To enable Notify When Found on an AirTag: Find My > Items > select the tag > toggle Notify When Found, then set Lost Mode with contact details.
When a tag goes missing, speed matters. The Notify When Found toggle inside the Find My app sends you a ping the moment the tag’s location updates through Apple’s crowdsourced network. Flip it on, add contact details in Lost Mode, and you’ll get a heads-up as soon as any nearby Apple device anonymously picks up the signal.
This guide walks through the exact steps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, small setup checks that save time, and practical tips to make alerts land faster. You’ll also see how this alert pairs with Lost Mode and Precision Finding, plus fixes for the common snags that block notifications.
Turn On “Notify When Found” For An AirTag (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
The flow is nearly the same across Apple devices. The main differences are menu names and where the toggle lives on each platform. Follow the set that matches your device, then skim the table below for the quick path on all three.
iPhone Or iPad
- Open Find My, then tap Items.
- Choose your tag from the list.
- Scroll to Notifications and tap Notify When Found.
- Turn the switch on. If prompted, add a phone number or email for Lost Mode.
- Tap Activate to finish.
Mac
- Open Find My on macOS and select the Items tab.
- Click your tag in the sidebar.
- Click Notify When Found, then follow the prompts to add contact info if needed.
Apple Watch (Quick Peek)
You can view items on Apple Watch and start directions, but the full toggle process is smoother on iPhone or Mac. Use the phone or Mac steps above to set the alert, then the watch will reflect the state.
Fast Paths By Device
| Device | Menu Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | Find My → Items → Tag → Notifications → Notify When Found | Best place to add phone or email for return |
| Mac | Find My → Items → Select Tag → Notify When Found | Same features; layout differs |
| Apple Watch | Find Devices → Items (view only) | Set the toggle on iPhone or Mac |
What The Alert Actually Does
When this setting is on, the Find My network listens for your tag’s Bluetooth signal in the background. When any nearby Apple device detects it, your iCloud account gets a location update. You’ll see a push alert and a fresh pin on the map with a timestamp like “Last seen 5 min ago.”
Why Lost Mode Matters
Lost Mode adds your contact details and a note that shows when someone scans the tag with an NFC-capable phone. That scan opens a simple web card with your message and ways to reach you. Pairing Notify When Found with Lost Mode gives you the best shot at a fast return: you get the map alert, and the finder gets a quick way to contact you.
Privacy Basics
Find My uses rotating identifiers and end-to-end protections so nearby devices can help without sharing identities. Apple documents the system design in the Find My network security guide. Good to know: location updates flow to your account; the passerby’s device stays anonymous.
Requirements Before You Start
- Signed-in Apple ID: The tag must be paired to the same Apple ID you’re using.
- Find My enabled: On iPhone, open Settings → your name → Find My → Find My iPhone; keep it on.
- Bluetooth + Location Services: Both should stay on for background detection.
- Internet access: Any device uploading the location needs data or Wi-Fi at least briefly.
- Up-to-date software: iOS/iPadOS/macOS updates often tighten Find My features and bug fixes.
Step-By-Step: Add Contact Details In Lost Mode
Turning on the alert is half the story. Add clear contact info so a finder knows how to reach you. Keep the note short and direct.
- In Find My → Items, pick the tag.
- Tap or click Enable under Lost Mode.
- Enter a phone number or email.
- Add a message like “Reward offered, please text.”
- Confirm. The item now shows as lost, and your alert switch stays on.
If you’d like a walkthrough of item tracking and Lost Mode, the iPhone User Guide page for Find My lays out the app’s core screens and actions.
Troubleshooting When Alerts Don’t Arrive
If you turned on the switch and still see no alert after a long gap, use the checks below. Work from top to bottom; the quick wins sit at the top.
Quick Checks
- Confirm the toggle: Open the tag in Find My and make sure the switch still shows on.
