If your AirTags isn’t updating, there could be several different issues with it (like a low battery or problems with your network connection) that could be causing it. Resolving these problems can often get your AirTag working again, but it’s important to note that there’s no way to manually initiate an update with an AirTag – they update periodically on their own.
First, ensure that your iPhone’s Find My app is up to date and that your AirTag is close enough to other devices in the Find My network. Also, check that the AirTag’s battery isn’t empty and that your iPhone’s Bluetooth and location services are enabled, as these all assist the AirTag in updating its location.
Troubleshooting AirTag Connectivity
Common Reasons for AirTag Not Updating
If your AirTag isn’t updating its location, there could be several reasons:
- Out of Range: AirTags rely on the Find My network, which uses Bluetooth signals from nearby Apple devices. If your AirTag is out of range of any Apple device, it won’t be able to update its location.
- Low Battery: AirTags have a battery that lasts about a year. If the battery is low, it might not have enough power to update its location.
- Settings: Make sure that Location Services and Find My are enabled on your iPhone. Also, check that your AirTag is linked to your Apple ID.
- Software Issues: Sometimes, a glitch in the software can prevent an AirTag from updating. Restarting your iPhone or updating to the latest iOS version might help.
- Network Issues: A poor internet connection can also prevent an AirTag from updating its location.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check the Battery: Open the Find My app and see if it shows a low battery warning for your AirTag. If so, replace the battery.
- Check the Settings:
- Location Services: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and make sure it’s turned on.
- Find My: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My and make sure Find My [Device] and Find My network are both enabled.
- Restart Your iPhone: This simple step can often fix software glitches.
- Update iOS: Make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS.
- Reset the AirTag: If none of the above steps work, try resetting your AirTag. To do this, press and hold the battery cover until you hear a sound. Then, remove the battery and replace it five times.
Additional Tips
- Move Closer to Other Apple Devices: AirTags rely on nearby Apple devices to update their location. Try moving your AirTag closer to other iPhones, iPads, or Macs.
- Check for Obstructions: Metal and liquid can interfere with the Bluetooth signal. Make sure there are no obstructions between your AirTag and other Apple devices.
When to Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your AirTag still isn’t updating, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
What To Check
AirTags are incredibly useful for keeping track of important items. However, sometimes you might notice that your AirTag’s location isn’t updating as expected. Here’s a breakdown of common reasons why this happens, plus solutions to get your AirTag back online:
Check the AirTag Battery Level
A depleted battery is one of the most common culprits behind an AirTag that doesn’t update its location. AirTags use replaceable CR2032 batteries which typically last about a year. Here’s how to check your AirTag battery:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Items tab.
- Select your AirTag.
- If it has a low battery, you’ll see a warning icon beneath the AirTag’s name.
Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled
AirTags communicate using Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is turned off on your device, your AirTag won’t be able to update its location.
- On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle the switch to the on position.
Confirm Location Services are On
Your iPhone or iPad needs Location Services enabled to accurately track your AirTag. Here’s how to check:
- On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and make sure that both Location Services and Find My are toggled on.
Troubleshooting Network Issues
Your AirTag relies on nearby Apple devices with internet access to update its location within the Find My network. If you’re in an area with poor Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, your AirTag might struggle to find a nearby device to connect with.
Try moving to an area with a better signal or simply wait until you’re in range of a stronger network.
Additional Checks
Here’s a table outlining additional things to check if the steps above didn’t resolve your issue:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| AirTag in Lost Mode | Lost Mode makes location updates less frequent to conserve battery. Disable Lost Mode if regular tracking is needed. |
| Software Issues | Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS/iPadOS. |
| Firmware Updates | AirTags receive firmware updates automatically. A pending update could cause temporary issues. |
| Airplane Mode | Check that Airplane Mode is disabled on your AirTag (hold the AirTag near your phone and tap the popup) |
If you’ve tried all these steps and your AirTag still won’t update its location, there might be a hardware issue. Consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
Key Takeaways
- AirTags rely on Bluetooth and the Find My network to update their location.
- A low battery or network issues can prevent an AirTag from refreshing its location.
- Checking the Find My app, AirTag battery, and iPhone settings can resolve location updating issues.
Understanding AirTag Technology
Apple’s AirTag is a small device designed to help people keep track of their belongings. It uses Apple’s Find My network for location tracking.
How AirTags Function
AirTags use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to ping their location to nearby devices in the Find My network. When an AirTag is within Bluetooth range of someone’s iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it sends out a secure Bluetooth signal. This signal is picked up by the device and sent to iCloud, updating the tag’s location on the owner’s Find My app.
Importance of Bluetooth and Location Services
Bluetooth is a key part of how AirTags interact with other devices. Without Bluetooth connectivity, AirTags are unable to send or receive signals. Location services must also be turned on for the Find My app to work properly. These services allow the owner to see the AirTag’s location on a map. Consequently, both Bluetooth and location services are vital for the AirTag’s functionality.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
When an AirTag is not updating its location, it can be due to a range of factors. This section provides practical advice to identify and resolve such issues.
Connectivity Problems and Solutions
A frequent cause of AirTag update issues is poor connectivity. AirTags rely on Bluetooth to connect to your iPhone and other Apple devices. Make sure Bluetooth is on and working. If it’s not, turn Bluetooth off and then on again. Also, check your internet connection. AirTags need the internet to update their location. If you are out of signal, the updates may not happen until you reconnect.
Battery-Related Concerns
AirTags use a coin cell battery. They can last over a year depending on how you use them. To check the battery status, open the Find My app and select your AirTag. If the battery is low, replace it. A low battery can cause the AirTag to stop updating its location.
Updating AirTag Firmware
Firmware makes sure your AirTag works right. Apple sometimes releases firmware updates. These updates are automatic but they require your AirTag to be near your iPhone. If your AirTag isn’t up to date, bring it close to your iPhone and wait. The update should happen on its own.
When to Contact Apple Support
If your AirTag still isn’t working, it might be time to get help from Apple. Before you do, make sure you’ve tried all the steps above. Find your Apple ID and have it handy. Contact Apple Support for more help. They can assist you if your AirTag is in Lost Mode or if a reset is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides answers to common questions about AirTag location updates, offering practical steps for users to troubleshoot their devices.
How can I manually refresh my AirTag’s location?
To manually refresh an AirTag’s location, open the Find My app and pull down in the Items tab to update the location.
What might be causing my AirTag’s last seen location to not update?
Several factors can cause an AirTag’s location to not update, such as a low battery, connectivity issues, or its proximity to your iOS device.
How frequently does an AirTag’s location refresh automatically?
An AirTag’s location usually refreshes automatically when it comes into contact with the network of Apple devices through Bluetooth.
What should I do if my shared AirTag’s location isn’t updating?
If a shared AirTag’s location isn’t updating, check if all devices involved have network connectivity and that the Find My network is enabled.
Why won’t my AirTag’s location update even when connected to my iPhone?
If an AirTag won’t update its location even when connected to an iPhone, ensure that both devices have updated software and that the AirTag is within range.
What steps can I take to troubleshoot a non-updating AirTag?
To troubleshoot an AirTag that doesn’t update, check the battery life, toggle Bluetooth off and on, and restart the Find My app on your iOS device. If these actions don’t help, consider resetting the AirTag.
