Abstract: Embodiments of this application disclose a communication method. The method includes: A terminal device sends a first message to a network device, where the first message includes one or more listening frequency indexes of one or more first tracking areas that are listened to by the terminal device within a first preset time period. The terminal device receives a second message including first registration area information from the network device. The first registration area information is determined based on the one or more listening frequency indexes. In the embodiments of this application, the accuracy of registration area information obtained by the terminal device can be improved, avoiding waste of communication resources caused by inaccurate registration area information received by the terminal device and improving communication resource utilization and practicality of the communication network.