Airtag not updating location

This is a known issue Apple. What’s your resolution?

All of Apple's "finder devices" (iPhones and iPads) that have been updated to iOS17.1 or above don't seem to be contributing to the FindMy network anymore. The network fully depends on older devices now – which are getting fewer every day (over 66% of all iPhones already have iOS17, official statistics from early February 2024).

Further researching suggests that even those devices no longer fully supported (only by security updates of iOS16 and iOS15) also suffer from this bug. My old 6s stopped working as a "finder" (reporting locations of AirTags around) after installing latest security update end of January 2024. Thus the FindMy network is getting worse and worse every day.

There are several bug reports but no response from Apple yet. Either they are not aware of it or just don't care – unless this has been made on purpose (very unlikely), they should do something about it ASAP. Otherwise, all AirTags and all certified clones get completely useless in a matter of only a few more months. The quality and accuracy of the network already is MUCH worse than last year.

iOS17.4 is still not working properly as Finder Device. This is a serious issue that has to be fixed ASAP. The Find My Network is slowly dying. All AirTags will become useless in a matter of a few more months.

Here is an easy way to get proof of it: view post at Macrumors forum

iOS 17.4.1 and iOS 16.7.7 have finally fixed the issue with devices not sending Finder Reports. AirTags / Findmy network now work like before. It took Apple only 5 months to take bug reports seriously and check the issue. Congratulations.

Hey there sidra5212,

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities.

We'd be happy to provide you with the best information. To get started, we do want to let you know that this would likely be expected behavior. The location of the AirTags will only update when the AirTag is within range of a device in the Find My Network. If the AirTags are not within range of your iPhone or another device in the Find My Network, you would only see the last known location and timestamp.

You can find this information, and more details at this link here: Find your keys, backpack and more with AirTag – Apple Support

See your AirTag on the map

1. Open the Find My app, then tap the Items tab.

2. Choose the AirTag you want to locate in the Items list.

* If the AirTag is within range of your device or the Find My network recently detected it, you'll see it on the map. An updated location and timestamp will appear under its name.

* If the AirTag isn't within range of your device or any devices in the Find My network, you will see its last known location and timestamp. To be notified when your AirTag is within range of your device or detected by the Find My network, turn on Notify When Found under Notifications. 

We hope that's able to help.

Have a great day!

can we request for refund as the airtag as it is not functioning anymore ?

Same here, the tag won't update itself for a few hours. It was different from what had been marketed to me initially. I am not sure of the use of the AirTag when it only updates when I am around and takes a few hours to update when I'm not around (when I lost it).

I’m positive it’s the IOS.. the AirTag updates randomly like it’s only when certain iOS versions are around

Wish I’d seen this before ordering these piles of junk.

Going to get a refund on them.

I have an air tag in my car and on the key ring for the same car. I am parked and the air tag in the car updated within 1 minute as to the correct location, the air tag on the key ring has not updated for over 30 minutes showing it was 26 miles away. The two air tags are only separated by 15 feet. The keys are in my pocket with my iPhone and it is the one that has not updated. After I got back in my car both updated at the same time. The answer provided by support does not address this situation that it is "expected behavior". If that was the case, both air tags would be providing the same tracking information.

so if I have a AirTag that I left in back of my truck and I’m somewhere where it’s raining does it mean that’s why my name is not updating on my phone because it’s wet

I totally agree with everyone.

all products, apple or not, if advertised that they work/“ping” location of surrounding iPhones, come on, we are in 2024, iPhones pass us in cars, in busses, trains, people, etc., every second of every day!

mine none, brand new ones, up to date, latest technology, lost 2, I can see locations and set to lost mode and everything and somehow these people are still using them I guess and have them because location changes every … like you said, depends hours days … makes no sense

Hello Chris: My wife's airtag is next to her phone at work. Her phone is visible to me the tag still shows at home 'last seen XX hours ago', the last time it came within my phone's Bluetooth range. So the airtag is not behaving as it should. Both phones on latest iOS, both phones with all proper settings. Airtags on latest firmware as of 02/2024. What is the resolution?

If the AirTag isn't within range of your device or any devices in the Find My network, you will see its last known location and timestamp. To be notified when your AirTag is within range of your device or detected by the Find My network, turn on Notify When Found under Notifications. 

I'm also frustrated by the current state of Airtags, unless tags registered to me are within range of my phone they are not getting updated. Even when in range of my partners iPhone. Don't even get me started on shared tags.... These have essentially become nothing more than expensive key finders and of little use to me. I would like to know if Apple will be offering refunds as they no longer perform as advertised when purchased.

where is my airtag at??