- Check the push settings: iPhone Settings → Notifications → Find My → Allow Notifications on. Focus modes can also silence alerts.
- Battery state: If the tag battery is flat, updates pause. Swap the coin cell and retry.
- Last seen time: If “Last seen” is hours old, the tag hasn’t been near any Apple device. Movement through a busy area usually triggers an update.
Connectivity And Account Fixes
- Cycle radios: Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait ten seconds, then off.
- Sign-out/signed-in drift: If you recently changed Apple ID settings, restart the phone to refresh Find My services.
- iCloud push health: Settings → your name → iCloud → Find My → on. A brief off/on can refresh the token.
- Update OS: Install pending updates, then reopen Find My and recheck the switch.
Re-pair The Tag (Last Resort)
- Remove the tag from your account in Find My (Items → Tag → Remove Item).
- Hold the tag near the phone and re-pair through the on-screen card.
- Turn on the alert and Lost Mode again.
Feature Roles: Which Tool Fits Which Moment?
People mix up the three item tools. The table below clears the roles so you can pick the right one in a pinch.
| Feature | What It Does | Use It When |
|---|---|---|
| Notify When Found | Sends a push when any device updates the tag’s location | You can’t see the tag on the map and need the next sighting |
| Lost Mode | Shows your contact card to a finder who scans the tag | You want a fast way for someone to reach you |
| Precision Finding | Gives on-foot arrows and distance on supported iPhone models | You’re nearby and need help walking to the spot |
Smart Setup Tips That Save Time
- Name items clearly: Use labels like “Work Keys” or “Gym Bag” so alerts make sense at a glance.
- Add a reward note: A simple line like “Reward on return, please text” nudges action.
- Keep a spare battery: A fresh CR2032 in a drawer avoids a dead-tag day.
- Turn on critical alerts only when needed: Standard pushes are fine most days; raise priority during trips.
- Share the item with family: If multiple people help, item sharing spreads eyes across devices.
When An Alert Comes In: Move Fast
- Open the alert to jump straight into the map view.
- Check the timestamp and the “Last seen” label.
- If close, tap Find to start Precision Finding on a supported iPhone.
- If farther away, get directions and call ahead if it’s a business or transit stop.
- Once recovered, turn off Lost Mode and the alert switch for that session.
Common Questions You Might Have
Do You Need Lost Mode For The Alert To Work?
The alert can run without Lost Mode, but pairing both works better in the real world. You get the map update, and the finder gets your contact info in one scan.
Can Someone See Your Contact Info Without Scanning?
No. The note and contact fields appear only when a phone taps the tag with NFC. A passerby who merely walks past will just help upload a location update.
What If The Tag Is Indoors?
Updates still land as long as a nearby Apple device picks up the signal. Large buildings or basements can slow the first sighting, but foot traffic often solves it.
Safety Notes
Apple ships alerts that warn if an unknown tag is moving with someone. This helps prevent misuse and encourages quick action. The system aims to keep finders safe while still supporting item recovery. You can read more in Apple’s security guide linked above.
Pro Moves For Travelers
- Before a trip: Test the alert once at home so you know the path and screens.
- Use distinct names: Label tags by route or bag type to avoid mix-ups.
- Add a physical tag: A small card with your phone number backs up Lost Mode if the finder doesn’t tap NFC.
- Watch for airport pings: Alerts near baggage claim often mean the item is on the move. Move toward the pin and use Precision Finding at the edge.
If You Sell Or Gift A Tag
- Remove the tag from your account in Find My.
- Ask the new owner to hold it near their phone to claim it.
- Remind them to turn on the alert and set a clear Lost Mode note.
Quick Recap And Next Steps
Flip on the alert in Find My, add a short Lost Mode message, and keep Bluetooth, Location Services, and iCloud push in good shape. If an alert lands, move fast, use map directions or Precision Finding, and switch off Lost Mode once the item is back in hand. With those steps in place, you’ll catch the first sighting and shorten the chase.