How can I locate a missing Apple AirTag when Find My devices doesn't show it?

When Find My doesn’t give you a location but your iPhone still warns you when you leave it behind, that typically means your AirTag is being seen by your Apple device via Bluetooth, just not in a way that allows precise tracking through the Find My app. So odds are, it’s still somewhere nearby — likely in or very close to your home.

Here’s some things you can try:

1. Open Find My > Items Tab
2. Go to the Find My app and tap the Items tab. Even if it doesn't show the live location, it might still show the last known location or give you a “Play Sound” option. If you see that, tap it.
3. If the AirTag is nearby and has battery, it should chirp. Try this in a quiet environment and slowly walk through each room of your house. Be patient — sometimes it takes a few seconds to start playing.
4. Since you have an iPhone 14, you can use the Precision Finding feature. When within Bluetooth range, it will guide you with directional arrows and distance. If that option isn’t showing, move slowly through your home to try and get within range.
5. If you can’t play a sound or get precision finding, turn on Bluetooth and location services, then walk around slowly with your phone. Stay alert for that "AirTag left behind" message — it usually appears once the Bluetooth signal disconnects, so you can use it to triangulate the area where the signal drops.
6. Finally, since AirTags are so small, they often end up tucked in between couch cushions, dropped in laundry baskets, or left inside bags, purses, or jackets. If you tagged something like keys or a backpack, retrace your steps with that item.