I pulled tab to activate my AirTag next to my iPhone and iPad and went through the set up process but it would not connect with either device.

Hello Skullbone8,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. Let's walk through these specific steps from this article to see if we can get that AirTag to activate:

Set up your AirTag using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If you can't set up your AirTag

1. Make sure that your device is ready for setup.

2. If the setup animation disappeared, press the side button or Sleep/Wake button on your iPhone to put your device to sleep. Then wake and unlock your iPhone. Wait up to 15 seconds, and the animation should reappear. 

3. If you have multiple AirTags to set up, make sure that only one is near your device at one time.

4. Remove and then replace the battery in your AirTag.* 

5. If your AirTag still won't connect to your device, reset your AirTag. 

Learn what to do if you see a message that says the AirTag is connected to another Apple ID.

If you still aren't able to get your AirTag activated, let us know.

Warm regards.