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A Samsung phone can detect an unknown AirTag that may be moving with you, but that safety feature is not the same as pairing an AirTag to track your own belongings. Android supports automatic unknown-tracker alerts and manual scans for AirTags. The reviewed official guidance does not establish that you can set up an AirTag with a Samsung phone for everyday item tracking.
What “use an AirTag” means on a Samsung phone
Detect an AirTag that may be following you
Yes. Google’s Android guidance lists Apple AirTags among the trackers supported by Android’s unwanted-tracker alerts. If an unknown tracker separated from its owner is determined to be moving with you over time, Android can notify you. You can also scan on demand for supported trackers that are currently nearby and separated from their owner. Google explains unknown tracker alerts and scanning.
Pair an AirTag to track your own items
The available official guidance does not establish that a Samsung phone can register an AirTag as its own everyday tracker. Being able to detect an AirTag for safety does not provide evidence that you can set it up, manage it, or use it to locate your keys or luggage. If that is your goal, choose a tracker intended for your phone’s ecosystem and check the exact model’s setup requirements.
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Automatic alerts
Android can alert you when a supported tracker that is separated from its owner appears to be moving with you over time. Google says Location must be turned on for automatic alerts. An alert may include a map of places where your phone detected the tracker; it does not show where the tracker’s owner checked its location. Google’s alert guidance also describes an option to play a sound to help locate the tracker.
#1 Best Overall
- Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
- Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only
Manual scan
A manual scan checks for supported trackers that are nearby at that moment and separated from their owner. Google estimates that a scan takes about 10 seconds. On Android 11 and later, manual scanning does not require Location to be on; on Android 10 and earlier, it uses Location and Bluetooth. A scan is a point-in-time check, not a guarantee that no tracker is present.
Find Nearby is not available for every tracker
Google’s Find Nearby instructions apply to Find Hub network-compatible trackers. Do not assume that this feature will help locate every AirTag detected by your Samsung phone. Google also notes that Play sound may not work if the tracker is out of Bluetooth range, its identifier has changed, or other conditions prevent playback.
Rank #2
- Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
- Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only.
Where to find Unknown tracker alerts on Samsung
Google documents these Android routes, but Samsung menu labels can differ with software version and region. If the route does not match your phone, search Settings for “Unknown tracker alerts.”
- Android 12 and later: Settings > Safety & emergency > Unknown tracker alerts.
- Android 11 and earlier: Settings > Google > Personal & device safety > Unknown tracker alerts.
In the alert settings, you can check whether automatic alerts are available and start a manual scan. Keep Location on if you want automatic alerts to work, as required by Google’s guidance.
Rank #3
- Find your things with ease: The SmartThings Find app uses Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to locate and keep track of your stuff
- Water and Dust Resistant: IP67 rating offers protection against dust and water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to 30 minutes
- Compatible with Galaxy Devices Only.
What to do if your Samsung warns you about an AirTag
- Open the alert and review the map. It shows locations where your phone detected the tracker with you, not the places where its owner checked its location.
- Try Play sound. If the tracker is close enough and playback is available, the sound may help you find it. Sound is not guaranteed to work in every situation.
- If you feel unsafe, move to a safe public place. Google advises contacting law enforcement or a trusted person if you find a tracker and are concerned about your safety.
- Disable the tracker itself if needed. Turning off Bluetooth, Location, or Airplane Mode on your phone does not disable the tracker. Follow the tracker manufacturer’s instructions to disable it.
Apple and Google announced their cross-platform unwanted-tracker alert capability in May 2024, saying that users would receive an alert when an unknown Bluetooth tracking device was seen moving with them over time, regardless of the platform with which the device was paired. Read the joint Apple and Google announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to consider instead for tracking your belongings
For everyday item tracking, start with a tag designed for the ecosystem you use. Google identifies Find Hub-compatible tracker tags as a supported category in its Android unknown-tracker guidance. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 may be worth investigating for a Samsung owner, but confirm the exact phone, app, operating-system requirements, model compatibility, and local availability with current product information before buying. The available information here does not establish those SmartTag2 specifics, so it is not possible to rank it against other tags on features or price.
Rank #4
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, activates your compatible IoT devices and stays powered for up to 500 days or even up to 40% more on Non-Power Saving Mode
- RELAX, YOU'VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand
- SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT'S NOT FAR: Lose something. Switch on Search Nearby and get guided instructions to your item's location via Compass View; If you still don't see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
- Type of battery needed: replaceable CR2032 1 ea Lithium battery (not included)
- Phone and operating-system support: Check the exact phone and software version required for setup.
- Tracking network: Confirm which network helps locate the tag when it is away from your phone.
- Finding features: Verify whether the exact model supports nearby precision finding and what devices that feature requires.
- Safety and out-of-range features: Check what alerts are offered and what happens when the tag is away from you.
- Practical fit: Compare battery type, form factor, and availability in your region.
Apple and Google’s May 2024 announcement named several manufacturers that had committed to future cross-platform compatibility. That announcement does not establish that every model from those manufacturers is currently compatible, so verify the particular tracker before purchase.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track¹; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant², activates your compatible IoT devices³ and stays powered for up to 500 days⁴ or even up to 40% more on Power Saving Mode⁵
- RELAX, YOU'VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand¹
- SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT'S NOT FAR: Lose something? Switch on Search Nearby⁶ and get instructions to your item's location via Compass View⁷; If you still don't see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
- TAGGED & TRENDY: Cover your Galaxy SmartTag2 with a colorful Silicone Case for protection and a smooth touch – or a Rugged Case with a non-slip pattern on the side and additional bumper on the bottom⁸; Both have a carabiner ring attachment
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