From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Well I'm sticking with Android, because a) I have one, plan to use it
for the next 20 years, b) I don't want to learn something new, c) No one
is interested in me anyhow, but I want to report that iphones will
apparently notice if there is an airtag following you and they will send
you a text or something that tells you about it!!!

It seems pretty clever that they can associated two things that are
totally independent except for location.

https://youtu.be/TCDzQ7EcJLM

AFAIK Android phones doesn't even do a good job of trackin airtags etc.
the the phone's owner is using, let alone those of other people, let
alone notifying you wnen you're being tracked. Come on, Mr. A. Up your
act!!
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 3/30/2026 1:13 PM, micky wrote:

Well I'm sticking with Android, because a) I have one, plan to use it
for the next 20 years, b) I don't want to learn something new, c) No
one is interested in me anyhow, but I want to report that iphones
will apparently notice if there is an airtag following you and they
will send you a text or something that tells you about it!!! It seems
pretty clever that they can associated two things that are totally independent except for location.

https://youtu.be/TCDzQ7EcJLM

AFAIK Android phones doesn't even do a good job of trackin airtags
etc. the the phone's owner is using, let alone those of other
people, let alone notifying you wnen you're being tracked. Come on,
Mr. A. Up your act!!

I have an Apple account and using my Android phone's Google browser I
can sign into that account and use it to locate my wife's iPhone, Apple
watch, and iPad. Dunno about AirTags though...


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 30.03.26 22:56, AJL wrote:

I have an Apple account and using my Android phone's Google browser I
can sign into that account and use it to locate my wife's iPhone, Apple watch, and iPad. Dunno about AirTags though...

micky said: "b) I don't want to learn something new"
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android


micky wrote:

iphones will apparently notice if there is an airtag following you
and they will send you a text or something that tells you about it!!!

Android devices do the same (it's not a text, just a pop-up notification)

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

Well I'm sticking with Android, because a) I have one, plan to use it
for the next 20 years, b) I don't want to learn something new, c) No one
is interested in me anyhow, but I want to report that iphones will
apparently notice if there is an airtag following you and they will send
you a text or something that tells you about it!!!

It seems pretty clever that they can associated two things that are
totally independent except for location.

https://youtu.be/TCDzQ7EcJLM

AFAIK Android phones doesn't even do a good job of trackin airtags etc.
the the phone's owner is using, let alone those of other people, let
alone notifying you wnen you're being tracked. Come on, Mr. A. Up your
act!!

As Andy mentioned, Mr. A. doesn't have to up his act, because Android
phones *are* already reporting other people's ('stalking') Apple
AirTags, at least since Android 13, but probably before (I can probably
find out how long before).

As Andy said, when an Android phone detects a 'stalking' AirTag, it
will give a notification. If you tap that notification, it will show a
map with a trace of locations where the AirTag was close to you.

I have practical experience with this and it works quite well.

In my case, it was desired 'stalking': I asked <close_family_member>,
who has an iPhone (we don't), to track (the AirTags in) our suitcases,
in case they got lost. As soon as we got our suitcases after our
flights, my Android phone detected and tracked these 'stalking' AirTags. 'Stalking' because they were registered with CFM's Apple Account and
hence not associated with my Android phone, nor it's Google Account.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Frank Slootweg wrote:

In my case, it was desired 'stalking': I asked <close_family_member>,
who has an iPhone (we don't), to track (the AirTags in) our suitcases,
in case they got lost. As soon as we got our suitcases after our
flights, my Android phone detected and tracked these 'stalking' AirTags. 'Stalking' because they were registered with CFM's Apple Account and
hence not associated with my Android phone, nor it's Google Account.

Has anyone actually tried out any Android compatible trackers? I can't remember why I didn't feel like buying Chipolo devices (has anyone had Santander/Nikon/Seat/AirFrance give them a free one?)

