December 21, 2024
How to update the software on your AirTag

Learn how to update your AirTag to the most recent firmware in order to get the latest features and fixes, plus how to check its firmware version and see what’s new.

About stealthy AirTag updates

Non-Apple accessories from other companies that support Apple’s Find My network can be managed through the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad and Mac. This includes being able to manually update the software powering a compatible third-party device by selecting it underneath the Find My app’s “Items” tab. If there’s new software available, you’ll see an “Update Available” button. Tapping it forces a manual update outside of the regular schedule for automatic updates (if you don’t see the button, then the item is up to date). Strangely enough, the AirTag does not support downloading and installing firmware updates through the Find My app.

How to update the software on your AirTag

AirTag software updates are downloaded and installed automatically by the iOS operating system when the following conditions are met:

  1. Your AirTag is in the Bluetooth range of its connected iPhone
  2. The connected iPhone is running iOS 14.5 or later
  3. There’s no way to manually force an update of the software powering your AirTag, and Apple spells it out in black and white. “Firmware updates are delivered periodically while your AirTag is in Bluetooth range of your iPhone,” Apple notes.

You can check the current version of your AirTag’s firmware, as well as check out its serial number, by hitting its battery icon in the Find My app.

  1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
  2. In the Find My app hit the “Items” tab at the bottom.
  3. Choose the AirTag you want to see more details about.
  4. Now touch the tiny battery icon below your AirTag’s location.

Doing so will reveal the AirTag’s current firmware version and serial number.