- Apple AirTag is a popular device offering location tracking until the battery drains, but it can present issues if not updating its location, often due to being out of range or having a dead battery.
- Common fixes include finding the AirTag, unpairing and repairing it with your iPhone, toggling airplane mode, resetting the AirTag, checking the battery, and contacting Apple Support if issues persist.
- Resetting the AirTag and replacing the battery can resolve location tracking problems, ensuring the device functions properly for locating lost items.
Apple AirTag is one of the most purchased devices from Apple. This is because of the functionality it offers. It guarantees that you won’t lose anything until the battery is completely drained. However, when you buy your new Apple AirTag and notice that it is not updating its location, it can be quite a headache.
If you are also facing the same issue with your AirTag, you don’t need to worry. The issue is more common than it sounds. Here, in this guide, we will go through several ways to fix if Apple Airtag is not updating its location and also discuss its reasons.
Why is Apple AirTag Not Updating Its Location?
Apple AirTap may fail to update its location if it is out of range. Another thing that can possibly stop Apple AirTag from updating its location is its battery. If the battery is completely drained, the location won’t be updated. Let alone location, it won’t even make a beep sound.
Other than this, there cannot be more issues. However, it is possible that your AirTag has been submersed in water and is now out of order, but that is quite rare. Anyway, things may lose potential over time and AirTag is no different. If you think your AirTag is new enough and it is the first time you are seeing this issue, this guide can help you immensely.
How to Fix When Apple AirTag Not Updating Its Location?
If Apple AirTag is not updating its location, there are plenty of things you can try. However, make sure that you go through this guide serially so that you don’t miss anything.
Fix 1: Find Your AirTag
The best way to start fixing your Apple AirTag when it is not updating location is to find it. While it may be a hard task, but you can do it. Unfortunately, if you are not able to find it, you won’t be able to fix it.
Usually, Apple AirTag, when it is not able to update its location, it may give out an error like AirTag not reachable, move around to reconnect. If that’s the case with you, too, make sure to check out our guide.
Fix 2: Unpair and Repair the AirTag
Now that you have found your AirTag and it is in your hand, you can unpair and Re-pair it again with your iPhone. This process makes sure that your AirTag is able to update its locations by clearing all the cache. Here are the steps to do it:
- On your iPhone, open the Find My app.
- Now, switch to the Items tab from the bottom.
- Tap on your AirTag.
- Swipe up to view the settings.
- Tap on Remove Item.
- Tap on Confirm to approve your selection.
- Once done, pair it again.
That’s it. Now keep your AirTag far from you and check whether it is able to update its location or not. If not, move on to the next fix.
Fix 3: AirTag Is Out of Range
The most common issue why AirTag is not updating is location is because it is out of range. The Apple AirTag uses Bluetooth to send your GPS signals and help you find your product chained with it. However, because the range of Bluetooth is limited to 10 Meters or 30 Feet, if your AirTag goes any farther, your AirTag would fail to update its location until you get close enough.
A simple walkaround for this would be to move around and check if it updates the location. When your AirTag is able to communicate with your iPhone through Bluetooth, the location will be updated, and your AirTag will start working again. However, if that’s not the case, move to the next fix.
Fix 5: Toggle the Airplane Mode
Sometimes, all you need is to toggle the Airplane mode to on and then off. This process is a old confirmed technique that fixes AirTag issues. Along with that, it fixes associated network issues, if any. We have covered about this in updating cell towers in an iPhone.
However, make sure that you don’t toggle it quickly. Turn on Airplane mode and then wait for a few minutes to turn it off again. Once done, you can then restart your device and check whether Apple AirTag is updating its location or not.
Fix 6: Reset the AirTag
Now that you have found your AirTag, the next step is to reset it. Resetting the AirTag will fix almost every issue you are facing with it right now. However, if you don’t know how to reset it, here are the steps:
- On your AirTag, you will notice a small shiny button.
- Press and hold that key for 5 seconds until you see a Red light flashing.
- Now, wait for 2 seconds, and then press and hold it again.
This process will reset the AirTag. Once the AirTag is reset, try connecting to it again and check whether it is able to update its location or not.
Fix 7: Check For AirTag Battery
Sometimes, the main reason behind AirTag not updating its location is a dead battery. The average battery life of an AirTag is 1 year and if used regularly, it can last from 6 to 8 months. If you think that time has passed, it would be wise enough to replace the battery and check for location activity. If you don’t know how to change the battery, follow these steps:
- On your AirTag, there’s a tiny white button that you use to Pair it with your iPhone.
- Turn your AirTag upside down to see the shiny metallic part.
- Press and twist it anticlockwise, and that cover will come out.
- Now, buy a new CR2032 battery and replace it by matching the correct polarity.
Once you replace the battery, it will be turned on by default. You don’t need to do anything. Check whether it is able to update its location or not.
Fix 8: Contact Apple Support
Even after following all steps, if your AirTag is still not updating its location, there might be an internal issue. In contrast, contacting Apple Customer support is wise as well as silly at the same time.
Since the AirTag costs around $29, it is best that you purchase a new one, thinking that this one is destroyed or has reached the end of its life. On the other hand, if you make this work, make sure to visit contact Apple customer support.
The Bottom Line
Well, that’s all we have here about how you can fix if Apple AirTag is not updating its location. If you still have any doubts or queries, make sure to comment below, and we will try to help.
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