A method for paging access terminals. The method includes: a network entity sends a paging message to a target AN. The paging message carries the information required for calculating the time when the AT wakes to monitor the paging message. The information includes the absolute time that is determined according to the time when the AT previously shifts from the connected state to the idle state. Upon receipt of the paging message, the target AN determines when to send the paging message to the AT according to the information carried in the paging message. The present embodiments also disclose a system and apparatus for paging access terminals. The apparatus is a network entity that sends the paging message. The method, system and apparatus can be used to determine the time when the AT wakes to monitor the paging message, thus ensuring that the AT paging is not missed.