The Apple Airtag is one of the newest accessories offered by Apple for their users, and it makes it so much easier to find lost items. Using this device, you can locate misplaced things, such as your bag or keys. However, I have noticed that an Airtag can sometimes struggle to update its location. So what can you do to fix this issue, and why does it happen?
Typically an Airtag should update location whenever your iPad or iPhone is nearby. However, an issue with this can also occur if your Bluetooth or WiFi connection is glitching; you might have difficulty updating the location. One of the other factors that can affect this is your traffic.
Are you having an issue connecting your Airtag and updating the location? Keep reading this article to understand what is necessary to make that happen. By reading the explanations below, you will understand why you have issues and how you can quickly fix them!
How To Set Up An Airtag’s Location
When setting up an Airtag, there are some requirements you need to set up the location settings. Before you do anything else, switch on your new Airtag, and take it out of its packaging. Now, always check to see if you have the most recent version of iOS to connect it to the Airtag. Once you set up the Airtag with your phone, it should be able to detect your location and update accordingly automatically.
Related: What Is Apple AirTag?
How An Airtag Updates Location
An Airtag updates its location using your iPhone’s ‘Find My’ App. It can also update its location when it encounters any other device with the ‘Find My’ App. The great thing about this is that when your Airtag is around a lot of other iPhones, the location will update more frequently.
You can always check your Airtag’s location using the ‘Find My’ App on your Apple devices. In the App, under the Items section, you can easily see your Airtag and its current location. You can also see the devices on a map. However, the issue arises when you are in a low-traffic place, because of which the Airtag cannot update its location.
If you then tap any of the Airtag devices, it gives you the option to either:
- Find the Airtag device.
- Make the device play a sound to help you locate it.
- Switch on Lost mode.
- Remove the Airtag from your Apple ID.
The Find My App is the resource center for everything to do with your Apple Airtag. Therefore, always go to this App first to see what is happening with the device before looking anywhere else.
Who Can Access Location Data From An Airtag?
An Airtag does not broadcast any information about the active location unless you have it connected to your phone to protect your privacy. Therefore, the device does not store any location data. However, you can get notifications such as a message when your Airtag was last around another Apple device.
All of your location information is saved on your Apple ID and phone, so no one can access that information if they are not the owner of the Airtag. If someone finds your Airtag and taps it, it can only share data that you allow it to share. You can also only use Airtags on one device to protect your privacy and safety.
Why Is AirTag Not Updating Location?
Now that we know how Location Services work with an Airtag, it’s time to troubleshoot and find the cause of your issue. First things first, let’s start with some of the most basic causes and how you can fix them.
There Are Geographical Restrictions
One of the things to consider when you are purchasing an Airtag is that it includes a U1 chip. This chip uses a special kind of technology that is not available globally. So, before you buy an Airtag, always check if there are any geographical restrictions for the U1 chip to operate in your country. If the chip cannot work, the Airtag cannot detect the location and is not functional.
You Atre Using A Managed Apple ID
Apple has two kinds of IDs available for use on their devices. These are the personal and the Managed Apple ID. Managed IDs are typically used in corporate and institutional settings. With this kind of Apple ID, you cannot connect an Airtag. However, if you have a personal ID, you can switch it and use it on the other profile.
Two-Factor Authentication Is Disabled
Sometimes, you need to enable Two-Factor Authentication to get your Airtag working again. You can find this option in the Settings App. Apple has made this a requirement to establish connections as it provides you with another layer of security. You can do this by:
- Open up the Settings App on your iPhone.
- Tap on your name to open up your profile.
- Check to see if the Two-Factor Authentication toggle is On.
- If not, switch it on and follow Apple’s prompts to enable Two-Factor Authentication.
The ‘Find My’ Services Are Disabled
As mentioned above, the Find My App is where everything about your Airtag is available. You can switch it on by going to the Settings App, finding the option ‘Find My App,’ and switching on the toggle next to ‘Find My iPhone.’
Location Services Are Switched Off
Airtags work in conjunction with Location Services to help you precisely locate missing items. So, you need to switch on Location Services. Here’s how:
- In the Settings App, select the option Privacy.
- At the very top of the page, choose ‘Location Services.’
- Toggle the option to switch it on.
Now, all you need to do is restart your iPhone to get Location Services working as needed.
There Are Issues With Bluetooth And WiFi Connection
Airtags use information from Bluetooth and WiFi connections to work precisely. In case there are glitches in any of these connections, your Airtag will not be able to function. The simple fix for this is to put your phone on Airplane Mode and then restart it. Once the phone starts again, you can switch on the connections again, and hopefully, they can work effectively.
An Update Is Pending
One of the other factors to consider is your phone’s operating system. Sometimes, glitches in older versions of iOS are fixed by new updates, so always make sure to update your software. Check and install any new updates to the Apple software and retry with the Airtag.
Airtag Needs A Reset
If none of these steps have helped, you can carry out a reset of the Airtag. The process is pretty simple:
- Open up the Find My App on your iPhone.
- Switch to the Items tab, and choose your Airtag device.
- Swipe up to see the Settings for the Airtag.
- From here, select Remove-Item.
- Confirm your choice to remove the Airtag.
You can add your Airtag in again as a new device and complete the setup.
Related: Could Not Complete Airtag Setup? 5 Causes and Fixes
Conclusion
An Airtag is meant to work with locations, so it can be pretty frustrating when it doesn’t do it right. We hope that you have managed to get your Airtag back in working shape with these easy and quick tips!