Launched in April 2021, Apple’s AirTag enables users to track objects lacking smart features, including keys and bags. This tracker utilizes the Ultra-Wideband chip in iPhones to trace lost items accurately.
So, when does AirTag update its location? When your iPod or iPhone comes near your AirTag, it will update its location. This update will also occur if a Find My network device is nearby. Besides ensuring location updates by alerting you of any AirTag present, the Find My network feature protects you from anyone who would want to infringe your privacy by putting an AirTag into your person or bag. The update may also occur once or severally depending on these devices’ traffic with more updates where there is high traffic and one or none in low traffic areas.
In order to set up an AirTag, you need an iPhone or iPod running iOS 14.5 or later. You can also use an iPad or iPadOS 14.5 with this smart tracker. Start by unwrapping your new AirTag from its casing and turn on the AirTag by pulling out the plastic tab.
After naming and registering your AirTag with your Apple ID, your AirTag should be ready for use. Part of this readiness includes its ability to update in response to surrounding devices for successful tracking.
Your AirTag will update its location in the Find My app when your iPhone comes near it or a Find My Network device nearby. Thus, if you are in a high-traffic area with many iPhones coming and going, your location will update every one or two minutes.
On the other hand, if you are in a deserted place, you may stop getting these updates, as the AirTag cannot reach you as long as there are no other Find My devices within its radius. To check your AirTag’s location, navigate to the Find My app on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, and under the Items section, you will see your AirTags.
The Find My app will show all your AirTags on a map and your current location. By tapping one of the AirTags on the list, you will receive an option to find it, play a sound, enable lost mode or remove it from your Apple ID. Thus, on the Find My app section, you can control everything you want to about your AirTag.
Since AirTags do not actively broadcast their location, their location will update when the other device using the Find My app is near. You will get a last-seen message indicating the recent time that your AirTag made contact with another Apple device that relayed its location. If your last seen time is long ago, then your AirTag is in an isolated area without many iPhones or iPads passing around to report its location.
To ensure user security, AirTag features built-in privacy such that no location data or history is stored in the device. Also, communication with the Find My Network is encrypted. As such, only the owner can access location data, and not even Apple knows the location or identity of the device that aided in tracing it.
If you lose your AirTag and someone else finds it, then taps with their device, the AirTag will provide information you would have allowed. However, you will not get an alert of who found the lost AirTag apart from the updated location in the Find My network.
To further enhance its security, Apple limits its AirTag sharing to one user. As such, you cannot share your AirTag with a family member or friend to prevent unwanted tracking. In addition, sharing will limit the ability to place your AirTag on shared items such as car keys since the owner is the only one who can put it in lost mode or view its current location. This, in turn, may make the AirTag lose its whole meaning in tracking.
Lastly, while you can track lost items with your AirTag, Apple does not recommend its use as an anti-theft device. Therefore, you should limit use to locating lost devices, and in case of stolen items, report to the authorities for assistance.
Why Is AirTag Not Updating Location?
AirTag uses Bluetooth, ultra-wideband locations, and near-field communication to find lost items. Using Apple devices near your AirTag will give the exact location of the item you are looking for and the directions to get there. As such, your AirTag failure to update location can be frustrating. Luckily this issue is fixable with a few steps once you identify the cause.
If your AirTag is not updating its location, you may want to check that your family members use updated Apple compatible devices. A weak signal could also cause this problem, and you may want to check your cellular, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connections. Also, if AirTag stops working altogether, your battery probably ran out, and recharging should solve the problem.
According to Apple, using Managed Apple ID will prevent you from setting up AirTag. Thus, if your AirTag is not updating the location, this could be the problem, and you should check for compliance. If your ID is not managed, another possible restriction for the updates could be a disabled Find My app.
Find My app comes with a switch in the settings allowing you to enable or disable it depending on your needs. To turn on this feature, go to your settings, Find My app, then Find My iPhone and toggle on.
Enabling the Two Factor authentication is also a fix you can try to resolve AirTag that is not updating location. Enabling this feature ensures a connection between your iPad or iPhone and your AirTag.
To turn on this feature, navigate to the Settings tab,
- Tap on your name
- Then Password and Security.
- While here, ensure the Two-Factor authentication is on.
- You will enter your contact and respond to a few security questions to enable this feature.
Another possible fix to an AirTag that is not updating location is checking your Bluetooth, Cellular Network, or Wi-Fi connection. These features are key in AirTag’s functionality, and they could cause any lag or poor functionality of your AirTag.
To turn on the above features, navigate to your Settings app and go to the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Cellular data settings, turn each of the above settings at a time and restart your device to effect the change after each adjustment.
