Apple AirTag is a new product that Apple announced on September 10, 2019. It is a small, square-shaped tag that can be attached to objects like keys, wallets, or backpacks. Apple AirTag allows you to track your belongings using Bluetooth technology. It consists of two tags – one for you and one for your belongings. You can then use the AirTag app to locate your belongings wherever they are, as long as they are within range of the Bluetooth signal.
Although they are competitors in the mobile device market, both Apple and Android can work together. This article will explore whether we can use AirTags on Android Devices.
How do Apple AirTags work?
Apple AirTags sends out a Bluetooth signal that connects to any nearby device that is part of Apple’s Find My network. The strength of the Bluetooth signal sent to these third-party devices is used to triangulate the AirTag’s location.
The location information from your AirTag is uploaded to the cloud and pinned on a map for easy reference.
AirTags can also be found through beeping and Accuracy Finding.
If you know the AirTag is somewhere in your living room but can’t find it, use the Find My app to make it beep. Then, follow the beep until you find the AirTag.
Accuracy Finding requires an iPhone with a U1 ultra wideband chip, which means it is only compatible with iPhone 11 and later. It’s like a searching arrow in a video game: your iPhone transforms into a compass, pointing to the AirTag and telling you how far away it is.
Who Is Behind AirTag?
AirTag was developed by Sensible Object, a company based in London, England. Sensible Object has developed other popular products such as Queue Cards and Who’s In The Room.
Who Is AirTag For?
AirTag is for anyone who wants to keep track of their belongings. It’s perfect for people who have difficulty keeping track of their keys or wallet or for parents who wish to keep track of their children’s whereabouts.
Can we use Apple AirTag with Android?
We can not use Apple AirTag with Android because the two systems use different radio frequencies. The Apple AirTags work on a frequency of 868 MHz, while most Android devices operate on a frequency of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the AirTag chip is not compatible with Android devices. Secondly, the NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology that allows AirTags to communicate with phones is not supported by Android. Lastly, the Bluetooth Low Energy signal that airbags use to connect with phones is not available on Android devices.
So why did Apple release a product that only works with their own devices? The likely reason is that they want to create a closed ecosystem where all their products work together seamlessly. Unfortunately, this leaves Android users out in the cold when using AirTags.
Alternatives Trackers for Android Users
Tile Pro
Tile Pro is a small, Bluetooth tracking device that you can attach to your keys, wallet, or other belongings. When you lose an item with a Tile Pro linked, you can use this Tile app on your phone to make the Tile Pro ring, helping you locate the lost item.
If the item with the Tile Pro attached to it is out of range of your phone and you can use the Tile app to see the last known location of the Tile Pro on a map, or you can ask other Tile users to help you locate the item. Tile Pro has a range of up to 300 feet and comes with a replaceable, long-lasting battery.
Pros
- 400-foot range
- Water-resistant
- Compatible with iOS and Android
Cons
- No ultra-wideband precision tracking
- Slightly larger than other tags
- On the pricey side
Chipolo
Chipolo is a small, Bluetooth tracking device that you can attach to your keys, wallet, or other belongings. Like the Tile Pro, Chipolo allows you to use your phone to make the Chipolo device ring, helping you locate lost items. You can also use the Chipolo app to see the last known location of a lost item on a map.
Chipolo ranges to 200 feet and comes with a replaceable, long-lasting battery. In addition to its Bluetooth tracking capabilities, Chipolo has a loud, 105-decibel siren that you can activate remotely through the app to help you locate lost items more quickly.
Pros
- A stylish design ideal for wallets
- Alarm feature
- Apple Find My integration
Cons
- No ultra-wideband tracking
- The battery isn’t replaceable
- Not compatible with Android
Galaxy SmartTag
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is a small, Bluetooth tracking device that you can attach to your keys, wallet, or other belongings. With the SmartTag, you can use the SmartThings app on your Samsung phone to make the SmartTag ring, helping you locate lost items. For example, you can use this app to see the last known location of a lost item on a map.
The SmartTag ranges to 120 meters (about 393 feet) and comes with a replaceable, long-lasting battery. In addition to its Bluetooth tracking capabilities, the SmartTag has a built-in UV sterilizer light that you can activate remotely through the app to help sterilize small items like phone cases or earbuds.
Pros
- Doubles as a bright home button
- Integrated speaker
- Solid design
Cons
- Only compatible with Galaxy phones
- Bulky design
Jiobit Smart Tag
Jiobit is a small GPS tracking device that you can attach to your child’s clothing or backpack to help you keep track of their location. With Jiobit, you can use the Jiobit app on your phone to see your child’s real-time location on a map, set up location alerts to notify you when your child arrives at or leaves a specific area, and see your child’s location history for the past 24 hours.
Jiobit also has a built-in “virtual leash” feature that allows you to set a maximum distance between your child and their Jiobit device and receive an alert if that distance is exceeded. In addition, Jiobit has a range of up to 300 feet indoors and up to 3 miles outdoors, and it comes with a replaceable, long-lasting battery.
Users of the Protect plan can also use the tracker’s built-in emergency button. When you press the button, your phone will ping, and you will be given the option to call 911.
Pros
- Real-time location tracking
- Panic button for urgent situations
- Charger included
Cons
- Requires subscription plan
- Needs frequent charging
Cube
Cubes are compact, Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices that can be fastened to items such as your keys, wallet, or other personal effects if you misplace any of these items. You can use a smartphone app to ring the Cube tracker, see the tracker’s most recent known location on a map, or use other features such as location history or location alerts.
All of these functions are available to you. A Cube tracker’s range and battery life can change depending on the specific model.
Like the CHipolo One Spot, it also functions as a remote shutter for your camera.
Pros
- IP67 waterproof
- Separation alarm
- Well-designed app
- Use as a remote camera shutter
Cons
- Battery life could be better
Conclusion
It is not possible to use AirTags on Android devices. AirTags are a tracking device developed by Apple and are designed to be used with Apple products such as iPhones and iPads. They utilize Apple’s proprietary technology, including the Find My network, to function correctly and therefore are incompatible with Android devices.
