Are you the owner of an Apple AirTag, and want to be able to track it on two separate devices?
Fortunately, this is possible – but only in some cases. You will need to have your iPhone or iPad set up in the correct way in order for this to be possible.
So, in this article I’ll be showing you how you can an AirTag to two or more iPhones, two or more iPads, or any combination of them.
Let’s get started!
Can You Add An AirTag To Two Separate Devices?
Yes! Thankfully, it’s possible to add an AirTag to two or more Apple devices, as long as they are both signed in using the same Apple ID.
This is because AirTags get tied to your Apple ID, not the specific device itself. This is what allows it to be located using the ‘Find My’ app.
Keep in mind however, AirTags cannot be tracked online through the computer’s internet browser, like lost iPhones or iPads can. This is true even if you log in with the same Apple ID assigned to the AirTag.
What If You Have Separate Apple IDs?
In many cases, you may want to track an AirTag while signed into two separate Apple IDs. For example, if you and another family member both want to be able to access it, while maintaining separate Apple accounts.
Unfortunately, this isn’t possible – AirTags can only be tied to one Apple ID at a time.
This is true even if you are using a family account, or family sharing features built into iOS.
The only way to track an AirTag with multiple devices is to be signed into the same Apple ID on both devices. So, if you want to track an AirTag on a new device, you must first unpair it with the original device, then pair it again with the new one.
While we hope Apple will fix this in the future and allow AirTag locations to be shared, they have not announced any intention of supporting this at this time. If this feature is important to you, consider picking up an alternative product, like Tile.
Are There Any Risks To Sharing An Apple ID?
Considering how important this issue may be to you, you may be wondering – is there really any harm in sharing an Apple ID with a spouse, family member, or friend?
Ultimately, it all comes down to privacy.
If you use iCloud to sync things from your iPhone or iPad to the cloud, these can end up getting synced to the other person’s device without you realizing it.
This means that someone with access to your Apple ID may be able to access any private photos, messages, notes, contacts, and other data that you’ve synced to iCloud. Therefore, before sharing your Apple ID with someone, you should first visit iCloud.com to see what is currently being stored in the cloud, and disable syncing for any data you don’t want someone else to access.
You can manage which data is synced to iCloud by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your Apple ID.
- Tap on ‘iCloud.’
- Under the ‘Apps Using iCloud’ section, tap on ‘Show All.’
- Toggle any data that you don’t want to be shared off.
- Check iCloud’s website once again to verify that the data has been removed.
Although syncing can be problematic if you value your privacy, there are a few benefits.
As mentioned, linked devices (like AirTags) will be accessible on both devices. You’ll also be able to download any apps or media that you’ve paid for onto both devices, without being charged again.
So, this can be a great way to save money!
Tip: Downloaded apps remain, even if you sign out of the Apple ID that originally purchased them!
What If I Buy A 4-Pack?
Apple allows you to buy AirTags individually, or in packages of four.
Thankfully, if you choose to purchase four AirTags at once, they are not linked together in any way.
This means that you are free to add them to separate Apple IDs as you wish – they do not all have to be added to the same device.
This can provide a lot more flexibility if you are using the AirTags to track different things.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Apple only allows an AirTag to be attached to one Apple ID at a time.
While you can sign into the same Apple ID on multiple devices, the AirTag will still only have one ‘owner’ – and may send annoying alerts to the other device when the AirTag and device are separated.
I hope that this article has answered your questions. If you have any other questions about Apple AirTags, ask them below and I’ll be happy to help.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister