Technologies
I Tested a $250 Budget Phone and It Didn’t Make Me Look Like a Cheapskate
The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G has a big, beautiful screen and enough juice to get through the day — but its e-reader mode and AI features are the real standouts.
Our Experts
Pros
- Quality display for the price
- E-reader mode extends already-solid battery life
- NxtPaper Color Ink mode is perfect for night owls
Cons
- Grainy picture quality on main camera
- Slight delay when multitasking
- Gets uncomfortably hot when gaming
The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is an impressive budget phone that meets or exceeds the specs of its 50 series predecessors — and in many ways outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at a similar price.
The shiny bonus features are the eponymous NxtPaper digital ink and e-reader modes and cloud-based TCL AI. You might not use these features regularly — the NxtPaper digital ink was great for night-time reading but I’d rather write my own emails than use the AI assistant — but they’re solid value adds to a $250 phone.
This phone hits top marks for everyday use. Its screen is large, the 120Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth and the battery lasted me throughout the entire day, even with frequent use. If you take a lot of selfies, you’ll enjoy a big 32-megapixel upgrade to the front-facing camera, though the camera system is otherwise similar to TCL’s 50 series phones.
Compared to other phones in a similar price range, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G delivers where it counts for day-to-day use, and its impressive bells and whistles sweetened my experience with the phone.
TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s design, screen and battery
The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G has a 6.78-inch display that’s just as big as the TCL 50 XL 5G’s screen and larger than the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G’s 6.7-inch display. The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s 1080p resolution panel with a 120Hz refresh rate also outperformed the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at a similar price.
That large display makes games easier to play. I was able to take in the stunning visuals of the mobile game Sky: Children of the Light without my fat thumbs obscuring my vision, though the phone got uncomfortably warm against my hands after a 15-minute play session.
When reviewing the TCL 50 XL 5G, CNET writer Mike Sorrentino pointed out how its speakers muddied audio mixing with the volume cranked up. I found myself having a similar problem with the 60 XE NxtPaper 5G, which was a big pain point when I was using the phone on the train and couldn’t simply keep upping the volume at my leisure. You could, as I did, cup a hand around the speaker to hear it better, but it’s easier to use the 3.5mm jack — an enviable feature long abandoned by pricier phones — and plug in some headphones.
One big surprise on this budget phone was the 8GB of RAM — doubled to an effective 16GB by using part of the storage for extra memory — which made swapping between apps effortless and let me jump from streaming videos to graphically intensive games with little to no trouble.
Crucially, 8GB of memory is the sweet spot that more or less enables AI capabilities on a device, and TCL AI is enabled on the 60 XE. It’s a simple cloud-based LLM that helps with writing tasks, so don’t expect anything like Google’s Circle to Search feature. Even so, it can draft basic email templates if you struggle to find the right words for a given situation.
The 60 XE is working off of a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor, which is the same silicon powering the TCL 50 XL and the TCL 40 X, though it seems that TCL managed to optimize the processing power of the 60 XE to avoid the 50 XL’s relatively quick battery drain.
At the end of the day, all these specs are bundled together in an aesthetically pleasing package. The 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is 0.32 inches (8.2mm) thick and fits smoothly into any pocket (including the too-tight jeans I made the mistake of wearing) and the back of the phone has a pretty blue rippling design that’s pleasant to look at on the rare occasion that it’s set face-down. It’s a budget phone that doesn’t make you look like a cheapskate, which is always worth appreciating.
Geekbench v.6.0 and 3DMark benchmark test results
- Geekbench 6.0 Single Core
- Geekbench 6.0 Multi Core
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme
CNET has several tests to help benchmark a phone’s battery life. In our YouTube streaming test, in which we stream videos at 100% brightness for three hours, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G’s battery life drained to 90% at the one-hour mark, 80% at the two-hour mark and finished the test at 71% battery.
The TCL 50 XL drained from full to 62% in the same test. The 60 XE NxtPaper shares display specs with the 50 series phone, but TCL seems to have optimized power use on the newer device. We’re still in the process of reviewing the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, so for this comparison, we used our results for the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. The A15 5G beat both phones, draining from 100% battery to 83% battery during the YouTube streaming test.
In our 45-minute battery endurance test, I put the 60 XE NxtPaper through its paces. I watched YouTube videos, ran a Google Meet call and played Sky for 10 minutes each, then browsed Bluesky for 15 minutes. In that time, the phone’s battery dropped from 100% to 91%.
I also timed how long it takes to charge the phone using the included 18W wired USB-C charger. The 60 XE NxtPaper went from 15% to 100% in 2 hours and 16 minutes, though the Samsung Galaxy A15 charges faster with its 25W charger.
When it comes to software, the 60 XE has TCL’s 50 series — and even the Samsung Galaxy A15 (for now) — beat. It runs Android 15 with a custom TCL UI and comes with TCL’s standard promise of one major software upgrade, to Android 16, plus two years of system security updates. This isn’t great, especially compared to Samsung’s promise of four years of software updates and five years of security updates for budget phones. Even if you fall in love with the 60 XE NxtPaper 5G, you’ll want to trade it in after a couple of years once TCL abandons its system security.
Fortunately, the 60 XE NxtPaper avoids the carrier-locked bloatware that TCL 50 XL users had to deal with. You’ll get only the usual Google suite of preinstalled apps, and you won’t have to worry about the obtrusive T-Mobile Play feed being an eyesore.
NxtPaper screen for easier reading and better battery life
The big selling point of the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G is its display-altering NxtPaper technology. While not brand-new — TCL brought its NxtPaper phones to the US at CES in 2024 and has used it for years in its tablets — it’s a special feature that adds extra value to a budget phone.
The NxtPaper digital ink display modes are meant to replicate the experience of reading on paper. The 60 XE has a dedicated side switch that toggles among its three modes. I tested them at night while my partner slept soundly beside me. My bright phone screen normally blasts my eyes during late-night doomscrolling, so anything that softens that glare is a welcome reprieve.
The Max Ink mode was the tool I used the least, because it limited the usage of my favorite apps, like Webtoon. Max Ink fully converts the 60 XE into an e-reader, closing most apps and turning the screen entirely black and white. Battery life in this mode is extensive — at 52% charge, the phone predicted nearly 66 hours of use.
You can still check messages, browse the web, scroll social media and more, so there’s a versatile range of apps you can reopen. Personally, the stark black-and-white color scheme still felt like a flashbang in bed, so I only used it once or twice — but it’s an excellent battery saver in a pinch.
The Ink Paper mode’s black-and-white display was gentler on the eyes, blending NxtPaper’s e-reader capabilities with TCL’s signature blue-light-dimming feature. It was admittedly easier on the eyes than Max Ink, but I still wouldn’t choose to brighten my phone primarily with a (greyed-out) light mode.
The saving grace for the NxtPaper modes is Color Paper, the third blue-light-dimming option in the suite. It keeps the screen’s colors intact while switching to a paper-like display that’s easier on the eyes. The end result is slightly washed out hues, but that didn’t get in the way of enjoying my apps. I read half of a manga in one night with the Color Paper mode on, and while I definitely noticed the lack of vibrancy, it actually made everything look a bit like a watercolor painting.
TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G cameras
The 60 XE NxtPaper’s large camera disc comes equipped with a triple-camera system: a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 5-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel depth sensor for calculating depth-of-field effects in portraits or close-up shots. The front-facing camera is 32 megapixels, which is a big step up from TCL’s 50 XL phone.
The main camera captures functional photos with a wide range of color. In this shot of a green corner in my girlfriend’s neighborhood, the light post in the foreground is adequately separated from the background details, though it’s clear how much the elements in the rear blend together.
I also used the main camera to snap a photo of a sauce blend at a Korean hot pot restaurant. Once again, the 60 XE’s camera separates distinct colors but blends similar hues, resulting in a flatter image. Even slight zooming reveals that fine details just aren’t captured.
I also put the ultrawide camera to work during hot pot, snapping a shot of our table once the plates arrived. The foreground is rendered in great detail — you can even see the moisture on the meat — but the background detail doesn’t hold up in comparison.
The depth sensor adds a shallow depth of field to photos, making for nicely detailed shots. I used it to capture these flowers from my girlfriend’s garden, and the vibrant hues really stand out. The rich red bulbs and soft pink petals pop against the background, making the 60 XE feel like it’s punching above its weight for nature photography.
Compared with the photos CNET senior editor Mike Sorrentino took on the TCL 50 XL 5G, the TCL 60 XE’s selfie camera is definitely sharper. Here’s a shot of me at a pit stop during a multi-day trip — it captures the unshaved fuzz on my face in almost uncomfortable detail, but completely washes out the sky and blends the reds of the gas station behind me.
The camera system is a normal corner-cutting point for these budget phones. You won’t be taking any award-winning photos with the 60 XE, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t have any reservations about posting these pictures on Instagram either.
The bottom line: What we think of the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G
TCL has put together another impressive budget device, combining some features you’d expect from pricier phones with extra bells and whistles that feel special in a $250 product. The 60 XE’s display is much like the 50 XL’s, but its standout camera upgrade is the front-facing selfie lens. And what really sets it apart from other budget phones are the NxtPaper and TCL AI features.
Unfortunately, the 60 XE’s battery life can’t match the Samsung Galaxy A15’s. It also gets uncomfortably hot during mobile gaming. But its biggest drawback is still TCL’s meager promise of just one software upgrade and two years of security updates. Both Motorola and Samsung have stronger commitments to support their budget phones, offering three years and five years of security updates, respectively.
If you have sensitive eyes or you frequently use AI writing tools, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper is a cut above most other phones you can get for $250. If the extras here don’t matter much to you, you’re probably better off with a Samsung or Motorola phone.
TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G specs vs. TCL 50 XL 5G, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G specs
| TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G | TCL 50 XL 5G | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.78-inch FHD Plus, 2,460 x 1,080 pixels, 120 Hz refresh rate | 6.78-inch, 2,460 x 1,080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.5-inch FHD Plus Super AMOLED; 2,340 x 1,080 pixels; 90Hz refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 396 ppi | 396 ppi | 420 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.6 x 2.97 x 0.32 in. | 6.6 x 2.9 x 0.32 in. | 6.3 x 3.02 x 0.33 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 167.6 x 75.5 x 8.22mm | 167.6 x 73.6 x 8.1mm | 160 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 199.5g (6.9 oz) | 195g (6.9 oz) | 201g (7.09 oz.) |
| Mobile software | Android 15 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 50-megapixel (main + macro camera), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (depth) | 50-megapixel (wide), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (depth) | 50-megapixel (wide), 5-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (macro) |
| Front-facing camera | 32-megapixel | 8-megapixel | 13-megapixel |
| Video capture | 1,080p at 30 fps | 1,080p | 1,080p at 30 fps |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus | MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus | Mediatek Dimensity 6100 Plus |
| RAM/storage | 8GB RAM + 128GB | 6GB RAM + 128GB | 4GB RAM + 128GB |
| Expandable storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 5,010 mAh | 5,010 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side | Side | Side |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Special features | 5G connectivity, TCL NXTPAPER e-reader mode, TCL AI functionality, 18W wired charging | NFC, 5G connectivity, TCL NxtVision, 18W wired charging | 25W wired charging, 800-nit brightness |
| US price starts at | $250 (128GB) | $160 (128GB) | $200 (128GB) |
| UK price starts at | £200 (128GB) | £128 (128GB) | £169 (128GB) |
| Australia price starts at | AU$378 (128GB) | AU$242 (128GB) | AU$329 (128GB) |
How we test phones
Every phone tested by CNET’s reviews team is actually used in the real world. We test a phone’s features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it’s bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor to its limits using standardized benchmarks like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own observations while navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphics-heavy games at high refresh rates.
All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions, from bright sunlight to dim indoor scenes. We try out special features, such as night mode and portrait mode, and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also test battery life through daily use and a series of battery drain tests.
We consider additional features, such as 5G support, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus compatibility, charging speeds and foldable displays, among other useful tools, too. And we balance all this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. Though these tests may not always be reflected in CNET’s initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.
Update, Aug. 14: The TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G costs $250.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, Nov. 15
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Nov. 15.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? The Saturday puzzle is always the longest of the week, so it’s not quite as easy as the other days. Today’s wasn’t too terrible. Read on for the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Theatrical role
Answer: PART
5A clue: Capital of Vietnam
Answer: HANOI
6A clue: Father of a «fur baby»
Answer: CATDAD
7A clue: Words often accompanied by a ring
Answer: MARRYME
8A clue: Whirling currents
Answer: EDDIES
9A clue: Put up, as a statue
Answer: ERECT
10A clue: Race that’s about half the length of a half-marathon
Answer: TENK
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: SpongeBob’s starfish friend
Answer: PATRICK
2D clue: Despite it all …»
Answer: ANDYET
3D clue: Wanders here and there
Answer: ROAMS
4D clue: Company with a «To Go» stain remover
Answer: TIDE
5D clue: Become firm
Answer: HARDEN
6D clue: Small group of soldiers
Answer: CADRE
7D clue: What parallel lines never do
Answer: MEET
Technologies
Touchdown! Disney, ESPN and Other Channels Are Back on YouTube TV
YouTube TV subscribers no longer need another streaming service — or to visit a sports bar — to watch the NFL or college football.
YouTube TV subscribers, your channels — and your football — are back. Disney and YouTube said Friday night that the two companies had reached an agreement. YouTube TV subscribers lost all of Disney’s channels, including ESPN and ESPN2, on Oct. 30. Those who wanted to watch NFL or college football on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 or Disney family-friendly hits such as Bluey, had to find other alternatives.
«We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers,» a YouTube spokesperson said. «Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN and FX returning to their service over the course of the day, as well as any recordings that were previously in their Library. We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf. «
Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
The companies said in a statement that they reached a multi-year deal and were already restoring the channels to YouTube TV.
According to YouTube, subscribers should see content and saved recordings restored over the next 24 hours. So if you don’t have them back yet, they should show up soon.
I’m a YouTube TV subscriber myself, and as of 5:30 p.m. PT on Friday, Disney, ESPN and other channels have been restored for me. As a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan (yes, I know), I added Fubo TV temporarily, but I won’t be keeping that subscription.
According to the statement, the deal will include the restoration of the channels, plus other items. The unlimited version of ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service will now be made available at no additional cost to YouTube TV subscribers. Subscribers will also have access to a selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited inside YouTube TV. Also, select networks will be included in various genre-specific packages, and there will be the ability to include the Disney Plus Hulu Bundle as part of select YouTube offerings.
«This new agreement reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch,» Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in the statement. «It recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice. We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football.»
Disney-owned channels were pulled on Oct. 30 when the agreement between the two companies expired.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the resulting 25-day blackout was the longest in recent memory for Disney.
Here’s a full list of the channels that were removed due to the dispute:
- ABC
- ABC News Live
- ACC Network
- Baby TV Español (Spanish Plan)
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- Disney XD
- ESPN
- ESPN Deportes (Spanish Plan)
- ESPNews
- ESPNU
- ESPN2
- Freeform
- FX
- FXM
- FXX
- Localish
- Nat Geo
- Nat Geo Mundo (Spanish Plan)
- Nat Geo Wild
- SEC Network
Technologies
How to Get the Most Out of Apple AirTags: A Comprehensive User Guide
Apple’s tiny trackers have become invaluable additions for travel as well as keeping tabs on everyday items. Here’s how to make them work best for you.
The last thing you want to deal with when traveling is lost luggage. In the past, you were at the mercy of the overburdened airlines to find a missing bag, but that’s all changed now. I consider Apple AirTags essential everyday items — small enough to stash in a bag or purse, battery life you can forget about for months and able to give you peace of mind when something goes missing, even if that’s just your keys inside the house.
