Can you connect an AirTags using only any Mac without an iPhone?

Question

Can you connect an AirTags using only any Mac without an iPhone?

Hello to everyone. Before I'm explaining more details about my question, I would like to thank everyone who is willing to give a fair and excellent explanation after this. Now, this question has been pondering in my head for awhile. I'm always wondering about this.

"Can we connect an AirTag with just using Macbooks without iPhones? Is that possible at all?"

Can anyone whose expert explain this to me? For now, I only know that AirTags is piggybacking Bluetooth connectivity from the nearest iPhones; even the host itself is very far from them.

For those who are willing to give the most clear explanation, I thank you very much.

AirTag

Posted on Jan 7, 2025 7:17 AM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

153,444 points

Jan 7, 2025 9:33 AM in response to officialdanielbrynes

No, it is not possible to set up and use an AirTag with just a MacBook. AirTags require an iPhone or iPad running iOS 14.5 or later for setup and management through the Find My app.

So why is an iPhone or iPad necessary? For a couple of reasons:

AirTags rely on Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which are configured via the Find My app on an iPhone or iPad. The Find My app on macOS only allows you to track devices—not set them up.
During setup, the AirTag pairs with your Apple Account via the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. This process involves scanning and confirming proximity using the mobile device’s hardware, which MacBooks lack.

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