Apple AirTags are designed to be power-efficient and should not significantly drain your iPhone’s battery.
However, there might be exceptions to this, and I’ve experienced this myself.
This guide will let you know everything you need to know about the connection between AirTags and your iPhone battery.
AirTags drain a phone’s battery, but the level at which they do it is very small, almost insignificant.
AirTags utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to establish a low-power connection with your Apple device, such as an iPhone. When in close proximity, the power consumption is minimal as the connection is optimized for efficiency.
Additionally, AirTags also benefit from the Find My network, which uses other nearby Apple devices to help locate lost AirTags, further reducing the impact on your device’s battery.
How long does AirTag last on low battery?
The exact duration an AirTag will last on low battery can vary depending on usage and environmental factors. When an AirTag’s battery is low, you will receive a notification on your connected Apple device, indicating that it’s time to replace the battery.
How to fix your battery drain issue caused by AirTag
Apple’s AirTags are a handy way to keep track of your belongings, but some users have reported battery drain issues on their connected Apple devices due to the Find My app constantly searching for AirTags.
We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to fix it:
- Update your software
- Check AirTag battery
- Adjust tracking frequency
- Disable background app refresh
- Limit location services for Find My Network
- Reset location & privacy settings
- Contact Apple support
Update your software
Ensure that both your iPhone and AirTag are running the latest software updates. Apple often releases updates to improve device compatibility and address performance issues.
Check AirTag battery
Verify the battery status of your AirTag using the Find My app. If the battery is low, replace it with a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery. Low AirTag batteries can contribute to increased battery drain on your iPhone.
Adjust tracking frequency
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the “Items” tab at the bottom.
- Select your AirTag from the list.
- Tap “Notify When Left Behind.”
Here, you can choose between “Notify Once,” “Notify Once a Day,” or “Notify Every Time.” Selecting “Notify Once” or “Notify Once a Day” will reduce the frequency of tracking updates and can help conserve your iPhone’s battery.
Disable background app refresh
- Go to your iPhone’s “Settings.”
- Scroll down and select “Find My.”
- Toggle off “Background App Refresh.”
Disabling Background App Refresh for the Find My app can prevent it from constantly checking for AirTag updates in the background, potentially saving battery life.
Limit location services for Find My Network
- In your iPhone’s “Settings,” go to “Privacy.”
- Select “Location Services.”
- Scroll down and tap “Find My.”
- Choose “While Using the App” or “Ask Next Time.”
By limiting the location services for the Find My app to “While Using the App,” you ensure it only actively tracks your AirTag when you’re actively using the app.
Reset location & privacy settings
If the battery drain issue persists, you can reset your location and privacy settings. Keep in mind that this will reset all location permissions for apps on your iPhone.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Scroll down and select “General.”
- Scroll to the bottom and tap “Reset.”
- Choose “Reset Location & Privacy.”
Contact Apple support
If none of the above steps resolve the battery drain issue, it’s a good idea to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for further assistance. There may be an underlying issue with your device that requires professional attention.
By following these steps, you should be able to mitigate the battery drain issue caused by your AirTag and continue using it effectively to track your belongings without compromising your iPhone’s battery life.
