AirTags for Android: is that actually possible?

The AirTags from Apple are practical helpers to easily find your keys, wallet or backpack. But can Android users use the gadgets without any problems? Here we will tell you whether this works.

By Sebastian Weber

With the so-called AirTags Apple is expanding the “Find My?” function that iOS users know from their iPhone, iPad or MacBook to include everyday objects. The small gadgets are reminiscent of a key fob and can be easily attached to the bunch of keys, stowed in your purse or attached to your backpack. If one of the items is lost or forgotten somewhere, iOS users can quickly find it again. The good news: Although the AirTags come from Apple, they can also be used on Android.

Apple AirTags
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AirTag for Android thanks to Apple’s app

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You use AirTags on Android with special apps.

Image: © TURN ON 2021

The easiest way to use Apple’s AirTags on Android is to use use the app tracker detection. Apple’s application can be found in Google’s Play Store.

The app is compatible with Apple’s AirTags, but also works with other GPS trackers that can be integrated into the Find My network.

However, the tool has disadvantages. On the one hand, you have to open the app specifically so that it can do its job. A regular scan in the background is not planned.

Second, the app only finds AirTags that are separate from their owner. This means that your AirTag must be outside of the Bluetooth range, i.e. about 15 meters away from you.

The app makes up for the disadvantages by being simple and only offering the scan function. This makes it easy to use.

AirTags that are found can play a tone for ten minutes via the software. This helps in finding the lost item.

AirGuard app from the TU Darmstadt

Another app that you can use AirTags with on Android is called AirGuard – AirTag protection and was developed by the TU Darmstadt.

This program basically works like the Apple app: You can scan the environment for your AirTags and play a sound to find them again.

At the same time, this app offers protection against foreign AirTags that may have been planted on you in order to monitor or track you. AirGuard scans your surroundings in the background and notifies you immediately if a foreign AirTag is noticed.

iOS users receive such a warning automatically; Apple has integrated this function into the iPhone and iPad. On Android, on the other hand, you need a separate app to get the relevant information.

Permanent control with AirTag Tracker Detect Pro

AirTag Tracker Detect Pro is another app to keep track of your AirTags on Android. You can use the application to search for your AirTags, play sounds to make them easier to find, and be warned of foreign AirTags.

A big advantage of this app is that it can constantly scan your surroundings in the background for your and other AirTags. However, the software also finds all sorts of other Bluetooth devices such as headsets and the accuracy of the distance information is weak.

How do Apple’s AirTags work?

As already mentioned above, Apple’s AirTags are comparable to a key fob that you hang on your bunch of keys or place in your purse, backpack, car, etc.

The AirTags themselves emit a Bluetooth signal that any device that includes Apple’s Find My feature will recognize. Accordingly, each iPhone, for example, notices an AirTag in its vicinity and forwards the determined location to the Apple service.

Thanks to all iOS users, the “Find My?” network records the locations of the AirTags and you can easily locate lost objects.

iOS users have three options for searching, which are included in the “Where is?” function. There the program shows you the approximate location of the AirTag on the map in the “Objects” tab.

The “Find” option locates your AirTag and gives you clues as to where it is with an arrow and a distance. If your AirTag is nearby, you can play a sound to find it.

summary

• There are various apps in the Play Store for Android users who want to use Apple’s AirTags.
• The app developed by Apple usually works the most reliably, but only scans after the user has started it manually.
• Some AirTag-compatible apps regularly scan the environment to warn of foreign AirTags and thus prevent stalking and the like.