To determine the direction and distance of an AirTag, the AirTag’s U1 chip, which is also present in your iPhone 11 and 12 models, does the work. This chip utilizes the ultra-wideband technology and input from the gyroscope, accelerometer, and device camera to lead you to the lost AirTag via visual and sound feedback.
Unfortunately, this technology features some country and regional restrictions, and if it is not working in your country, AirTag will not update successfully. If you are not in a restricted region, ensure your Find My app is enabled for maximum functionality of your AirTag features.
Your location Services should also be on if AirTag is to work with precision. Thus, in case of the above problem, even if this feature is on, disable it then enable it to eliminate any random glitches. To do this, go to your Settings, Privacy, and then Location Services. Afterward, restart your device, then turn on your Location Services before trying to pair your iPhone with your AirTag.
If you try the above adjustments unsuccessfully, it could be a problem with your cellular data, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. While you may have turned them on as in the earlier instructions, there could be bugs affecting seamless functionality, and you may have to reset your network settings to resolve the issue.
To do this, go to your Settings app and tap General. Next, scroll to the bottom, and select Reset, then Reset Network Settings. You will receive a prompt to enter your device password, then hit the Reset Network Settings again. This action should resolve network-related issues and, in turn, your AirTag’s failure to update location.
However, if your AirTag is still not updating location, it may be time that you consider a software update. Since Apple keeps releasing software updates with enhanced performances and bug fixes, it could be wise to try this option to resolve AirTag issues. To do this, navigate your Settings tab and go to General then Software Update. If an update is pending, download, and install, then check for any changes.
Finally, if all the above does not fix the problem, a factory reset is the ultimate solution. AirTag Factory reset can resolve other issues, including connectivity, weak signal, and a nonfunctional Precision Finding.
To reset and AirTag, remove it from the Find My app first. Thus, open the Find My app, and on the Items tab, select the AirTag that you want to reset and swipe up. The latter action enables you to access the AirTag Settings, from where you can choose the Remove item option then tap Remove to confirm your choices. After the reset, reconnect your AirTag to your iPad or iPhone.
Does AirTag Work When Far Away?
Apple’s AirTags give a reliable way to track important items faster. However, like any other technology, this feature has a limitation when it comes to the distance you can track.
AirTags require Bluetooth for their connection and cover up to thirty feet range or less with good functionality. While thirty feet is the acceptable range for the tracking distance, it is not the actual distance provided by Apple. Thus, you should remember that this is the maximum range and may vary depending on certain factors.
For instance, Bluetooth largely depends on clear sight, free from obstacles such as doors, walls, and location levels. Thus, the connection will cover a shorter distance where these features are present.
Limited Bluetooth availability is another concern. If you are in an area where no devices can pick up the signal, you will not locate your item. Unfortunately, Apple has not released enough data on its tracking technology to allow for further investigations. At the moment, it relies on other apple devices for tracking to locate AirTags in the vicinity.
Also affecting the distance is the fact that tracking will only work with U1 capable devices. The U1 chip offers precision tracking that can point your device’s location to a few centimeters. Thus, precision tracking will be impossible if your device is not U1 capable.
The AirTag also features an NFC chip containing helpful information in ownership verification. While this feature does not directly contribute to the tracking distance, it is vital in the process.
It stores information about the owner’s device, and its availability to anyone is a security concern as others can use it to track your AirTag. The NFC also features enhanced distance tracking capabilities, available on some iOS devices, which enable users to locate devices within a few centimeters.
Lastly, while Bluetooth is useful in tracking the distance that your AirTag can cover, it is not the ultimate determinant. Thus, ultra-wideband and Find My app are alternative features you can utilize where Bluetooth is limited.
For instance, outside the Bluetooth range, you can use the Find My network to find the general area of your AirTag, enabling you to locate your items from further away. Afterward, Bluetooth can take over. When you get even closer to the device, then the short-range ultra-wideband will track the exact location of your AirTag.
Summary
AirTags offer a convenient way to track items such as keys and bags. Your AirTag will update the location from time to time to ensure accuracy. These updates occur when an iPhone or iPad is close to your AirTag or a Find My Network device around you.
While you expect an update in the case of the above two scenarios, this may not be obvious. Thus, you may want to check if any of your housemates use Apple compatible devices, your battery is full, and your software is up to date.
You may also want to check your connections; in which case you may reset to fix these issues. Finally, AirTags feature limitations in terms of the distance they can track, given that they depend on Bluetooth for tracking. However, with the Find My and ultra-wideband feature, you can sail past the Bluetooth limitation and track further away items.
