Apple AirTag detector for Android

In summary, there is a free Android app available that can detect Apple's AirTag tracking devices, as well as other Bluetooth-based item finders such as Tile. This app works by utilizing a finder network where users of the app can help locate lost or stolen devices. However, the reliability of this network depends on the number of users and it is limited on iOS devices. There have been concerns about the privacy and security of these devices, leading to the creation of privacy-preserving protocols. It is also important to note that Tile cannot be used for minute-by-minute tracking of people, as it has a limited Bluetooth range.
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Does it detect Tile tags and others as well?
 
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jedishrfu said:
Does it detect Tile tags and others as well?
Klaatu Barada Nikto
It appears so, (subject to confirmation by more more knowledgeable sources).
The last paragraph mentions "Tile".

2.1 Bluetooth Device Finders
Many Bluetooth-based item finders, or key finders, are now using
finder networks aiding to find lost or misplaced trackers [8, 35 ].
Those networks are generally based on apps from item finder man-
ufacturers. Any user of the app helps to find lost or stolen item
finders. In principle, whenever an item finder is discovered via
Bluetooth with the app, the app automatically reports the current
location to the manufacturer, who then sends a notification of the
discovered device to the item finder’s owner. The ability to locate
lost devices and the accuracy of reported locations mostly depends
on the number of Android app users. iOS apps cannot scan for
Bluetooth devices in the background, limiting the functionality of
the finder network.
This area has gained much new attention since Samsung and
Apple have created their Bluetooth item finders. Both companies
created enormous finder networks that utilize active smartphones
as finder devices [31].
Several researchers analyzed key finders from manufacturers like
Tile, TrackR, and Nut for privacy and security. Two new privacy-
preserving and end-to-end encrypted key finder protocols have
been proposed [19, 36].

It does seem Tile uses the Bluetooth network so minute by minute tracking would be unreliable without the BT signal.

Here is the take from a random user generated content open source outfit.
https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/tile-mate/

A search on the subject brings up this.
"You cannot use a Tile Mate to track a person. The Tile Mate has a short range in comparison to how far a person could travel even if it is by foot. By the time a person reached 200 to 400 feet of distance, you would not be able to locate them as they’d be out of Tile’s Bluetooth range."
 
Last edited:

1. What is an "Apple AirTag detector for Android"?

An "Apple AirTag detector for Android" is a device or application that allows Android users to detect and locate Apple AirTags, which are small tracking devices that can be attached to personal belongings.

2. How does an "Apple AirTag detector for Android" work?

The detector works by using Bluetooth technology to scan for nearby AirTags. When an AirTag is detected, the detector will display its location and distance from the user's device.

3. Can I use an "Apple AirTag detector for Android" to track someone else's AirTag?

No, the detector can only detect AirTags that are within range of the user's device. It cannot be used to track someone else's AirTag without their permission.

4. Do I need to have an AirTag to use the detector?

No, the detector can still scan for and detect nearby AirTags even if the user does not have their own AirTag. However, the user will not be able to track their own belongings without an AirTag attached to them.

5. Is an "Apple AirTag detector for Android" compatible with all Android devices?

No, the detector may not be compatible with older or lower-end Android devices that do not have Bluetooth capabilities or do not meet the minimum system requirements for the detector application.

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