This application provides a communication method and a communications apparatus. A terminal in an inactive state receives a paging message, and content in the paging message is determined. When the content includes a first identity of the terminal, the terminal sends a first request message to a first access network device, where the first request message carries a non-access stratum (NAS) identifier of the terminal. When the content includes a second identity of the terminal and an identity of an anchor access network device, the terminal sends a second request message to the first access network device. The second identity of the terminal identifies the terminal on the anchor access network device, and the identity of the anchor access network device identifies the anchor access network device in an access network. The communication method of is application can adapt to a communication requirement of a terminal in an inactive state.