AirTag Not Updating Location? 10 Fixes

Quick Fix

AirTag not updating location? Refresh in Find My: open Find My app, pull down to refresh. AirTags update when any iPhone passes nearby – not in real-time. Check that the AirTag battery isn’t dead (replace CR2032). Ensure your iPhone has Bluetooth and Find My enabled in Settings.

Why Won’t AirTag Update Location?

AirTags don’t have GPS – they rely on Apple’s Find My network to update location when any iPhone passes nearby. Updates depend on network density, battery life, and your iPhone’s settings. Remote areas have fewer updates.

Method 1: Refresh Find My App

Force a location update.

1. Open Find My app
2. Go to Items tab
3. Pull down to refresh
4. Wait for location to update
5. Check timestamp under AirTag

Method 2: Check Battery

Dead battery stops updates.

1. In Find My, tap your AirTag
2. Check battery indicator
3. If low, replace CR2032 battery
4. Twist back cover counterclockwise to open
5. Battery lasts about 1 year

Method 3: Enable Find My on iPhone

Your iPhone helps track AirTags.

1. Settings > [Your Name] > Find My
2. Enable Find My iPhone
3. Enable Find My network
4. Enable Send Last Location

Method 4: Check Bluetooth

Bluetooth connects to AirTag.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
2. Ensure Bluetooth is On
3. If AirTag is near, it should connect
4. Toggle Bluetooth off/on if issues

Method 5: Remove and Re-add AirTag

Fresh setup may fix tracking.

1. In Find My, tap your AirTag
2. Scroll down, tap Remove Item
3. Confirm removal
4. Hold AirTag near iPhone to re-add
5. Follow setup prompts

Method 6: Reset the AirTag

Clear AirTag’s settings.

1. Remove battery from AirTag
2. Wait 15 seconds
3. Reinsert battery and press until it clicks
4. Repeat 4 more times (5 total)
5. Chirp sound confirms reset
6. Set up as new in Find My

Method 7: Check Location Services

Location must be enabled.

1. Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
2. Ensure Location Services is On
3. Scroll to Find My and select While Using
4. Enable Precise Location

Method 8: Update iOS

Updates fix Find My bugs.

1. Settings > General > Software Update
2. Download and install if available
3. Restart iPhone after update
4. Check AirTag tracking

Method 9: Sign Out and Back In

Refresh Apple ID connection.

1. Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out
2. Sign out of iCloud
3. Restart iPhone
4. Sign back in to Apple ID
5. Wait for Find My data to sync

Method 10: Understand AirTag Limitations

Set realistic expectations.

• AirTags don’t have GPS
• Location updates when iPhones pass nearby
• Rural areas may have delays of hours/days
• Urban areas update more frequently
• Real-time tracking not possible

FAQ

How often do AirTags update location?

AirTags update whenever any iPhone with Find My network enabled passes nearby. In busy areas, this could be minutes. In remote areas, updates may take hours or days. There’s no set schedule.

Why does my AirTag show old location?

The displayed location is when the AirTag was last detected by the Find My network. If no iPhones have passed nearby since, the location won’t update. This is normal for AirTags in low-traffic areas.

Can I make AirTag update more frequently?

You can’t force more frequent updates. AirTag location depends entirely on Apple’s Find My network. The only way to get current location is to be within Bluetooth range yourself and use Precision Finding on iPhone 11+.