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A Samsung phone cannot track an AirTag you own in Apple’s Find My network. It can help you detect an unknown AirTag that may be traveling with you, and its NFC reader can identify an AirTag you have physically found. Choose the steps for your situation below.
What are you trying to do?
| Your situation | What a Samsung phone can do | What it cannot do |
|---|---|---|
| Find your own AirTag | Nothing through Android’s tracker-detection tools. | Show its live location or manage it in Apple’s Find My network. |
| Check whether an unknown AirTag is moving with you | Receive an automatic unknown-tracker alert or run a manual scan for nearby trackers separated from their owners. | Prove from one scan alone that a tracker is following you. |
| Identify an AirTag you have found | Read available tag details by holding an NFC-capable phone near it. | Access the owner’s live location. |
Android’s AirTag support is for unwanted-tracker detection, not owner-side tracking. [Google’s guide to finding unknown trackers] [Apple’s guidance on tracker alerts]
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How to scan for an unknown AirTag on a Samsung phone
Android 6 and newer supports automatic Unknown tracker alerts for Apple AirTags. To check manually, use this Google-documented route:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Safety & emergency.
- Tap Unknown tracker alerts.
- Tap Scan now. The scan takes about 10 seconds.
Samsung menu wording and placement can differ by handset and One UI version. If you do not see the listed path, search Settings for Unknown tracker alerts. A manual scan checks for trackers that are nearby and separated from their owners; a result is not, by itself, proof that the tracker has been traveling with you.
#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
On Android 11 and newer, Location does not need to be enabled to run a manual scan. Automatic alerts do require Location to be enabled. [Google’s guide to finding unknown trackers]
What to do when an unknown-tracker alert appears
- Tap the alert to review the map. It shows places where the tracker was detected traveling with your phone.
- Tap Play sound and listen for the tracker. Playing the sound does not notify its owner.
- Check your belongings and the route shown. A borrowed bag or keys, or time spent with someone who carries a tracker, may explain the alert.
- If you locate the tag, save its identifying information if appropriate, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to disable that specific tracker.
If Play sound does not work, the tracker may be outside Bluetooth range, close to its owner, recently separated from its owner, or using a changed device identifier. An alert or scan result does not establish malicious intent. [Google’s guide to finding unknown trackers]
Rank #2
- 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)
How to identify a found AirTag with NFC
If you have found the physical tag, hold the back of an NFC-capable Samsung phone near the AirTag’s white side. When a notification appears, open it to view the available item information. Depending on the tag’s status, the details may include its serial number and the last four digits of the phone number associated with its owner. If the owner enabled Lost Mode, contact information may also appear. This identifies the tag; it does not reveal the owner’s live location. [Apple’s guidance on tracker alerts]
How to disable a tracker—and what will not work
Use the manufacturer’s instructions for the tracker you found. Disabling the tag stops its owner from receiving location updates, but it also ends alerts for that tracker. Turning off Bluetooth, Location, or airplane mode on your Samsung phone does not disable the tag or stop it from sharing its location. [Google’s guide to finding unknown trackers] [Apple’s guidance on tracker alerts]
Rank #3
- 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
If you feel unsafe, go to a safe public place and contact law enforcement or someone you trust. Apple also advises contacting law enforcement when your safety is at risk. [Google’s guide to finding unknown trackers] [Apple’s guidance on tracker alerts]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why a Samsung phone cannot locate your own AirTag
Apple’s AirTag uses Apple’s Find My ecosystem for owner-side finding. Apple lists Apple-device requirements for setting up an AirTag with Find My; Android’s alert and scanning features do not add an AirTag to a Samsung phone’s tracking account. Bluetooth helps with proximity finding, while NFC can display information from a tag that is physically present. [Apple AirTag technical specifications]
Quick Recap
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- 📱 Global Cloud Positioning – Works with both Google's Find Hub (Android Only,Not for GPS & ios & Huawei)
- 📢 Loud Alert Sound – Built-in speaker with up to 98dB for quick locating
- 🔋 Far Superior Battery Life – Up to 2 years battery life on Android
- 💧 IP65 Waterproof – It provides protection against rainwaterand splashes
- 🔊 Visualize Distance – Visualize distance using UWB technology within Bluetooth range, allowing you to immediately see the distance
Rank #4
- 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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