I’ve always been curious about AirTags, especially since they’re so popular with iPhone users. As an Android user, I couldn’t help but wonder if I could use them too. I mean, why not? They seem like a perfect solution for keeping track of keys, bags, or anything else I might lose.
So, I decided to try it out. Can I use an AirTag with Android? Will it work the same way? In this article, I’ll share my experience with AirTags on Android and answer those questions based on what I’ve learned. Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
How Do AirTags Work? (And Why They’re Built for iPhone)
I was curious to know how AirTags work before I tried them. AirTags use Bluetooth to communicate with nearby Apple devices. They rely on Apple’s Find My network, which is a huge advantage for iPhone users. When you place an AirTag on something, like your keys or wallet, it gets connected to your iCloud. This way, you can track the item through the Find My app.
The setup process is easy on iPhone, and you get real-time updates. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple for Android users. I quickly learned that they’re designed to work best with iPhones and iCloud.
I’m on Android—Can I Track an AirTag?
I wanted to know if I could track an AirTag using my Android phone. Turns out, Android users can’t pair or track AirTags in the same way that iPhone users can. However, there is a workaround. Apple offers an app called Tracker Detect that allows you to scan for AirTags nearby. Here’s how I did it:
- Download Tracker Detect from Google Play
- Open the app and scan for nearby AirTags
- If it finds one, tap to get more info about it
- There’s no real-time tracking, and you won’t get alerts
It’s a basic way to detect an AirTag, but you’re limited to scanning only. No live updates or tracking.
Why My Samsung Phone Wasn’t Enough to Use AirTags
I even tried using my Samsung phone to see if it would help with AirTags. Unfortunately, there’s no extra compatibility, even with a popular brand like Samsung. Samsung’s SmartThings app, which works with some trackers, couldn’t detect AirTags. It was all limited to passive scanning.
If I found an AirTag, I could see it, but I couldn’t track it, set up notifications, or do much more. For now, using AirTags with Android devices like mine isn’t a smooth experience.
Can You Track an AirTag Without an iPhone? Not Really
I quickly realized that tracking an AirTag without an iPhone is almost impossible. The location updates and notifications that make AirTags so useful require an iPhone.
If you’re on Android, you can only do basic detection. No setup, no linking, and no history of your tracked items. You can’t get alerts or see where your AirTag is going in real-time. It’s really limited.
Here’s What I Use Instead: Best AirTag Alternatives for Android
Since AirTags don’t work well with Android, I had to look for alternatives. If you’re in the same boat, here are some great options:
- Tile Trackers
- Works with the Tile app on Android
- Bluetooth range + community find feature
- Loud ring, small and sleek size
- Samsung SmartTag & SmartTag+
- Seamless integration with Samsung Galaxy phones
- Uses SmartThings Find for tracking
- UWB (ultra-wideband) technology in SmartTag+
I switched to these trackers, and it made all the difference. Tile is great for everyday use, and Samsung SmartTag is perfect if you’re using a Galaxy phone.
Can I Use AirTags and Android at the Same Time?
If you own both an iPhone and an Android, you can set up the AirTag using your iPhone. But you’ll still need an iPhone to track it. Android will only help you detect the AirTag in rare cases. It’s not a smooth process for consistent tracking.