Locating Lost AirTags with Android and Exploring AirTag Alternatives

Can You Track an AirTag without iPhone?

AirTags are Bluetooth tracking devices introduced by Apple to locate personal items. They can be located by Apple devices through the 'Find My' network. However, non-Apple devices can't track AirTags via Find My, including on the iCloud website.

To assist Android users, Apple introduced the Tracker Detect app.  Besides, third-party apps like AirGuard, may offer more user-friendly features. Even if Android devices can't be used to set up AirTags, these apps can help to scan for nearby AirTags. However, they won’t track a specific AirTag’s location in real-time.

For full functionality, consider other tracking devices that are more compatible with Android.

2 Ways to Locate an Lost AirTag with Android

1Using Tracker Detect to Find AirTags with Android

Tracker Detect is designed to help Android users detect if someone is using an AirTag or a similar device to track your location without your knowledge. In this instance, Android users can use the app to search for nearby AirTags.

• Manually scan for all AirTags in the Find My network, even when they're not within Bluetooth reach.
• Only scans for AirTags that have been separated from their owner for more than 15 minutes.
• Do not show location information or track live location.
• Play a sound to help find a tracker near you for at least 10 minutes.

Steps to Locate Airtags around You

1. Download and install the app on your device.

   

2. Open the app and click the Scan icon.
   
3. It will show results after scanning. You can also end the process by clicking Stop Scanning.
   
4. Tap “Play Sound” to help you locate the Airtag around you.
   

You can use it to detect misplaced AirTags. While the app can notify you of an AirTag's presence, it does not display its current location. This makes it particularly useful for searching in confined spaces like your car, home, or workplace. However, if the AirTag is out of the audible range, locating it may be challenging.

Verify If It Is the AirTag You're Looking For

If you find an AirTag and aren't sure if it's yours, bring your NFC-enabled phone close to the white side of the AirTag. If the AirTag is set to Lost Mode, it will show the Airtag‘s information on a website, including the owner's contact. Otherwise, you can only see the serial number.

2Using AirGuard to Locate AirTags with Android

AirGuard offers superior protection compared to Tracker Detect due to its continuous background scanning, real-time notifications, and comprehensive detection capabilities. You may have a try.

• Performs periodic Bluetooth scans in the background for both AirTags and other trackers like Tile.
• Alerts users immediately if a tracker is detected at least 3 times at different locations.
• Show historical GPS locations based on past detections, not real-time tracking.
• Play a sound to help find a tracker near you for at least 10 minutes.

Android Equivalent to AirTags

Yes, there are Android equivalent of AirTags. They are Bluetooth trackers with specific compatibility. In this section, some of these alternatives will be considered.

1Pebblebee Clip for Android

Pebblebee Clip for Android is also compatible with Google's Find My Device network. This Bluetooth tracker is a rechargeable item tracker for keys, bags, bicycles, and other items. It comes with a bright LED to find your item quickly when it is dark. 1 Pack is $238 now; you may check its live price from the website.

Compatibility

It is compatible with Google's Find My Device or the Pebblebee app available on Android and iOS.

2Chipolo ONE Point

This tracker is custom-made for Google's Find My Device. By attaching it to your key, backpack, wallet, and other luggage, you can track it on the map no matter how far away it is. It provides precise location with the distance hint feature. The battery of the tracker can last up to a year, and it is replicable. 1 Pack for 34€ now, you may check its live price from the website.

Compatibility

It requires an Android phone or tablet running Android 9 upwards with the Find My Device app.

3Samsung Smart Tag 2

The easy-to-use and simple-to-find tracker is an initiative of Samsung. It gives users remote access to their IoT devices. The device's battery can last up to 500 days, after which it can be replaced. Its Lost Mode can be activated to use the Galaxy NFC to display your contact information and message. Once registered, it can be tracked through the SmartThings Find. 1 Pack for 34€ now, you may check its live price from the website.

Compatibility

It requires Galaxy devices with Android version 9 or higher.

4Tile Tracker

This multiple-purpose tracker can function with electronics, cars, pets, keys, and other luggage. It uses the most recent location feature to find when an item was last with you. They offer various models like Tile Mate, Tile Pro, and Tile Slim, each with different form factors and ranges.

Compatibility

They are compatible with all devices.

How to Know If Someone Is Tracking Your Android with AirTag 

You can detect if an AirTag is tracking your Android through Apple's Tracker Detect app and other third-party apps. In addition, Google's Unknown Tracker Alerts can also help you. This safety feature was announced during the I/O 2023. It is available on all Android versions from version 6.0 and upwards. For the feature to work effectively, you need to have location services and Bluetooth turned on.

It primarily has two ways of keeping you safe which are discussed below.

Get Automatic Alerts

Google's built-in Unknown Tracker Alerts is typically on by default. You may also confirm it from Settings > Safety & Emergency or Safety and emergency. You will get an alert on your device if an AirTag or other tracker brands keeps on traveling with you for an extended period, typically 48 hours.

This feature also helps you learn more about the tracker, such as the map of where the tracker has been seen trailing you. You can also use the feature to play a sound on the tracker to locate it.

Manual scanning

Since the device will only notify you about an unknown tracker after 48 hours, so there's also an option to perform manual scans for quicker detection. The manual scan feature takes about 10 seconds to complete checking for trackers.

To use this feature, open your Google Settings, select Safety & emergency, and then click on Unknown Tracker Alerts. Tap on the Scan Now button to start the manual scan.

Taking Action on the Tracker

You can get tips on how to evade or disable the tracker from receiving your location update using the tracker. Likewise, you can get more information about the tracker, such as their serial number or the last four digits of the tracker's phone number. You can also follow the guidance to disable the tracker when necessary.

Key Conclusions and Observations

This post considers the Android solutions applicable to track AirTag with Android when they get lost. Furthermore, alternative solutions to AirTag on Android.

Finally, suppose you suspect that someone might be tracking your Android device using an AirTag or other tracking devices. In that case, Google's Unknown Tracker Alerts can be a valuable tool. This feature, along with the methods mentioned earlier, can help you detect and manage potential tracking attempts.