I heard that Apple has just shared an important update for Apple AirTags and am wondering how to check if my AirTag is updated? If it isn’t, how can I update the firmware on the tiny device?
There’s a lot to like about the Apple AirTag device. It’s a super helpful tracker that’s the size of a couple of large coins and can easily be slipped into a purse, wallet, computer bag, even luggage. There are some issues, but by percentage of use, the problems are a tiny, tiny fraction of all uses of these little gizmos. I have one that I keep in my computer bag so if I forget it – or someone walks off with it – I can track it down. Handy! My kids toss them into suitcases before plane flights in case they get lost en route.
Have a brand new Apple AirTag? Please check out my helpful How to Set Up A New Apple AirTag tutorial for step-by-step instructions on how to add it to your Apple device ecosystem.
But that tiny gizmo is a technologically advanced device and has its own software and a processor hidden in the case. And, as we have learned time and again in the modern era, if there’s firmware, there are firmware updates. While there aren’t many for the AirTags units (this is the second in about a year), they are important. But like AirPods or other simple devices, you can’t force an update, you just have to create an update-friendly environment and wait for it to happen. Luckily, my Apple AirTag did just update so I can show you the before and after info…
CURRENT VERSION OF AIRTAGS FIRMWARE
The program that allows you to interact with your AirTag is Find My on an iPhone or iPad. This convenient program lets you track people, products, and tags. My kids and I use it to keep track of each other’s locations through our iPhones and it works great, even when they’re halfway around the world.
In this instance, I open up Find My and tap on “Items” to ascertain the location of my Computer Bag (the mnemonic name I assigned my AirTag):
It’s spot on with its location; I’m at a pub at Longs Peak Ave and Main Street in Longmont, CO. It’s even estimated the street address, as shown immediately below the tag’s name. If you have more than one AirTag, they will all appear as a list. Tap on the AirTag in question and you’ll be able to interact with it:
Play Sound can be very helpful if you’ve got the approximate location but not its exact spot. Wallet stuck behind the sofa cushions or under a table? Sound can help you find it, but you can also try Find and it’ll show you an arrow and estimated distance on screen, allowing you to quietly find it!
But where’s that firmware information? Turns out that it’s hidden “underneath” the word “Now”. A tap on that and look what appears:
You can just barely read that I am running firmware version 2.0.61 on this AirTag. It is not the most recent: The latest release as of mid-March, 2024, is version 2.0.73.
Note: It’s common for firmware versions to skip numbers based on testing and beta deployment, along with additional updates and bug fixes being added after the original deployment is planned.
UPDATE YOUR APPLE AIRTAGS FIRMWARE
Okay, I’m running the wrong version of the AirTag firmware. Since there is no “update firmware” button or link, Apple says to leave your AirTag close to your iPhone or iPad for a few hours while the phone’s either plugged in or has a good charge. Overnight it will update, which occurs without any fanfare.
The next day I go back to the Find My program and have another look…
New location, but not too far away. A tap on “Now”, however, and…
Ah, look! Firmware 2.0.73. That’s it. Without me having to do much of anything, my iPhone and AirTag worked together to update the firmware to the latest and greatest version. There’s no information on what’s new or updated, but hopefully it will add functionality while also continuing to improve the guardrails that ensure that AirTags are used as intended, not for nefarious purposes.
WHAT ABOUT AIRTAG BATTERY LEVEL?
Before we wrap up, a quick note that if you’re wondering about the battery level for your AirTags, that used to be displayed on the Items info display in Find My. Apple removed that feature in iOS 15.6, without explanation. Now if you don’t see a warning about your battery level, you’re okay.
Once the battery does drop down, you’ll get a notification similar to:
I’ve switched to a different AirTag that’s connected to my house keys, as you can see. Once this notification appears, the information shown on the Find My page changes a bit too:
Time to replace the battery. You can tap on “Replace Battery” to see the tutorial but it’s pretty darn easy: Put the AirTag on your palm then push down and simultaneously turn counter-clockwise to open up the device. Then it’s just a CR2032 battery that’s about the size of a US quarter. Pop out the old one, replace it with a new one, put the lid back on, turn clockwise, and you’re done. The battery info in Find My will then vanish after a minute or two.
Pro Tip: I’ve been writing about Apple and computer systems for quite a while. Please check out my iPhone help and computer basics help both while you’re visiting the site. Thanks!