AirTag updates happen automatically in the background, usually within a few days of Apple releasing them
Your AirTag doesn't update on a fixed schedule. Instead, it receives updates whenever you bring it near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that has a newer version of the AirTag firmware. Apple releases updates irregularly — sometimes monthly, sometimes with longer gaps — and your device pulls the latest version the next time it connects to one of your Apple devices.
You won't see a notification or a progress bar. The update happens silently while your AirTag is in range of your iPhone or other Apple device, usually taking just a few seconds. There's no way to manually force an update or check which version your AirTag is currently running from within the Find My app.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag firmware updates arrive automatically when your tag is near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.
- Apple does not announce AirTag update schedules, so you won't know when a new version is available until after it installs.
- Updates typically include security patches, bug fixes, and occasionally new features for the Find My network.
- You cannot manually check your AirTag's firmware version or delay an update once it begins.
Why AirTag updates work differently than your phone
Your iPhone shows you when updates are available and lets you choose when to install them. AirTag doesn't work that way because the tag has no screen, no buttons, and no way to display information to you. Apple designed the update system to be completely invisible — the tag simply accepts a new firmware version whenever it's in range of a device that has it.
This approach means you never have to think about updating your AirTag, but it also means you have no control over the timing. If you want to keep your AirTag on an older firmware version for some reason, there's no setting to prevent updates. Once your tag is near a device with a newer version, the update will happen.
What gets updated and how often
Apple releases AirTag firmware updates for security patches, fixes to tracking accuracy, and improvements to how the tag works with the Find My network. The company doesn't publish a changelog or announce updates in advance, so you typically won't know what changed until after the update is already on your device.
The frequency varies. Some updates arrive weeks apart, while others may be separated by several months. There's no pattern you can rely on, and Apple doesn't commit to a specific update schedule. If a security issue is discovered, Apple may release an update more quickly than usual.
How to tell if your AirTag is up to date
The Find My app doesn't show your AirTag's firmware version anywhere. You can't open Settings, tap About, and see a version number the way you can with your iPhone. This is by design — Apple assumes most users don't need to know the version number because updates happen automatically.
If you're concerned your AirTag hasn't updated in a long time, the simplest test is to bring it near your iPhone while your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has the latest iOS installed. Leave them in proximity for a few minutes. If an update is available, it will install during that time, though you won't see any confirmation.
What happens if your AirTag loses connection during an update
If you move your AirTag out of range of your iPhone while an update is in progress, the update will pause and resume the next time the two devices are near each other. AirTag firmware is designed to handle interruptions safely — a failed or incomplete update won't brick your tag or leave it in an unusable state.
You don't need to do anything special to complete a paused update. Just bring your AirTag back near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and the update will pick up where it left off. This usually takes only a few seconds once the connection is re-established.
Keeping your iPhone updated helps your AirTag stay current
Because AirTag firmware updates come through your Apple devices, keeping your iPhone, iPad, or Mac on the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version is the best way to ensure your AirTag receives updates promptly. If you delay updating your phone for weeks or months, your AirTag may also fall behind.
You don't need to update every device you own — just one. If you have an iPhone and an iPad, and you update only your iPhone, your AirTag will get the latest firmware the next time it's near that iPhone. The other devices don't need to be current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see what version of firmware my AirTag is running?
No. The Find My app doesn't display firmware version numbers for AirTags. Apple doesn't provide a way to check this information through any official tool or setting.
Will updating my AirTag change how it works or what it can do?
Most updates are invisible to you — they improve security or fix bugs you may never have noticed. Occasionally an update adds a new feature to the Find My network, but your AirTag's basic function of tracking and locating items remains the same.
What if I don't want my AirTag to update?
There's no setting to prevent updates. Once your AirTag is in range of a device with newer firmware, the update will install automatically. If you want to delay an update, you would need to keep your AirTag away from all your Apple devices, which defeats the purpose of owning one.
Do I need to do anything to make sure my AirTag updates?
No. Just keep your iPhone or other Apple device on the latest software version and bring your AirTag near it occasionally. Updates happen in the background without any action from you.
How long does an AirTag firmware update take?
Updates typically complete in a few seconds to a minute while your AirTag is in range of your iPhone or other Apple device. You won't see a progress indicator — the update simply happens silently in the background.