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Tips for Users

05/29/25

14 min

Find Your Things: Best Air Tag for Android

author photoOlivia Martinezexpert photoEthan Smith

Are you thinking about buying Air Tag, but do you have an Android smartphone?

Contents:

Home environment. The AirTag is on the table, next to the Android. A thoughtful man stands in front of them. There is a question mark above themAre you thinking about buying Air Tag, but do you have an Android smartphone? 

We are not alone! Does Android have an Air Tag, that is, does Android have a similar product, and how well does Apple Air Tag for Android phones adapt to someone else's ecosystem? Many people are concerned about these issues. 

We'll take a closer look at how to use Air Tag on Android, as well as discuss workarounds. Let's find out if you can use Air Tag on Android without any problems and which phone number tracker options are available.

How It Works

  • Air Tag is a small but powerful tool for tracking things, and its operation is based on a combination of two key technologies: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

Bluetooth is used to initially detect Air Tag and periodically transmit its location to nearby Apple devices. 

Devices included in Apple's huge network (iPhone, iPad, Mac) anonymously transmit information about the location of Air Tag to iCloud, which allows the owner to see it on the map in the Locator application.

  • If you have a modern iPhone (starting with iPhone 11) that supports UWB, you can use the "Precision Search" feature. It allows you to accurately determine the distance and direction to the Air Tag, which greatly simplifies its search, even if it is hidden under the sofa. The iPhone will show you the direction and distance in meters on the screen, indicating the way to the lost item.


However, this is where the catch lies for Android users. 

Air Tag is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. 

  • This means that its full functionality (especially the "Accurate Search" using UWB) is tailored to Apple devices. 

  • This is a key factor determining how well the Air Tag is compatible with Android.

  • Although basic NFC detection of Air Tag is possible on Android smartphones, full operation will require either an iPhone or alternative solutions, which we'll discuss later. 

Many Android users are looking for the Android Air Tag tracker, which means that tracking things is as simple and convenient as it is implemented in the Apple ecosystem. 

This has led to numerous requests for Air Tag equivalent for Android, that is, an analog of Air Tag that would be designed specifically for Android and fully utilize the capabilities of this platform. 

The impact of the Apple ecosystem on compatibility with other devices is obvious – it limits the functionality of Air Tag for users who are not part of Apple.

Can You Use an Apple Air Tag With an Android Phone

  • The main question that we are trying to clarify is: Is it possible to use Air Tag with Android? 

    • Unfortunately, the answer is not very clear. To fully understand why this is so, it's important to first understand how Air Tag interacts with Apple devices. 


It is closely integrated into the ecosystem.

It uses Apple's network of devices to determine its location, as well as the benefits of UWB for accurate search. 

The full range of features, including notifications about forgotten items, accurate search, and integration with the Locator app, is available only on Apple devices.

Home environment. A man is sitting on the couch and hanging a small Airbag on his backpack. There are several more AirTags nearby

What happens when the Air Tag is placed next to an Android smartphone? 

  • This is where NFC (Near Field Communication) technology comes into play.

  • The Android device can detect the Air Tag and, in most cases, will receive a notification redirecting to the Apple web page. 

  • On this page, you can see the Air Tag serial number and contact information of the owner, if he left it in the settings. 

  • This is useful if you have found someone else's Air Tag and want to return it to the owner.

However, this is the only functionality for Android. can you use an Air Tag with an Android phone to search for someone else's Air Tag to return it to its owner. 

But you won't be able to link Air Tag to your Android smartphone, track your belongings, receive notifications about forgotten items, or use the precision search feature. Therefore, although technically Apple Air Tag does work with Android in a limited format, it cannot be called full-fledged use. 

Thus, the answer to the question of can I use an Apple Air Tag with an Android phone is probably no rather than yes, if you are counting on the full functionality of Air Tag. 

Air Tag Apps for Android

Since the full use of Air Tag on Android is limited, we need to consider alternative solutions designed specifically for this platform. 

Number Tracker

Sometimes there is a need to track people's location, and Number Tracker is ideal here. 

The operating principle differs from Air Tags because they rely on other technologies such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular communications, and require the installation of an app on the phone of the tracked person.