Apple’s portable Bluetooth trackers are quickly becoming nearly ubiquitous. They’re so popular that major airports and airlines are now plugged in to Apple’s Find My service and can help you pinpoint a bag that could be wending its way through an airport’s luggage system or was left behind where you started your trip.
I already use Apple’s Find My service to keep tabs on devices, such as the iPad I frequently leave in my living room, as well as where family members are via their iPhones. For other items like my keys and everyday bag, I’ve come to rely on several Apple AirTags that fit into or onto almost anything I want to track. Apple’s tracker depends on the crowdsourced Find My network to help you pinpoint your items, from keys you’ve misplaced at home to a bag you may have left in the office.
Here’s all you want to know about AirTags. For more, learn about why you shouldn’t put an AirTag on a pet and discover five unexpected places to stash an AirTag.
What’s an Apple AirTag?
An AirTag is an individual tracking device that securely broadcasts its location using Bluetooth wireless networking. It’s a small glossy white puck not much larger than a US quarter and about the height of three stacked coins. A CR2032 coin cell battery keeps the AirTag powered for roughly a year.
Once the AirTag is paired with an iPhone or iPad, you can essentially forget about it. Hang it on a keychain or drop it into a bag —anything you want to be able to track or find later.
How much do AirTags cost and where can I buy them?
A single AirTag retails for $29 direct from Apple, and can be bought for around $24 from most outlets that sell electronics.
However, it’s always more economical to buy AirTags in packs of four — once you find a use for a solitary AirTag you’ll soon think of other things you want to track. Apple sells the set for $99 and some retailers, such as Amazon
, Best Buy and Walmart, have them for around $75, bringing the per-item cost down below $20. AirTags are also frequently reduced for big sales such as Black Friday and Prime Day.
If you do order from Apple, you can engrave initials, numbers and emoji for free, which can help you tell the AirTags apart (or just add a personal spin).
Is it difficult to set up a new AirTag?
In typical Apple fashion, activating a new AirTag is easy. Initially, a plastic tab slipped in between the electronics and battery keeps the AirTag inert. Once you pull that tab and the pieces make contact, the AirTag starts broadcasting its presence. When you bring it close to an iPhone or iPad, a dialog box appears, giving you the option to connect the AirTag.
When you tap Connect, choose a description of what the tag will be associated with, such as «Handbag» or «Luggage»; you can also enter a custom name. Choose an emoji to represent the AirTag in the Find My app and tap Continue. The AirTag is linked to your Apple ID.
How do I locate an AirTag?
In the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, tap the Items button to view the AirTags you’ve activated. On an Apple Watch, open the Find Items app.
Tap the item you want to locate. If you think it’s close by, the easy option is to tap the Play Sound button, which makes the AirTag emit a high-pitched trill. However, if you have an iPhone 11 or later (not counting the iPhone SE), tapping Find uses the iPhone’s Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip to locate the AirTag with more precision —not just estimating the distance, such as «1.5 ft nearby,» but also point you in the right direction as you move around.
If the item is not in your general vicinity, the Find button becomes a Directions button that will hand off the location to the Maps app for driving, walking, transit or cycling routes.
What if I forget items while I’m heading out?
Being able to find something I’ve lost is invaluable, but it would be better if I didn’t forget it in the first place. For every AirTag, you can enable Notify When Left Behind, an option that sends a notification if you and an AirTag that was with you are no longer together.
That could be as simple as forgetting a bag at a restaurant or — more alarming —if someone swiped the item and is making a getaway.
What’s the secret to how AirTags work?
You know how in many thrillers and spy movies someone plants a tracker on a person and is then able to pinpoint the target’s location no matter where they are? That always seemed far-fetched to me — what sort of range would a tiny piece of electronics have, really? — but an AirTag is essentially that.
