Using AirTag with Android: Quick Guide

AirTag is a great gadget if you fear losing or stealing your things. Since its release, Apple’s AirTag has gained immense popularity as a useful tracking device for iPhone users. However, Android users might also wonder if they can use this technology.

Well, the answer is no. Apple AirTags are officially designed for Apple users and are only compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks. This technology is not compatible with Android. 

In this article, I will explore why AirTag can’t be used with Android devices and the alternatives available for Android users.

How exactly Do AirTags work? 

Apple AirTag combines Bluetooth technology, accuracy and precision tracking, and the extensive network of Apple devices to help you locate and keep track of your belongings. 

To use an AirTag, you must pair it with your iPhone or any other Apple device with the latest iOS version. When you set up the AirTag, all you need to do is simply bring it near your iPhone, and it will automatically identify the device and connect to it using Bluetooth. This technology creates a wireless link between the two devices, allowing them to exchange data and signals.

Once the AirTag is connected to your iPhone, it becomes accessible through the Find My app. This app tracks, operates, and manages your AirTag and other Apple devices registered with your Apple ID.

When you lose your belongings, you can simply operate the Find My app to see the approximate location of the AirTag on a map.

AirTag’s Bluetooth connection range is around 100-150 feet in open areas. If your AirTag goes out of range, you can still see its last known location on the Find My app.

Does AirTag work with Android? 

As mentioned above, Airtags are specifically designed for Apple users only. They are compatible only with IOS devices. To track the location through AirTag, you require the Find My app, which is an in-built IOS app. You cannot use AirTag for Android devices because it is incompatible with the particular software. 

Yes, you can’t use an Airtag with an Android phone, but you can still track Airtag without an iPhone. You can use an Android phone to scan your Airtags. So, the only thing you can do with Android regarding AirTags is to track them by scanning. 

Both software have NFC, which allows you to discover information about the owner of the AirTag. Position your Android phone on the white part of the AirTag. A link will pop up, tap on it, and it will direct you to the information page. 

Scanning AirTags on Android 

iPhone models that have the U1 chip scan for AirTags with great accuracy using the Find My app. If your phone doesn’t have the U1 chip, the scanning accuracy will be limited. When scanning unknown AirTags with Android, you need to download a Bluetooth scanner app on your Android device to search for such AirTags. 

You can use a Bluetooth scanner app to track an unknown Bluetooth gadget made by Apple and use its signal strength to find it. Once the Bluetooth scanner app is installed on your phone, open the application and navigate unknown devices. 

The signals from AirTag will show on your Bluetooth scanner app; follow those signals to find the lost AirTag. Once it is found, scan it with your Android to learn about the owner’s details. This scanning is possible due to the NFC technology installed in both gadgets. 

AirTag alternatives for Android

While Apple AirTag is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, a few alternatives are available for Android users that offer similar tracking functionality. Here are some popular options:

1. Tile:

Tile is a widely used tracking device brand offering many suitable Android options. It connects to your Android phone through Bluetooth technology and permits you to track your belongings using the Tile app. Tile devices come in different sizes and forms, including slim card-shaped models for wallets and keychain attachments. Tile also benefits from a large community that can help locate lost items by leveraging their own Tile devices.

2. Samsung SmartTag:

Samsung SmartTag is a Bluetooth tracker designed to work with Samsung Galaxy devices, making it an excellent choice for Android users. It connects to your Android phone through Bluetooth and can be tracked using the SmartThings Find app. Samsung SmartTag has a range of features similar to AirTag, including proximity alerts, tracking history, and a crowd-sourced network to help locate lost items.

3. Chipolo ONE:

Chipolo ONE is another alternative that functions with both Android and iOS gadgets. It relies on Bluetooth technology to link to your Android phone and can be tracked through the Chipolo app. Chipolo ONE offers features like separation alerts, an out-of-range notification, and community search assistance.

These are just a few alternatives to Bluetooth tracking devices compatible with Android devices. When choosing an alternative to AirTag, consider factors such as the range, battery life, community support, and the features that best suit your needs.