Why can't I use Precision Finding on my Apple AirTag?

HI, can anyone confirm why cant i use the feature precision finding for my airtag?

I am using iphone 12 pro and 14 Pro with the latest IOS 18.4.1, both didnt give me option "find" only option "direction" on my "find my apps".

Even so when i try to get direction, i expected it will show direction on the maps app. But when it automatically brings me to the map app, it kept popping up option to change stop, and the option not even on the same country or region to where i am at. i cant get direction like the traditionally do when we look up for direction.

is it also because the country region indonesia doesnt permitted ultra wide band range for precision finding? even if it was the case. shouldnt it still showing me direction on the map from my current location to the location mark on the find my app? any thought will be appreciated. Thank you




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Apr 17, 2025 12:31 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 21, 2025 3:07 PM

First, regarding Precision Finding, you're correct in thinking that it's tied to Ultra Wideband (UWB), which is what powers the directional arrows and distance estimates when you're close to your AirTag. While both the iPhone 12 Pro and 14 Pro do support UWB, Indonesia currently does not allow UWB to be used, due to local regulations on radio spectrum usage. So yes — unfortunately, this restriction prevents Precision Finding from working, regardless of the device or iOS version. That’s why you only see the “Directions” option instead of the “Find” interface with the big arrow and distance indicator.


Now, for the second issue — the weird Maps behavior when trying to get directions — that's not directly related to UWB or AirTag hardware. That sounds more like a Find My or Maps region mismatch or localization issue. If your device is set to Indonesia but you're getting route suggestions in a completely different country, I'd recommend double-checking these:


  1. Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure both are set to Indonesia.
  2. Then, open Maps, go to the bottom-right corner, tap your user profile or avatar, and check if there’s any recent location or region override.
  3. Also ensure you're signed into the correct Apple Account and that Find My has full location access (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Find My > While Using the App + Precise Location ON).

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 21, 2025 3:07 PM in response to Yorkerz79

First, regarding Precision Finding, you're correct in thinking that it's tied to Ultra Wideband (UWB), which is what powers the directional arrows and distance estimates when you're close to your AirTag. While both the iPhone 12 Pro and 14 Pro do support UWB, Indonesia currently does not allow UWB to be used, due to local regulations on radio spectrum usage. So yes — unfortunately, this restriction prevents Precision Finding from working, regardless of the device or iOS version. That’s why you only see the “Directions” option instead of the “Find” interface with the big arrow and distance indicator.


Now, for the second issue — the weird Maps behavior when trying to get directions — that's not directly related to UWB or AirTag hardware. That sounds more like a Find My or Maps region mismatch or localization issue. If your device is set to Indonesia but you're getting route suggestions in a completely different country, I'd recommend double-checking these:


  1. Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure both are set to Indonesia.
  2. Then, open Maps, go to the bottom-right corner, tap your user profile or avatar, and check if there’s any recent location or region override.
  3. Also ensure you're signed into the correct Apple Account and that Find My has full location access (Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Find My > While Using the App + Precise Location ON).

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Why can't I use Precision Finding on my Apple AirTag?

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