The AirTag itself does not have that sort of range, but it has something better: millions of devices carried by Apple customers surrounding it. On a regular interval, the AirTag sends out a low-power Bluetooth signal containing an encrypted ID. Any nearby iPhone, iPad or Mac picks up the signal, adds its location coordinates (if it knows them) and sends that to Apple servers in a secure background transmission.
That’s how, when my luggage chose to spend an extra day in Europe without me, I knew it was still in the airport in France. Likely an iPhone owned by a traveler or employee picked up the ID of the AirTag in my bag and relayed that to Apple. When I opened the Find My app on my iPhone in Seattle, it queried the servers and presented the AirTag’s last known location.
All of this happens in the background — no personal information is sent, and the impact to the relaying device’s performance and battery is negligible.
What about privacy? Can a hidden AirTag track me?
Just as you can use an AirTag to track your personal objects, it is possible that someone could drop an AirTag into your bag or coat pocket to try to track your movements. Apple has put a few safeguards in place to try to prevent that type of situation.
If your iPhone or iPad detects an unknown AirTag in your vicinity that is persistently near you, a notification appears that says «AirTag Found Moving With You.» When you ransack your belongings and find it, open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad, tap Items and then tap Identify Found Item. Place the AirTag against the back of the device at the top until you see a notification. When you tap that, you’re taken to a web page with the tag’s serial number and, optionally, contact information.
If it turns out a family member’s AirTag fell out of a bag, no worries. If it’s one that’s unfamiliar, you can follow instructions for how to disable the tag.
For more, see how to protect yourself from being tracked.
What if I suspect that my AirTag is stolen?
You’ve looked everywhere, used the Find feature to scan for it, but your item containing an AirTag is nowhere to be found. Now what?
In the AirTag’s details in the Find My app, scroll down to Lost AirTag and tap Show Contact Info. If someone finds the tag and checks it as described just above, you can have a phone number or email displayed, plus an optional message, when they look up its information.
The other option is to choose Share Item Location, which creates a link you can send to someone identifying where the tag is. The link is active for just one week, which is hopefully more than enough time to let someone track it down. For example, suppose your bag is swiped: You could give the shared link to the police so they can track it down. (For safety reasons, don’t confront someone who’s stolen your property.)
When the item and its AirTag are returned, a notification appears that you’ve been reunited. Or, you can make the tag’s whereabouts hidden at any point by tapping Stop Sharing Item Location in the same screen, which invalidates the shared link.
How can I share an AirTag with someone I trust?
An AirTag is linked to your Apple Account, but for years that presented a problem: AirTags assigned to other people in my household would trigger the «AirTag Found Moving With You» warning — not great on family trips when we’d take my wife’s car.
Now, fortunately, it’s possible to share an AirTag’s location with up to five people. Tap a tag in the Find My app and under Share AirTag tap Add Person. Tap Continue on the screen explaining what will happen, then select a contact and tap Share.
In that person’s Find My app, they can accept the shared item. Note that all people you add can track the location.
How long does the battery last and how do I replace it?
In my experience, the CR2032 coin battery in each AirTag lasts about a year. When the level dips below about 10% remaining, you’re alerted that the battery is low and a red indicator appears in the Find My app.
To replace the battery, turn the silver back counter-clockwise to release its latches. Lift the existing battery out and replace it with a new one, making sure the battery’s identifying markings are facing you. Then align the tabs of the metal portion with the slots in the plastic piece, press lightly and turn clockwise. The AirTag will chirp when the electronics and battery are securely in contact.
Can I use AirTags with an Android phone?
AirTags are not directly compatible with Android phones — there’s no app that ties into Apple’s Find My network. To get the same tracking functionality, look into the Chipolo One Point tracker that uses Google’s Find My Device network.
Apple once offered an Android app called Tracker Detect that would let you identify a found AirTag, but that’s not available for newer Android devices — an app with that name in the Google Play store is from a separate developer. However, for phones with NFC chips installed, you can place a found AirTag against the back of the device to view information about it.
For more, learn about this year’s best AirTag accessories and everything about Apple Intelligence.
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