“How often does AirTag update location?” This is one of the common questions many potential and new AirTag owners ask.
Well, the short answer to this question is “it depends”.
To help you understand how AirTag location update works, we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide explaining everything you need to know about AirTag location update. From how often it updates location to its accuracy, and lots more.
Part 1: How often Does Airtag Update Location
The frequency of AirTag location updates depends on the proximity to nearby Apple devices, as AirTag relies on the Apple Find My network and Bluetooth to update location.
If your AirTag is within Bluetooth range (about 33 feet or 10 meters), it can update its location, but not in real-time. However, if it relies on the Find My network, the updates depend on the frequency and presence of Apple devices in the area.
For instance, if your AirTag is in a location that’s surrounded by other Apple devices, it can update its location every one to two minutes. But in areas with no Apple device nearby, it might not update its location because there’s no Apple device that it can use to broadcast its location.
More about AirTag
Part 2: How Accurate is Apple Airtag Location?
The accuracy of the AirTag’s location is influenced by factors like environmental interference, the density of nearby Apple devices, and whether Precision Finding is active.
AirTag uses a combination of Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, and Apple’s Find My network to update its location.
When the AirTag is nearby, Bluetooth technology provides relatively accurate proximity information, allowing users to locate items within a few feet. However, in scenarios where the AirTag is farther away, it relies on the Find My network to update its location.
The Find My network leverages nearby Apple devices to relay the AirTag’s position, which is then encrypted and anonymously sent to iCloud for display in your Find My app. This method offers significant accuracy in areas with many Apple devices, such as cities or crowded public.
Additionally, AirTag-equipped devices with UWB technology, such as iPhones with the U1 chip, enable Precision Finding. This feature provides real-time directional guidance and distance information, leading you directly to the AirTag.
Part 3: Why is AirTag not Updating Location?
There are different reasons why AirTag might not update location. We’ve shared some of them below;
- Poor Network Connection: Poor connection is one of the common causes of Airtag location update error. Although AirTag does not rely on internet connection to update location, the primary device it’s connected with needs a stable internet connection to be able to receive the location update.
- Out of Range: If your AirTag is too far from Bluetooth-enabled devices or Apple’s network, it won’t update. It needs to be at 33 feet within BlueTooth range or in an area with many Apple devices to be able to update location perfectly.
- Poor Battery: A low or dead battery can halt AirTag updates. And it’s important to note that the CR2032 battery used in AirTag can only last one year on normal usage. So, if your AirTag battery is beyond one year, it might not update location.
- Signal Interference: Physical obstructions or electronic interference can also disrupt signals, which could prevent AirTag from updating its location.
- AirTag Deactivation: Additionally, if your AirTag is removed from your Apple ID, it won’t update its location.
Related Reading: How to Fix Airtag not Connecting?
Part 4: What is the Actual AirTag Range?
AirTags use Bluetooth for close-range communication and the Find My network for long-distance tracking.
As long as you’re within BlueTooth range of your iPhone, which is 33 feet (without obstructions), AirTag will update its location. However, the Find My network range is unlimited because it depends on other Apple devices within the area to relay the AirTag’s location.
When an AirTag is using Find My network to update its location, its range increases in areas with high Apple device density and vice versa.
Part 5: How to Setup Precision Finding on Airtag?
Precision Finding utilizes the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology available on iPhones equipped with the U1 chip (iPhone 11 and later). Here’s how to set it up:
- Open the “Find My” app on your iPhone and select the “AirTag” you’d like to set up precision finding for.
- Choose the option that says “Find Nearby” to activate “Precision Finding.”
- Lastly, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Conclusion
Understanding how often it updates its location, its accuracy, and its range can help you maximize its utility.
As discussed, the frequency of AirTag location updates varies depending on the technology it’s using for the update. If it’s using Bluetooth, it updates location almost instantly. But with Find My network, it depends on the density of Apple devices within the area.
FAQs
Can you see Airtag Location History?
No, you cannot see your AirTag location history. Neither your AirTag or the device you connect it with stores its location data because the data is encrypted. This means that you can only see an AirTag current location or its last location before it is out of range.
Do AirTags Track in Real Time?
AirTags provide near real-time tracking when within Bluetooth range or using Precision Finding. However, updates via the Find My network may have delays depending on nearby Apple devices.
How Do I Refresh the Location of My AirTag?
To refresh the AirTag’s location:
- Open the Find My app.
- Select the AirTag.
- Pull down on the screen to refresh its status.
Is AirTag Always On?
Yes, AirTag is always on as long as the battery is functioning. It operates passively and activates only when needed to conserve power.
How Far Can AirTag Be Tracked?
There is no strict distance limit.
When your AirTag is in Bluetooth range, the tracking is direct. However, for longer distances, the AirTag relies on Apple’s Find My network, which functions wherever there are Apple devices.
Can You Configure AirTag to Make Sound?
Yes you can configure AirTag to make sound. Once you connect the device with your Find My app, you’ll be able to play a sound on the AirTag. This feature helps locate the AirTag when it’s nearby but out of sight.