- AirTags do not work on Android, the same way they do on iOS.
- AirTag relies on Apple’s Find My network for precision finding and location tracking; they cannot work with Google’s Find My Device app.
- You can, however, use an Android phone to scan for unwanted AirTags that could be tracking you without your knowledge.
AirTags are trackers designed to help you find your belongings. Simply attach one to your keys, wallet, or even your pet’s collar, and enjoy peace of mind. Since iOS 17, Apple also allows you to share AirTags with your friends and family. But what if you use an Android phone? In this article, we’ll tell you everything about whether AirTags work with Android devices.
Do AirTags Work with Android?
Unfortunately, AirTags do not work with Android , at least not in the same way they work with Apple devices. Just like other smart trackers, AirTags communicates with a smartphone using Bluetooth. It relies on Apple’s Find My network for precision finding and location tracking.
An AirTag sends a signal not only to your iPhone but to every nearby iPhone on Find My network. As a result, other Apple devices also upload the location of your tracker to the cloud. So, you can see the last known location of your AirTag, even if it is outside the Bluetooth range of your Apple device.
Talking about Android support, you can only scan for unwanted AirTags using an Android device . If you were planning to buy an AirTag to use with your Android phone, you must look for AirTag alternatives for Android.
Can I Set Up AirTags using an Android Phone?
No, you cannot set up your AirTag using an Android phone or any other device. Apple’s AirTag must be set up using an iPhone and Find My network. Once set up, you can only track your AirTag using the Find My app, which is available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
AirTags do not work with Google’s Find My Device network or app on Android. So, you can’t do much with AirTags using an Android device.
Can Android Phones Scan for Unwanted AirTags?
Yes, Android devices can scan for unwanted AirTags . While AirTag is a great way to keep track of your valuable belongings, some people also use it for stalking and other unethical purposes. To ensure that people aren’t stalked or tracked by unwanted AirTags, Apple and Google made combined efforts to allow users to find unknown trackers.
If an unwanted tracker is moving with you for at least ten minutes, your Android phone will detect the tracker and send a pop-up alert . This is exactly what an iPhone does. There’s also a Play sound option to make a sound on the tracker and find its exact location. The owner of the AirTag won’t get any notification. Once you’ve found the tracker, you can tap it on the back of your smartphone and find more information about the owner.
How to Scan for AirTags on Android
Your Android phone will automatically detect an unwanted tracker that’s moving with you for at least 10 minutes. Once detected, you’ll see an alert on your device. You can also manually scan for nearby AirTags on Android phones. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Here, tap on Safety and emergency and choose Unknown tracker alerts .
- Now, hit the Scan Now button.
- It will show up list of trackers that have been placed near you or in your belongings without your consent.
Apple also offers a Tracker Detect app for Android that helps detect unknown AirTags around you. The app is easy to use and looks for Apple AirTags that are separated from their owner and are compatible with Find My network. However, there’s a caveat here. The app can’t automatically look for unwanted trackers, you have to initiate a scan to track nearby trackers manually.
- To use this, you need to download the Tracker Detect app from the Google Play Store and follow the on-screen prompts to set it up.
- Once you’ve set up the app, hit the Scan button and the app will show nearby trackers, if available.
Is There an Android Version of AirTags?
Yes, there are a bunch of AirTag alternatives that you can use. If you own a Samsung smartphone, there’s a Samsung version of AirTags known as SmartTag. The Galaxy SamartTag and SmartTag Plus work exclusively for Samsung smartphones like AirTag does for Apple devices.
If you’re looking for a more universal option, Tile offers some of the best Bluetooth trackers like Tile Pro and Tile Mate . They’re compatible with Android and Apple devices. It’s a great option if you don’t want to get locked into an ecosystem. For more options, make sure to check out these top 7 AirTag alternatives.
Kanika has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014 and loves everything Apple. With a Master’s in Computer Applications, passion for technology, and over five years of experience in writing, she landed at Beebom as an Apple Ecosystem Writer. She specializes in writing How To’s, troubleshooting guides, App features, and roundups for Apple users to help them make the best use of their gadgets. When not writing, she loves to try out new recipes and enjoy some family time.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
- Apple and Google have officially confirmed their team-up for the next-gen Siri AI.
- The Cupertino Giant will be using Google’s Gemini for a more personalized Siri model as well as Apple Intelligence features.
- We can expect the next-gen Siri to come out with iOS 26.4, sometime in March or April.
Apple has officially confirmed joining forces with Google to use its Gemini AI model to power the next-generation Siri. It will offer a more personalized experience and will be coming out with the iOS 26.4 update. Apple also plans to leverage Gemini’s capabilities for other Apple Intelligence features as well, later down the line.
The Next-Gen Siri will be powered by Google’s Gemini AI
Apple officially confirmed that it will be partnering with Google in a statement to CNBC . Here’s what it stated, “After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models, and we’re excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.”
Later, Google also shared a post on X confirming the tie-up, “Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”
Image Credit: X/@NewsFromGoogle
Both statements clearly mention that the Cupertino Giant will be using Gemini to power its assistant Siri. This was already rumored, as Apple’s attempts to acquire Perplexity went nowhere. With Gemini, Siri will get a major AI update . It will be able to handle more nuanced conversations and provide better results. Something long-time Apple users have been asking for years.
The next-gen Siri will arrive with the iOS 26.4 update, which will launch sometime in March or April. And it is only going to be available for Apple Intelligence-supported devices .
Something else worth noting is how Google’s statement mentions that Gemini will power Apple Intelligence features. This leads us to believe that Apple could use Gemini’s multi-modal capabilities for its Writings tools , Image Playground , and Message summaries, too.
Elon Musk Not Happy With Apple and Google Tie Up
xAI CEO Elon Musk also responded to Google’s announcement post on X, sharing his thoughts on the matter by saying, “This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome.” Though we don’t expect either Apple or Google to respond to Elon, we will update the situation as it progresses.
It is worth noting that xAI is the company behind Grok, which is in hot water currently due to its inappropriate image generation fiasco , and has been getting backlash from multiple news outlets, X users, and even government authorities.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