Home environment. The man looks at the phone with the Number Tracker logo and smiles with relief. The "cloud" is moving away from the phone, just like in the comics. In the "cloud" a child with a backpack is walking towards the school.

How It Works 

  1. To install the app on the phone of the person whose location you want to track. 

  2. The application requests permission to access the phone's location data. The user must grant these permissions so that the application can function correctly.

  3. The app uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity to determine the phone's location. GPS provides the most accurate location detection, especially outdoors. Wi-Fi and cellular communications are used to determine the location in a room where the GPS signal may be weak or absent.

  4. The application transmits location data to the server, where it is processed and displayed on the map in the interface of the application or website.

Features 

  • Real-time tracking

  • Location history

  • Geofences

  • Location sharing

  • Security features

The Number Tracker app can be a useful tool for tracking people's location, but only if ethical and legal standards are followed. 

They are not a direct replacement for Air Tag, as they are designed for a different purpose – tracking people rather than things, and require a completely different approach. 

However, they can still be very important and meaningful on your phone.

Tile

Tile is the most famous and popular analog. It offers a wide range of trackers in various shapes and sizes, suitable for keys, wallets, luggage, and even pets. Tile is a reliable and functional Android version of Air Tag, specially designed for Android.

Screenshots-examples of Tile. It displays a list of tagged items their last known location; a "My Wallet" with a signal strength graphic, suggesting a way to locate nearby items; a map of a city pinpointing the location of item.

Features

Bluetooth Tracking

Tile uses Bluetooth to communicate with your Android smartphone. You can track the location of an item within a Bluetooth connection (usually up to 120 meters for premium models).

Tile Network

  • If you have lost an item outside the Bluetooth range, you can use the Tile network. 

  • This is a community of Tile users who, passing by your lost item, anonymously update its location in the app. 

  • The more Tile users there are in your area, the more likely it is to find a lost item.

Beep sound

You can activate the beep on the Tile tracker from the app to make it easier to find an item if it is nearby.

Notifications

Tile can send notifications if you move too far away from an item with the tracker attached

Advantages

  • Tile was originally developed for Android and iOS, so there will be no compatibility issues. Unlike when you can use an Air Tag with an Android, and the answer is with limitations, Tile is fully adapted to work with Android.

  • Tile offers different tracker models, varying in size, shape and functionality, which allows you to choose the best option for any task.

  • Tile's large user base increases the chances of finding a lost item, even if it is far away from you.

Disadvantages

Not requiring a subscription

A paid Tile Premium subscription is required to access some advanced features such as forgotten item notifications and location history.

Network dependence

  • The effectiveness of tracking outside the Bluetooth range directly depends on the number of Tile users in your area.

  • If there are few Tile users in your area, the chances of finding a lost item decrease. 

  • In a situation where people ask Air Tag to work with Android, the main problem is the limited functionality outside the Apple ecosystem. 

  • Tile, being an alternative, still has its limitations related to the density of the user network.

Samsung SmartTag2

Samsung SmartTag2 is a direct competitor to Air Tag, designed specifically for Samsung Galaxy devices. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for location detection, but with one important condition: The UWB functionality is only available on Samsung Galaxy devices with support for this technology.

Screenshots-examples of Tile. It displays a list of tagged items their last known location; a "My Wallet" with a signal strength graphic, suggesting a way to locate nearby items; a map of a city pinpointing the location of item.

How It Works 

Bluetooth and UWB

SmartTag2 uses Bluetooth to establish a connection with your Samsung Galaxy smartphone and transfer location data. If you have a compatible Galaxy smartphone, you can use UWB for more accurate search.

SmartThings Find Network

  • Just as Air Tag relies on Apple's network of devices, SmartTag2 uses the SmartThings Find network. 

  • When your SmartTag2 is out of range of your phone's Bluetooth, other Samsung Galaxy devices that are part of the SmartThings Find network anonymously help determine its location.

Beep

Like Tile, SmartTag2 can beep to help you find the object it is attached to.

AR Finding

  • On compatible Samsung Galaxy devices (with UWB), SmartTag2 offers an "AR Finding" feature. 

  • It uses augmented reality to display the direction and distance to the tracker on your phone screen, making the search even more intuitive.

