This application discloses a system information change indication method and apparatus, to improve efficiency of obtaining positioning-related system information by a terminal that needs to be positioned. The method includes: determining, by a base station, that a first system information block SIB in to-be-sent system information is changed, and sending, to the terminal, a message carrying a change indication, where the first SIB carries positioning assistance data, and the change indication is used to notify the terminal that the first SIB is changed.