the Location History2
  • AirTag Not Updated With Latest Firmware2
  • Accidentally Activated Lost Mode2
  • The Connection Malfunctioned2
  • AirTag Has Been Disconnected for More Than 8 Hours2
  • Safety Alerts Are Activated2

Do low battery levels cause AirTag beeping?

There is no direct mention of low battery levels causing an AirTag to beep. However, make sure your AirTag is updated to the latest firmware2 to eliminate possible issues.

Can AirTags beep when in luggage?

Yes, AirTags can potentially beep when inside luggage. If the Item Safety Alerts are enabled, or if the AirTag contacts any of the triggers mentioned above, it might beep while in luggage.

How to prevent AirTag beeping when away?

To prevent AirTag beeping when you’re away, you can disable the Item Safety Alerts by following the steps mentioned in the “How do I silence my AirTag’s beeping?” section above.

Why does my AirTag make random noises?

Your AirTag might make random noises due to a variety of reasons, such as being too far away from the connected device3 or encountering any of the triggers mentioned in the “What triggers an AirTag to beep?” section above.

Footnotes

  1. https://gadgetstouse.com/blog/2021/12/16/fix-airtag-keeps-ringing/ ↩
  2. https://ourtechhome.com/why-is-my-airtag-beeping/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
  3. https://anyinstructor.com/airtag-beeping/ ↩