Airtag Unknown problem

As already posted, Airtags don’t directly communicate w/ the mobile network nor do they have even the vaguest idea of their location.

They DEPEND on a “relaying device” and the FindMy Network to provide nearly all functionality.

That “relaying device” could be your device, or nearly anyone elses.

Additionally, Airtags don’t continuously update their position like “heavy” devices do; as that would be far too power intensive for their minuscule amount of available power.

airtags do not have gps

airtags only means of communication is bluetooth so about a 30 meters range

so if it moves outside of your range and can't piggybag to the internet using other iphones with bluetooth enabled

then it's out of range

it's sort of why they don't advatise it for pets, only being able to track them when they are within 30 maters of other iphone owners is not ideal.

I should have also added that newer phones (11 and later) incorporating Ultra-Wideband (UWB) WILL provide a very accurate distance and direction to your "nearby" AirTag.

Your XR only knows that it's somewhere nearby (within Bluetooth range).

devices from apple with bluetooth support can act as gateways, when I leave home with my iphone then it use my ipad, or appletv or the likes to give me it's position