Can You Use AirTag with Android?

Ethan Ray Updated on Aug 20, 2025 Filed to: Android Tips

Well, we often see AirTag in ads doing its work for iOS users, but the question that Android users usually ask is, "Can you use AirTag with Android? Does AirTag work with Android? Is it compatible with connecting AirTag and Android devices? If not, are there any alternatives to AirTag for Android devices?

Even if it works on Android, you can't fully use AirTag features on Android; you can go with some basic functions like scanning or playing a sound on it. But no need to fret because we have got you covered with a guide that explains everything about AirTags and Android.

Quick Answer: Yes, you can use AirTag on your Android device, but its features will be limited. You cannot use all its features since it is designed for iOS devices.

Part 1. Can You Use AirTag with Android?

Yes, you can use AirTag with Android, but AirTags are specifically designed for iPhone users. In fact, despite this, your Android phone can still connect with AirTag in a certain way, but the features will be far limited. If you are using an Android phone, then you will not be able to use the "Find My" feature, which is the primary purpose of the AirTag. However, there are still some important features that you can use.

Android Users CanAndroid Users Cannot
Scan an AirTag using NFCSet up or configure AirTags
Play a sound if triggered via iOSUse Precision Finding
Detect nearby AirTags with “Unknown Tracker Alerts”Receive real-time notifications about AirTag location
Read Lost Mode information (serial number, contact details)Share AirTags across multiple devices

1.What Android Users Can Do:

  • You can scan an AirTag via NFC, which helps you see details like its serial numbers and the owner’s contact information if the AirTag is in lost mode.
  • You can play the AirTag’s sound feature, which can help you find something that is misplaced nearby.
  • There is a built-in unknown tracker alerts feature that you can use on your Android phone. It can warn you if an unfamiliar AirTag is moving for safety reasons.

2.What Android Users Cannot Do:

  • Android does not support setting up or configuring features in AirTag. It requires an iPhone and the Find My App.
  • Likewise, you can’t use the Precision finding feature either on your Android phone, which is used to guide iPhone users to go directly to an AirTag with step-by-step directions.
  • There is no option for real-time notification about the AirTag’s location or status on an Android phone.
  • Lastly, there is no Share an AirTag option on more than one device. It only works with iPhones that are used within Apple's ecosystem.

Part 2. How Can an Android Track an AirTag?

Even though it is known that Android phones can't track Apple's Find My network option, they can still connect with AirTags in a limited way, but it is somewhat useful. The two main features that you can use with AirTags while having an Android phone are listening for sound alerts triggered by the AirTag and NFC Scanning. These are the options that don't give live location tracking, unlike iPhones, but they still help you in certain ways to find misplaced items by simply checking the found AirTags details.

1.Step 1: NFC Scanning

NFC is one of the key features that you can use on Android phones with AirTags. It enables Android to read AirTags. Here's how you can do it

  • First, go to your phone settings and enable NFC. Before that, make sure your Android phone has NFC; some old models may not have NFC.
  • can you use airtag with android 768x481

  • Now touch the back of your phone to the AirTag.
  • See if it is detected, your phone will display a pop-up message or notification, which will show you information. Like the AirTags serial number, you will also see contact details if the AirTag is in lost mode.

This way, it is useful to find and contact the AirTag if it is lost; you don't need an iPhone to find the AirTag owner.

2.Step 2: Playing a Sound

If an AirTag is linked with an iPhone, the owner can trigger and use the Play a Sound feature, while Android users can't activate this feature themselves. However, you will still hear the sound if you are near the AirTag. This feature is useful especially if something is misplaced, like keys, a wallet, or a backpack.

For instance, if your friend with an iPhone uses Find My app to direct to the AirTag, instead, you with an Android phone can follow the sound to locate it.

Note : There are some third-party apps in Android that specifically claim that they can detect AirTags with some extra scanning features as well. You must be aware of these apps because most of them can be scams. Only download apps directly from Google Play Store, never download from third-party sources because you may be at privacy and security risks.

Practical tips for tracking an AirTag

Despite the limited interaction of Android with AirTags, there are still a few things you can use to make the process smoother and more workable. Here are some tips you can consider.

AirTag Not Scanning?

  • If AirTag is not scanning, then recheck your NFC to see if it is on or not
  • If you own an old model phone, it may not support NFC, so you can't scan an AirTag at all.
  • If scanning still fails, then try to move your phone slowly around the AirTag to get in touch with the NFC location.

