AirTag Precision Finding not working? Try these fixes!

If you got your new AirTag and found that the Precision Finding feature isn’t working on it, you are not the only one. This issue affects both the original AirTag and the newer second‑generation AirTag, with many Reddit users complained about not being able to use the feature or that it’s stuck at ‘Directions.’

In the article, I have listed all the possible fixes to get AirTag Precision Finding up and running for you. Before going ahead, let’s learn more about Precision Finding and its requirements.

What is AirTag Precision Finding, and how to use it on your iPhone?

This AirTag feature lets you see the exact distance and the direction you should move in to find your misplaced AirTag. It makes use of Apple’s proprietary Ultra-wide-band tech, AR, and a bunch of other sensors like a gyroscope, accelerometer to determine the distance of your iPhone to the AirTag.

The feature is also compatible with VoiceOver, so the users who are visually handicapped can use it, and their iPhone will provide directions like “AirTag is 9 feet away on your left.”

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Here’s how to use Precision Finding on your iPhone or iPad.

Head over to Find My on your iPhone.
Under ‘Items,’ select the AirTag you want to locate.
Tap ‘Find.’

It should bring up a blurred view of your area in the background with AirTag’s distance and direction displayed above it.
As you move around, you should feel haptics on your iPhone to let you know that you’re approaching your AirTag.
Optional: Press the little ‘Speaker’ icon for enhanced directions.

Requirements to use Precision Finding on iPhone or iPad

1. Precision Finding geographical restrictions

Ultra Wideband is not available in all countries or regions. Due to international regulatory requirements, Apple is required to disable Ultra Wideband in certain locations. When this happens, Precision Finding will not work even if your iPhone and AirTag are fully compatible.

Ultra Wideband is currently unavailable in the following countries or regions:

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Nepal
Russia
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan

If you are in one of these regions, Precision Finding may stay stuck on “Directions” or may not appear at all in the Find My app.

2. Make sure you are using a compatible iPhone

AirTag works with most iPhones, but Precision Finding needs Apple’s U1 ultra wideband chip. This feature only works on iPhones that support Ultra Wideband.

Precision Finding is compatible with the following models:

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
iPhone Air

Older models like iPhone XS, iPhone X, and earlier do not support Precision Finding.

5 Tips to fix AirTag Precision Finding not working problem

Update your iPhone to the latest software
Make sure ‘Precise Location’ is enabled
AirTag model and Precision Finding range
Re-insert battery in your AirTag
Reset your AirTag

1. Update your iPhone to the latest software

AirTag as a product line requires iOS 14.5 or later to work. This applies to the original AirTag and basic Precision Finding features.

However, newer AirTag models and upgraded Precision Finding features introduced in recent years may require newer versions of iOS. If you are using a newer AirTag with a newer iPhone, some features may only work on iOS 26 or later.

As a rule of thumb:

On older iPhones and first‑generation AirTags, make sure you are running at least iOS 14.5.
On newer iPhones with the latest AirTag model, you may need iOS 26 or later for full Precision Finding support.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version of iOS available for your device.

2. Make sure ‘Precise Location’ is enabled

If you’re unable to connect to your AirTag, even when you have a compatible iPhone running the latest iOS update, make sure that the proper settings are enabled.

To use this feature, Precise Location has to be enabled in your iPhone’s settings. Head over to Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Find My → toggle on the Precise Location, if not already.

3. AirTag model and Precision Finding range

Apple now sells two generations of AirTag. The original AirTag and the second‑generation AirTag announced in January 2026 use different Ultra Wideband hardware, which affects Precision Finding range.

First‑generation AirTag offers a shorter Precision Finding range, and many users report reliable tracking only within about 40 to 50 feet.
Second‑generation AirTag uses an updated Ultra Wideband chip shared with the iPhone 17 series and Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11. Apple says it delivers up to 50 percent longer Precision Finding range compared to the original AirTag.

If you are using a first‑generation AirTag, limited range is normal behavior. If you are using the newer AirTag, make sure your iPhone and iOS version support the upgraded Precision Finding features.

If the AirTag is outside Precision Finding range, you will only see its general location in the Find My app.

4. Re-insert battery in your AirTag

In some cases, AirTag might not connect properly to your iPhone if it has been under a jerk or a fall. To take out its battery, wait for a minute or two, and then plug it in again, and check if you’re able to use the item tracker.

To take out AirTag’s battery:

Gently press down AirTag’s stainless steel battery cover.
Now, keep rotating the device counterclockwise till it stops rotating.
Remove the cover and battery.

Now, insert the battery again and check if your iPhone connects to the AirTag.

5. Reset your AirTag

In some cases, Precision Finding might not work even after trying all the fixes listed above. It might be due to connection problems between your iPhone and your AirTag or even a buggy firmware update. But fret not! Read our explainer on how you can easily reset your AirTag.

I hope this guide helped you fix the Precision Finding problem. If you any queries or questions, share them in the comments below.

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