Fix Tile Location Not Updating on Tile App

Tile Location Not Updating can be frustrating when a lost item shows stale or no location in the Tile app. This article explains why Tile locations stop updating and provides step-by-step fixes, preventive tips, and when to contact support to restore reliable tracking.

Problem	Quick Fix
Tile Offline or Not Updating	Move near phone, enable Bluetooth, refresh app
Incorrect Last Known Location	Force app refresh, check phone Location Services
Battery Or Firmware Issues	Replace battery or update Tile firmware
Phone Settings Blocking Updates	Enable Background App Refresh and Location Access

Clear App Cache Or Reinstall The Tile App

On Android, clear the Tile app cache and data in Settings to remove corrupt temporary files. If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the Tile app to reestablish a clean configuration.

Corrupt app data can cause the Tile Location Not Updating repeatedly and a reinstall often fixes the issue.

Remove And Re-Pair The Tile

As a last resort, remove the Tile from the Tile app and re-pair it. Note that removing a Tile may erase its event history and require reconfiguration for other users if shared.

Re-pairing resets the device connection and often restores accurate location updates.

Test With A Different Phone

Pair the Tile with another compatible phone to determine whether the problem is phone-specific. If the Tile updates correctly on another device, the original phone’s settings or hardware likely block updates.

Testing on another phone isolates whether the issue is with the Tile or the primary device.

Network And Community Location Factors

Tile’s network depends on nearby Tile app users to anonymously update the location of lost tiles. In low-density areas or if tiles are in locations with few Tile users, community updates may be infrequent or missing.

Community coverage gaps are a non-technical reason Tile Location Not Updating outside the owner’s proximity.

Phone-Specific Settings That Often Block Location Updates

Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei implement aggressive app sleep policies. Add Tile to any device-specific “allowed” lists for auto-start and background activity. Also, confirm that data saver modes or app sleep timers are disabled for Tile.

Phone manufacturer power management can silently block Tile from updating location.

Preventive Tips To Keep Tile Location Updating Reliably

• Regularly Update App And OS: Keep both Tile and phone OS current to reduce bugs.
• Monitor Tile Battery Status: Replace batteries proactively on replaceable models.
• Allow Required Permissions: Ensure background location, Bluetooth, and refresh permissions are set and maintained.
• Keep The Tile Clean And Dry: Physical damage can interrupt BLE advertising.
• Use Community-friendly Locations: When possible, place Tiles where other users may pass by to increase community pings.

When To Contact Tile Support Or File A Warranty Claim

If thorough troubleshooting fails, contact Tile Support for device diagnostics, possible replacement, or warranty assistance. For warranty or subscription questions, provide the Tile serial number and proof of purchase.

Support can remotely check device activity, help with account issues, and advise on replacements.

Tile Support: https://www.thetileapp.com

FAQ: Quick Answers To Common Questions

Why Does The Tile Show The Last Known Location Instead Of Current?

Tile displays the last known location when the Tile hasn’t connected to any phone since moving. This happens when the Tile is out of Bluetooth range of its paired phone and no other Tile users have passed nearby.

Last-known locations are normal when real-time updates are unavailable.

How Long Can A Tile Go Without Updating Location?

There is no fixed time; updates occur whenever a Tile connects to a phone or a community user. If a Tile stays out of range, it may not update for days or weeks until come in contact with a device on the Tile network.

Update frequency depends on proximity to phones with the Tile app installed.

Does Tile Work Without A Subscription?

Tile provides basic location features without a subscription, but premium services like extended location history, smart alerts, and unlimited sharing require a Tile Premium plan.

Subscriptions improve the Tile experience but are not required for basic location updates.

Can Tile Be Tracked If The Phone Is Off?

If the paired phone is off and a Tile user with the Tile app passes near the Tile, that user’s phone can update the Tile’s location through the Tile community network, provided the device has internet connectivity.

Community updates can locate Tiles even when the owner’s phone is off.

Best Practices For Lost Item Recovery When Tile Location Not Updating

Enable “Notify When Found” in the Tile app to receive an alert if the Tile is detected by the community. Use the “Mark As Lost” option to allow anonymous community scanning and to collect any detected location updates.

Actively using Tile’s lost-item features increases the chance of recovery even without frequent live updates.

Additional Resources And References

For device-specific instructions, consult Tile’s official support articles and the phone manufacturer’s guidance on background app management and permissions. Community forums can offer device-specific tips for persistent issues.

Refer to official documentation when troubleshooting complex or hardware-related problems.

Summary: Restoring Reliable Tile Location Updates

When Tile Location Not Updating, follow a methodical approach: confirm permissions (Bluetooth, Location), allow background access, refresh or reinstall the app, check Tile battery and firmware, and test with another phone. If problems persist, contact Tile Support for diagnostics or replacement options.

Systematically checking settings and permissions resolves the majority of Tile location update problems.