What to Know
- AirTags don’t have a built-in GPS and require nearby Apple devices in order to be tracked, so you cannot refresh the location manually.
- When set up properly, your AirTag’s location will refresh automatically.
- Putting your AirTag into Lost Mode will send you notifications if the location is updated.
AirTags are a great tool that help users find otherwise untrackable belongings like keys, wallets, documents, etc. When the time comes to actually track your AirTag, it's important to understand exactly how to locate AirTags, which may require you to wait for them to refresh their location. I'll also explain why the location may be updating more slowly and how to access your AirTag location history.
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How Often Does AirTag Update Location Automatically
What many users don't realize is that AirTags don't have a built-in GPS or tracking device; they are tracked using a network of nearby Apple devices. For this reason, your AirTag's location will refresh more frequently when located in a crowded area with lots of other people's Apple devices. At the same time, it will refresh less and potentially become untraceable if it is located in a really remote area far from any Apple devices. If this happens, you can still track it by going to the AirTag's Last Seen location or marking it as lost so that you get a notification if it comes within range of an Apple device. For more AirTag tips, don't forget to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter!
How to Refresh AirTag Location Manually
You cannot refresh your AirTag's location manually. To get the most accurate AirTag location reading, you need to make sure to check your AirTag’s battery life to make sure it has enough battery to be tracked. Your AirTag must also be in range of other Apple devices—this means any Apple devices, not just your own. Here's how to update AirTag locations on your iPhone:
- Open the Find My app.
![Open the Find My app.]()
- Tap Items if you are not already there.
![Tap Items if you are not already there.]()
- Tap on the AirTag, and it will show you the most recently updated location. You can wait for it to refresh automatically if you want to see a more recently reported location.
![Tap on the AirTag you want to refresh and wait for it to refresh automatically.]()
- If the location isn’t updating and you can’t find it by tapping Find, scroll down and enable Lost Mode.
![If the location isn’t updating and you can’t find it by tapping Find, scroll down and enable Lost Mode.]()
- Tap Continue.
![Tap Continue.]()
- Enter your phone number, then tap Next.
![Enter your phone number, then tap Next.]()
- Make sure Notify When Found is toggled on.
![Make sure Notify When Found is toggled on.]()
- Double-check your phone number and fix it if necessary.
![Double-check your phone number and fix it if necessary.]()
- Tap the message to change it if you wish, then tap Activate.
![Tap the message to change it if you wish, then tap Activate.]()
You will now get notified if your AirTag is found! If your AirTag is low on battery, this might only work if whoever finds your AirTag replaces the battery and leaves it somewhere where an Apple device can track it
Pro Tip
If you receive a Last Seen alert, this means that your AirTag was last seen in a really remote area where it can't currently be tracked in real-time. There isn't a way to manually access this, as it will only show up automatically if your AirTag seems 'lost.'
Now you know how to locate AirTags and refresh their location on your iPhone. The best way to keep your items safe with AirTags is to turn on notification alerts if you forget your AirTag-tracked item. You can disable places like your home so that you don’t get overwhelmed with notifications. Don’t forget to change those AirTag batteries as soon as you get the low battery warning!
FAQ
- Can you share AirTag locations? Yes! If you are running iOS 17 or later. Sharing AirTag locations is a new iOS 17 feature, and this software update will be available to the public in the Fall of 2023 or earlier if you want to experiment with the iOS 17 beta.
- Are AirTags waterproof? No, but they are water-resistant. Learn more about how to protect your AirTag from water damage here.
- How to set up AirTag properly? AirTag setup is easy, and your iPhone will walk you through it. For step-by-step instructions on how to set up your AirTag, read this.