Lost Items Mode

  • If you have lost an item with SmartTag2, you can mark it as "lost" in the SmartThings app. 

  • Anyone who finds your SmartTag2 and scans it with their phone will see your contact information (if you provided it).

Features 

  • SmartTag2 has IP67 protection against water and dust, making it more reliable for use in a variety of environments.

  • Unlike some other trackers, the SmartTag2 uses a replaceable CR2032 battery, which lasts for about a year of operation.

  • SmartTag2 integrates with other Samsung SmartThings devices, allowing it to be used for automation. 

    • For example, you can set up SmartTag2 so that it turns on the lights when you arrive home.

Is there an Air Tag for Android? 

  • The answer, as we can see, is not one, but several. Both Tile and SmartTag2 are excellent candidates for the role of what is the Android equivalent of an Air Tag.

  • However, it is important to understand that SmartTag2 best reveals its potential in conjunction with Samsung Galaxy devices. 

  • Therefore, if you own such a device, SmartTag2 would be a great choice, offering functionality comparable to Air Tag. But if you are not in the Samsung ecosystem, then it is better to pay attention to other solutions. 

  • The question of how best to replace the Apple Air Tag Android is decided individually, based on the preferences and needs of the user.

Comparison of Air Tag and Trackers for Android

The surface of the table. Airbag trackers, Galaxy Smart Tag 2 Tile. They all lie in the open palm of your hand. Also visible on the background are keys, wallet, and the name of each tracker in large font.

Features

Air Tag

Tile 

Samsung SmartTag2 

Technology

Bluetooth LE, UWB (with iPhone only)

Bluetooth LE

Bluetooth LE, UWB

Tracking Network

Apple Device Network

Tile User Network

SmartThings Find Network

Accurate Search (UWB)

Yes (with iPhone only) 

No

Yes (only with Samsung Galaxy)

Notifications about forgotten items

Yes (only on Apple)

Yes (requires the subscription)

Yes (only on Samsung Galaxy)

Location History

Yes (only on Apple)

Yes (requires the subscription)

Yes (only on Samsung Galaxy)

Ecosystem Integration

Deep integration with Apple

Limited integration

Deep integration with Samsung

Waterproof

IP67

Depends on the model

IP67

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Air Tag Compared to Alternative Apps 

Advantages

Disadvantages

If you find an Air Tag, you can scan it using NFC and see the owner's contact information (if he left it). It can be useful to get back a lost item.



The main disadvantage is the very limited functionality on Android. You can't link Air Tag to your Android smartphone, track your belongings, receive notifications about forgotten items, or use the precision search feature. Basically, you just can't fully use Air Tag if you don't have an Apple device. Many users are interested in whether Air Tag does work on Android, and the answer, unfortunately, is only partially and mainly to identify the lost Air Tag, and not to use it as a tracker.

Apple Air Tag on Android simply doesn't offer the same level of integration as it does on Apple devices.

Air Tag is cheaper than some alternative trackers.

Can you use Apple Air Tag with Android for tracking? Technically yes, but this tracking relies on a network of Apple devices, so its effectiveness depends on the number of Apple devices in your area.

Advantages of Using Alternative Trackers (Tile, SmartTag2) Compared to Air Tag

A young man holds two trackers (Tile and SmartTag2) in his hands. He smiles and holds up his finger. A homely atmosphere. His Android phone is on the table next to him.

  • Alternative trackers like Tile and SmartTag2 were designed with Android in mind, so they offer a full range of features, including location tracking, notifications about forgotten items, beeps, and location history.

  • SmartTag2 offers deep integration with Samsung Galaxy devices, making it an excellent choice for owners of these devices.

  • You don't need an iPhone or iPad to use alternative trackers on Android.

If you have an Android smartphone and you are looking for a reliable and functional tracker to track things, Apple Air Tag tracker for Android is not the best choice. 

Its functionality on Android is extremely limited. 

It is much more advisable to consider alternative solutions such as Tile or Samsung SmartTag2 (especially if you have a Samsung Galaxy device).

Can I use Air Tag on Android? Yes, but it won't give you full use. It is much better to use a tracker created specifically for Android. 

The question is not whether Air Tag does work on Android, but how well it works. In most cases, the answer is not good enough.

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