For Samsung Galaxy SmartTag3, set it up in SmartThings, sign in to your Samsung account for SmartThings Find, and allow location access when prompted. For out-of-range location reports, enable Offline finding or Allow devices to be found if those controls appear on your device. Samsung does not publish a complete Android permission matrix for SmartTag3, so there is no documented universal requirement to grant background location or disable battery optimization.
Set up SmartTag3 in SmartThings
- Open SmartThings and add the tag. Follow the app’s add-device prompts to register the SmartTag3, then select the requested location and room. Samsung identifies SmartThings as the setup app and says a SmartThings connection is required for remote tracking and searching functions. See Samsung’s SmartTag setup instructions.
- Allow location access when prompted. SmartThings Find may request location permission. Android menu names can vary across phone makers and software versions, so follow the current prompt rather than assuming a particular permission label.
- Sign in to your Samsung account. SmartThings Find requires a Samsung account. In its settings, check that Allow use of location information is enabled. If map or location features do not work, also check that Android’s device location service is on. See Samsung’s SmartThings Find settings guidance.
Choose the right finding method
There are two different ways to locate a tag, and they do not rely on the same conditions:
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| Finding method | What happens | What it depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Search Nearby or Ring | Your phone searches for a nearby tag, or rings it so you can hear it. | Proximity to your phone; Ring is useful when sound can help you find the tag. These actions are available in SmartThings Find, as described in Samsung’s setup instructions. |
| Offline finding | Nearby participating Galaxy devices can detect the tag’s Bluetooth Low Energy signal and relay location information to SmartThings Find. | The presence and participation of nearby Galaxy devices, along with network conditions, device settings, and regional availability. This is a crowdsourced network feature, not GPS built into the tag. See Samsung’s Offline finding guidance and its SmartThings Find settings guidance. |
Enable out-of-range finding
If you want participating Galaxy devices to help locate the tag when it is away from your phone, open SmartThings Find settings and enable Allow devices to be found or Offline finding, if your current menus show those controls. Samsung also documents a path on supported Galaxy software under Settings > Security and privacy > Lost device protection. The precise labels and location can depend on the device and its software.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsOffline finding does not make updates continuous or guarantee a fresh location. Samsung says SmartTag3 update timing depends on nearby participating Galaxy devices, network conditions, device settings, and region. A missing or stale remote report can therefore occur even when your own phone’s permissions are correctly configured. See Samsung’s SmartThings Find guidance.
#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
Compass View has a separate device requirement
Samsung specifies Android 12 or later and a Galaxy device that supports UWB or Bluetooth Channel Sounding for Compass View. This is a requirement for that feature, not a stated minimum Android version or permission requirement for basic SmartTag3 tracking. Samsung’s SmartThings Find guidance describes feature settings and compatibility.
What Samsung has not established
Samsung’s reviewed SmartTag3 and SmartThings Find guidance does not provide a complete permission list for every Android version or phone manufacturer. It also does not establish a universal requirement for background location access or a battery-optimization exemption. Do not grant every available permission or turn off battery management as a blanket troubleshooting step; rely on the prompts shown by your current SmartThings app and the compatibility guidance for your phone.
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.
Samsung’s older SmartTag help describes direct Bluetooth Low Energy communication and assistance from Galaxy Find network devices beyond direct range. That general distinction helps explain the two finding paths, but older guidance does not establish SmartTag3-specific range or current Android permission requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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)
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
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
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