Learn how to update your AirTag to the most recent firmware in order to get the latest features and fixes. We will also show you how to check your AirTag firmware version and see what’s new.
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. Note that 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.
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:
- Your AirTag is in the Bluetooth range of its connected iPhone.
- The connected iPhone is running iOS 14.5 or later.
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.
Check the AirTag firmware version
You can check the current version of your AirTag’s firmware and its serial number by tapping the area under your AirTag’s name in Find My.
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Items from the bottom.
- Choose the AirTag you want to see more details about.
- Touch the area below your AirTag’s name to reveal the AirTag’s current firmware version and serial number.
How to see what’s new in AirTag firmware
There is no outward-facing software update mechanism for AirTag updates. As we said, the AirTag firmware is delivered completely autonomously. You won’t see any message to confirm that your AirTag has been updated, nor will you be presented with the changelog.
But that doesn’t mean Apple won’t let you see official release notes for AirTag updates. Simply visit Apple’s support document, which covers all the changes, fixes, and new features that are included in AirTag software updates. You should also consider double-checking the AirTag firmware version number with your friends or family members in case the Apple Support document has not been updated in a while.
Stop worrying if your AirTag is up to date
It would’ve been nice if Apple provided us with some kind of visible interface for AirTag updates. In reality, though, most folks appreciate not having to deal with manually updating their AirTags.
But it would be nice if there were some kind of outward-facing user interface to tell the user not only that a new AirTag update is available but also to list the changes and seek user permission before installing it.
Bottom line: Don’t you worry about software updates for your AirTags; Apple will automatically deliver them when ready.
On a related note: