If you've come across someone else's AirTag and want to return it to them, or if you've found an unexplained AirTag on you and want to find it, you'll need its serial number. You'll learn how to locate the serial number of an unknown AirTag in this guide to help identify the owner.
If you're with an unknown AirTag, here are some pointers to keep in mind
When your iPhone detects a nearby AirTag that isn't registered to your Apple ID, it will notify you with an "AirTag Detected" message. Similarly, if an unknown AirTag is seen traveling with you over time, an "AirTag Found Moving With You" notification will appear on your iPhone.
In the first example, contacting an AirTag's owner could be more difficult because they've set it to Lost Mode and left a custom note, such as their phone number, which you can show by placing your iPhone or NFC-capable Android handset next to it.
However, in the above situation, you must act quickly because your life can be jeopardized. Telling law enforcement that you are being followed by bad people is the best course of action. According to an Apple support document, the police will work with Apple to determine the serial number of an AirTag.
How do I find the serial number of an AirTag that I don't recognize?
There are two methods for determining the serial number of an unknown AirTag.
You can get details like the serial number by using Apple's Find My app. You can also use the Find My app to get your iPhone to read an AirTag and display its serial number without using it.
How to use the Find My app to locate an unknown AirTag serial number?
Keep the smartphone near your iPhone or NFC-capable Android handset and tap a notification that appears to show the serial number on Apple's Found site in Safari to find the serial number of an unknown AirTag that isn't near its owner without using the Find My app.
- Tap and hold the white side of an unknown AirTag to the top of your smartphone.
- When a message appears on your screen, tap it.
- In Safari, you'll be guided to found.ap
- ple.com, which will show the serial number.
The serial number is printed directly under the heading "About This AirTag."
How can I find the serial number of an unknown AirTag without using the Find My app?
When you hold an AirTag near your iPhone or Android phone and tap the notification that appears, a website with the serial number will open.
- On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the Find My app.
- Choose the "Things" tab.
- From the bottom of the list, select the "Identify Found Item" choice.
- Tap and hold the white side of an unknown AirTag with the top of your phone.
- To go to found.apple.com in Safari, tap the notification that appears on your screen.
- On the page near the top, look for the serial number.
You should report this AirTag to your local law enforcement if it was planted on your Apple ID account or was registered on someone else's Apple ID account.
Apple complies with all police demands for the identification of these serial numbers.
Other AirTag details can be found on the "About This AirTag" tab. If the original owner has left a Lost Mode note, such as their phone number, you can see it there.
