AirTag are innovative and powerful devices that help us track the location of our belongings. However, as you might know, AirTag is designed to work primarily with Apple’s ecosystem. So do trackers like AirTags work with Android also? Can you use Apple AirTag with Android devices? In this blog, we dive into the topic of “Does AirTag work with Android?” and explore how you can use AirTag with Android devices. From a brief overview of AirTag and some considerations when using AirTags with Android, we’ve got you covered. Join us and let's start our exploration of whether can you use AirTag with Android now!
Overview of AirTags and Android Compatibility
AirTags, Apple's innovative tracking devices, offer a seamless solution for locating misplaced items within the Apple ecosystem. They utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to connect with nearby Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. When attached to an item, the AirTag broadcasts its location to the user's Apple device, which then displays the item's location on a map in the "Find My" app.
So, do Apple AirTags work with Android? As the Find My network exclusively works with iOS, Android devices typically lack support for AirTags. However, this does not imply that the answer to “Can AirTags work with Android” is no. In fact, Android users can still use the AirTags to some degree. More precisely, although Android users can’t set up AirTags like iPhone and Mac users do, they can scan existing AirTags with relatively little problem.
How to Scan an AirTag on Android
Can I use AirTag with Android? While Android devices lack native support for AirTags, users can still utilize them by leveraging certain functionalities. In particular, we’ll introduce two methods of scanning AirTags on an Android phone.
Scan Using Third-Party Apps
In the first approach, we make use of third-party tracking apps.
Download Third-Party Apps: Look for apps that offer Bluetooth scanning capabilities or specifically mention compatibility with AirTags, such as the Tracker Detect app.
Enable Bluetooth and Location Services: Before scanning for AirTags using third-party apps, ensure that both Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your Android device. AirTags communicate via Bluetooth, and location services are necessary for pinpointing the device's location accurately.
Open the Third-Party App: Launch the third-party app you downloaded for scanning AirTags. Follow any on-screen instructions to grant necessary permissions for Bluetooth scanning and location access.
Scan for Nearby Bluetooth Devices: Within the app, look for an option to scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. This function may be labeled differently depending on the app but should generally be straightforward to find.
Identify the AirTag: Once the app detects nearby Bluetooth devices, it should list them on the screen. Look for an entry that corresponds to the AirTag you wish to locate. AirTags typically have unique identifiers (such as texts like Apple, Inc., the display of the Apple logo, etc.). If there are no clear identifiers, you can try moving around in the area while keeping an eye on the signal strength of the devices that are suspected to be AirTags. By moving around and analyzing the change in signal strength, you can gradually identify the AirTag among a list of Bluetooth devices.
Track the AirTag's Location: After identifying the AirTag, the third-party app may offer features to help track its location. This could include mapping its last known location or providing proximity alerts when you're near the AirTag.
Scan Using Android’s “Unknown Tracker Alert” Function
Alternatively, you can use Android’s unknown tracker alert feature to scan and identify nearby AirTags. This approach does not require third-party apps and might be more convenient in some cases. Here's how you can use this feature:
Enable Bluetooth: Before using the "Unknown Tracker Alert" feature, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your Android device. You can do this by accessing the Quick Settings panel or navigating to the Bluetooth settings in your device's Settings app.
Enable Unknown Tracker Alert: Once the Bluetooth is enabled, go to settings -> safety and emergency -> unknown tracker alerts.
Start Scanning: find the scan button at the bottom of the “unknown tracker alerts” page, and hit it to initiate scanning. The Bluetooth devices in your vicinity, including the unknown AirTags, should automatically show up.
Identify and Track: Follow the “Identify the AirTag” step in the first approach to identify and track the AirTag among a list of Bluetooth devices.
Considerations for Android Users with AirTags
Although Android users can still work around the limitations imposed by Apple and make limited use of AirTags, there are some considerations to bear in mind:
Limited Compatibility: AirTags are specifically optimized to work seamlessly with Apple devices running iOS 14.5 or later. While Android devices can detect AirTags via Bluetooth, they lack native support for the advanced features offered by the Find My network, such as precise location tracking and seamless setup.
Limited Functionality: While Android users can detect AirTags and potentially locate nearby items equipped with them, they may encounter limitations in functionality compared to iOS users. For example, Android users cannot play a sound on an AirTag or receive notifications when separated from their belongings.
Alternative Tracking Solutions: Android users may consider exploring alternative Bluetooth-based tracking solutions that offer native support for Android devices. While these solutions may not offer the same level of integration as AirTags within the Apple ecosystem, they provide functionality tailored to Android users' needs.
Conclusion
Now you can answer the question “Will AirTags work with Android?”. As we have seen, while AirTags are primarily optimized for seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, Android users can still leverage several methods to detect and identify them. From utilizing third-party Bluetooth scanning apps to enabling Android's "Unknown Tracker Alert" feature, there are options available for Android users to detect nearby AirTags. However, none of the above approaches match investing in an alternative to AirTags with native support for Android. For security-conscious Android users, opting for alternatives to AirTag is still your best bet.
FAQs
Can Android Users Track AirTags?
Yes. There are various methods Android users can employ to track AirTags. For example, they can detect nearby AirTags using Bluetooth scanning apps or Android's "Unknown Tracker Alert" feature.
What Features of AirTags Are Compatible with Android Devices?
Android devices can detect AirTags via Bluetooth, enabling identification through third-party Bluetooth scanning apps or Android's "Unknown Tracker Alert" feature. While Android lacks native integration with Apple's Find My network, basic features like detection, proximity alerts, and viewing device details are compatible.
Can You Set up AirTags Using an Android Phone?
No. AirTags cannot be set up using an Android phone. The setup process is designed exclusively for Apple devices running iOS 14.5 or later.