AirTags include NFC chips that can be read by NFC-enabled Android phones. Although Android cannot pair with AirTag, it can recover the owner’s data once the owner has put the AirTag in “Lost Mode.” If you want to learn more about how AirTags work with Android phones, we’ve covered it in this article.
We also detail what to do if you find an item with an AirTag attached. Plus, if you’re thinking about purchasing a tracking device, we look at the pros and cons of AirTags and its competitor, Tile.
Do AirTags work with Android phones?
They Yes. You can use your NFC-enabled Android smartphone to read AirTags, in case you find one and the owner has put it in “Lost Mode.” To help reunite the item with its owner, do the following:
- Place the back of your Android phone on the white side of the AirTag.
- Click on the notification that appears on your screen.
- A website will open with information about the AirTag, including its serial number.
- You may see a message included from the owner on how to contact them.
Can I pair my AirTags with my Android?
Unfortunately, AirTags are not currently designed to pair with Android devices to track items.
Lost Mode and NFC Enabled Phones
A lost AirTag can be identified by any NFC-enabled iPhone or Android device when the owner has put the AirTag into “Lost Mode.” When you bring an NFC-enabled device close to the AirTag, information about it and its owner is displayed so that the owner can be contacted to return the item.
AirTags vs. Tiles
Next, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of the AirTag and Tile features; its privacy features and things to consider when deciding which tracker may be best for you.
air tag
The Apple AirTag was recently launched in April 2021 and joined Tile in the tracking device market. Basically, it is designed with the iPhone owner in mind as it integrates directly with the “Find My” app (iOS base software). AirTags are priced at $29 or $99 for a four-pack.
Advantages of AirTag
- Its most impressive feature: “Precision Search” is available on iPhone 11 or later. It uses ultra-wideband technology to help find items with up to half an inch of error, making it more accurate than Tile.
- “Precision search” can be used when you have a general idea of where an item is located. By pinging your AirTag, it can move feet away from you, with arrows directing you toward it.
- Pairing your mobile device with AirTag is simple and intuitive. The tracker is linked to your AppleID, so there is no need to create a separate account.
- With the “Find My” app, you can see your AirTagged items on a map and ping them to find their location.
- It is integrated with Siri. Siri can be used as a shortcut to ask where an item is.
- It comes with an easily replaceable battery that should last about a year.
Disadvantages of AirTag
- Currently, there is only one type of AirTag to choose from with limited design functionality.
- Comes without adhesive padding or anything to attach to items. Therefore, you will need to make an additional purchase.[s] to secure it to your items.
Roof tile
The first Tile devices launched in 2015, with the Tile mobile app to help Android and iOS device owners find their items. You can pick up a Tile tracker for $24 and a discounted price on multi-packs.
Tile professionals
- Tile offers a wide variety of models to choose from and is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows.
- Some devices, including laptops and headphones, come with a built-in Tile.
- You can choose from four types designed to easily attach to your item right away.
- By pressing the button on a Tile, you can ring the device it’s paired with, which comes in handy when you misplace your phone.
- By paying for the Tile Premium service, starting at $29.99 per year, you can set up alerts to remind you when you leave something behind; Plus, receive notifications when your Tile’s battery needs replacing.
Cons of tiles
- Setup is done through the Tile app. While it’s simple, it’s not integrated with the device’s core software, like AirTag with “Find My.”
- Tile can connect to other devices on the Tile network by pointing to a location on its tracker; however, Tile’s network is smaller (in the millions) and depends on Tile devices or those using the app. Apple’s network, on the other hand, is quickly approaching the billion mark.
AirTag versus tile privacy
When tracking devices are used, privacy is a major concern as they can be used for negative purposes, for example potentially used to track someone by slipping the device into their car, pocket or bag.
Unlike Tile, Apple has implemented several measures to ensure that AirTags are used correctly.
An AirTag is only configured by its owner and linked to their AppleID; It cannot be activated on behalf of another person. iOS devices can recognize and alert their owner if an unknown or unpaired AirTag is traveling with them.
An AirTag also rings when it is separated from its owner for some time and moves location to draw attention to it.
Which one would fit best?
Both are very effective tracking devices and great for quickly finding lost items; However, the areas in which they both excel differ.
If aesthetics and privacy are important to you, then AirTag is a pretty stylish device, packed with privacy features. Tile is a little cheaper and comes equipped with a sticker or keychain to attach it to your items.
It is worth considering the devices you currently use. If you use Android mobile devices, Tile would be a better option as AirTags are not designed for tracking using Android devices. iOS users are better off with an AirTag as they are specifically designed to work with them.
Additional FAQs
Why can’t I pair AirTags with an Android phone?
You can’t pair an AirTag with your Android device because AirTags aren’t designed to work that way. The “Find My” app, only available on iOS, takes care of pairing and tracking. However, since AirTag is equipped with NFC, NFC-enabled devices can read AirTags when the owner has put them in “Lost Mode.” This is the only supported feature that Android phones with AirTags currently have.
Android owners help reunite AirTag owners
Apple’s AirTag location tracker has been specifically designed to track and find items using only Apple devices. If an AirTag has been put into “Lost Mode,” an NFC-enabled Android device can be used to read and recover the owner’s data, potentially saving their life.
Now that you know how an Android phone works with an AirTag and how its compatibility compares to Tile, have you come across someone’s AirTag and helped them return the item? Which device do you think is better: AirTag or Tile? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
