How Do Apple AirTags Work?
AirTags rely on Apple’s Find My network to relay their location. They periodically send out Bluetooth LE pings that other Apple devices can pick up on the Find My network. This data is then transmitted to Apple’s servers, allowing the original AirTag owner to view its location. Find My Network integration remains a key highlight of AirTags, which sets them apart from other trackers on the market.
For safety reasons, the Bluetooth signal identifiers transmitted by an AirTag are randomized at regular intervals, so malicious users cannot monitor and track them.
The tracker also features Apple’s U1 Ultra Wideband chip for more accurate location-tracking in closed spaces called Precision Finding. It only works with newer iPhones that have the U1 chip built-in, like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. This feature ensures you are able to get the precise location of the tracker when you are near it but can’t find its exact location.
As is evident from their functioning, AirTags are heavily integrated into Apple’s ecosystem and cannot function without it. Check out our in-depth explainer on AirTags functioning for more details on how to use the item tracker.
Can You Set Up AirTags Using an Android Phone?
No. It is not possible to set up AirTags using an Android device. You must set up the item tracker using an iPhone and Apple’s Find My network. The tracker is incompatible with Google’s Find My Android app or network, and you cannot use your Android phone to track an AirTag that was set up using an iPhone.
AirTags can only be tracked using Apple’s Find My app, which is available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Do AirTags Work With Android?
No. You cannot use your Android phone to set up a new AirTag or track the item it is tagged to. So, if you were planning on purchasing an AirTag to use with your Android phone, look at other alternatives on the market.
However, it is possible to scan an AirTag using an Android device with NFC to find more information about its owner. So, if you ever find an item tagged with an AirTag marked as lost, tap the back of your Android phone to the tracker. A page will open with details about the AirTag and its owner, which you can use to contact the owner.
Since AirTags can be used to track anyone discretely, Apple allows Android users to scan for unknown AirTags around them. You need to use the Tracker Detect app developed by Apple for Android users for this. The problem is that, unlike iPhones, the app won’t scan for AirTags in the background. You will have to manually initiate a scan if you think an AirTag is being used to track you.
If the app detects an unknown AirTag in your vicinity, you can use the Play Sound option to ensure the tracker is not being used to stalk you. This option will ring the tracker 10 minutes after you press the button.
The Tracker Detect app also provides relevant instructions to disable the AirTag by removing its battery.
AirTags Don’t Work Well With Android
Like other Apple products, AirTags don’t work properly with Android. The support is rudimentary at best, just good enough to ensure Android users can find out they are not being tracked using an AirTag. If you don’t intend to switch to an iPhone anytime soon but want an item tracker, consider some other alternatives that work properly with Android.