Repeated Alerts or Notifications

  • If you are getting notifications related to nearby AirTags, then it means you are carrying unfamiliar AirTags with you.
  • In such cases, first check your belongings, like car bag pockets, to make sure the AirTag is not hidden somewhere.
  • If the airtag is yours and it is not connected with your phone, then you can reset it, or you can ask a friend who has an iPhone to help re-pair it.

Battery Awareness

Remember, you can access the battery level of AirTag through your Android phone. If the AirTag is not playing any sound or scanning, then it means it doesn't have enough battery for it. You can replace it with a new CR2032, which is really what you need to solve your battery problem.

Stay alert

If you find out the AirTag is not yours, you can use the scanning option through NFC to see its lost mode details. If it doesn't show any details, it is unsafe to keep it; you can contact the local authorities for it.

Part 3. AirTag Battery Tips for Android Users

One of the best parts about Apple's AirTag is that it doesn't need to be regularly charged. Each AirTag uses a CR2032 Coin Cell battery; it is the same battery that is used in watches, car remotes and some small gadgets. These are the batteries that you can easily get from any market or electronics store.

1.For Android users:

For Android users, there are some limitations. You cannot check the AirTag battery directly from your Android phone. You can find the battery of the AirTag only using the iPhone Find My app. So when the AirTags battery turns low, you won't get any warnings on your Android phone. The best way to use an AirTag with your Android phone is to replace its battery once a year. Alternatively, if you know the AirTag isn't scanning or playing any sound, it means its battery is running low.

How to Replace the AirTag Battery

First, you don't need an iPhone to replace your AirTags battery, which is a good thing if you are an Android user. Here is a simple process of how you can replace the AirTag Battery within a minute.

  1. Step 1. First, you need to position it correctly. Make sure the white plastic side is facing down while the metal side is facing up.
  2. Step 2. Press on the metal cover and twist or turn it counterclockwise until it is open or stops turning.
  3. Step 3. Now, remove the old battery first by lifting its cover and take out the used coin cell battery.
  4. Step 4. Place the new battery cell in the same place as the old one, with the positive side facing upward and the negative side facing downward.
  5. Step 5. Place the cover back, press it down, and turn it to the clockwise side again until you hear a click.

Bonus: Alternative Tracking Solution for Android Users

The question we hear the most is "Is an AirTag compatible with Android?" even though it is not fully compatible. The device that is compatible with all its features and everything is AirDroid Parental Control.

If you are an Android user who wants to track your belongings or loved ones in real time, AirTag is not your best option. AirTag is an Apple product and works best with the iPhone. For Android users, it is best to go with AirDroid Parental Control.

AirDroid Parental Control is an app that works on both Android and iOS devices. Unlike AirTags, you don't need NFC scanning or an extra setup; instead, you get all the benefits, including control and visibility, which makes an excellent solution for you and your family.

With AirDroid Parental Control, you can:

  • Real-time Location Tracker: Instantly see your child's live location on a map, no matter what phone you use. Get peace of mind in seconds.
  • Geofencing & Instant Alerts: Set up safe zones like home or school. Receive immediate alerts on your Android when your child enters or leaves these key areas.
  • One-Way Audio & Remote Camera: Hear your child’s surroundings or view them through their camera. It’s a discreet way to ensure they are safe when you can't reach them.
AirDroid Parental Control
It can track live locations in real time, so you can know where your kids and family members are exactly.
pic kid banner location 768x475

Conclusion

AirTags are one of the best, in fact, a brilliant tool for iPhone users. However, it is not the best one for Android users. You can only scan an AirTag with NFC or hear a sound when triggered, but you cannot get its full functionality. Instead, you can go with an alternative or a custom-made app for your Android phone, which is AirDroid.

FAQs

1.How often does an AirTag need to be charged?

AirTags don't need a charge; they use CR2032 coin cells, which are the same battery cells that are often found in watches and other small devices. You need to change this cell when your AirTag runs out of battery.

2.Can you connect an AirTag to more than one phone?

No, you can only use an AirTag paired with only one Apple ID at a time. You cannot use it on multiple devices or multiple Apple IDs.

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Ethan Ray
Ethan Ray
Ethan Ray is a tech-savvy content creator with a deep passion for the Android ecosystem. With over 4 years of experience in writing in-depth tutorials, how-to guides, and app reviews, he has helped thousands of users get the most out of their Android devices.
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