Maybe these? Not so cheap to try on a whim ... <https://rollingsquare.com/collections/tracking>
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-03-31 20:28, Andy Burns wrote:

Frank Slootweg wrote:

  In my case, it was desired 'stalking': I asked <close_family_member>,
who has an iPhone (we don't), to track (the AirTags in) our suitcases,
in case they got lost. As soon as we got our suitcases after our
flights, my Android phone detected and tracked these 'stalking' AirTags.
'Stalking' because they were registered with CFM's Apple Account and
hence not associated with my Android phone, nor it's Google Account.

Has anyone actually tried out any Android compatible trackers?  I can't remember why I didn't feel like buying Chipolo devices (has anyone had Santander/Nikon/Seat/AirFrance give them a free one?)

I have a Tile Pro (2022). AFAIK needs people to run the app, ie, an
android phone without the app doesn't track it. An iPhone with the app
would also track it, I think.

I had it on my baggage when I flew to Canada in 2023. AFAIK it was not detected over there except by my own phone.

Maybe these? Not so cheap to try on a whim ... <https://rollingsquare.com/collections/tracking>

--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

Has anyone actually tried out any Android compatible trackers?

I have a Tile Pro (2022). AFAIK needs people to run the app, ie, an
android phone without the app doesn't track it. An iPhone with the app
would also track it, I think.

Yes, I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the
tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed.

I had it on my baggage when I flew to Canada in 2023. AFAIK it was not detected over there except by my own phone.

I would see the app-based ones getting worse coverage over time,
unfortunately I don't notice the take-up of trackers on android being
very common, so people may turn off the "find hub" functionality if
they're not going to benefit from it ...


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Andy Burns wrote:

I had it on my baggage when I flew to Canada in 2023. AFAIK it was not
detected over there except by my own phone.

I would see the app-based ones getting worse coverage over time, unfortunately I don't notice the take-up of trackers on android being
very common, so people may turn off the "find hub" functionality if
they're not going to benefit from it ...

I don't do trackers but it's worthwhile to discuss what exists for Android.

Apparently, back in 2023, it was new for native Android to detect BT stalking.
*Your Android Phone Can Now Detect AirTag Stalking*
<https://www.howtogeek.com/159269/your-android-phone-can-now-detect-airtag-stalking/>
"if your phone detects that a Bluetooth tracker is "following" you,
a warning will appear on your screen. "
According to that article, google's system was stopgap.
They were 'working with Apple' to come out with a combined system apparently.

In January of last year, Apple apparently had an Android app to detect trackers.
*How to Find Out if Your Android Phone Is Being Tracked by an AirTag*
<https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-to-find-out-if-your-android-phone-being-tracked-by-an-airtag/>

That article discusses this app for detecting Apple AirTags tracking you.
*Tracker Detect*, by Apple
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.trackerdetect>

Having said that, I want to let folks know I know almost nothing about this. But it seems those are the best two options for someone like Micky to test.
1. Android 12+ native tracker detection (runs automatically)
2. Apple's Tracker Detect app (runs manually)

Looking it up, I find that the joint standard has apparently been released.
*Apple and Google deliver support for unwanted tracking alerts in iOS and Android*
<https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/05/apple-and-google-deliver-support-for-unwanted-tracking-alerts-in-ios-and-android/>
it uses the DULT (Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers) protocol
this native tool can now force an AirTag to play a sound so you can find it

Google has recently pushed updates to make enrollment more "automatic" (similar to Apple's model) to fix the coverage gaps Andy was worried about. They've also introduced a "Share Item Location" feature specifically for luggage, allowing you to send a temporary tracking link directly to airline baggage claim-a move to prove the network is finally robust enough for international travel .

At least it says so in this March 2026 article on the topic.
*Google's latest Find Hub update makes it even easier to find your luggage*
<https://www.phonearena.com/news/googles-latest-find-hub-update-makes-it-even-easier-to-find-your-luggage_id178653>
"Find Hub now lets you share your suitcase's live location with airlines."

Caveat: This is only from looking it up. Anything I said can be wrong.
--
Each article posted to Usenet should strive to add value or not be posted.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:

Frank Slootweg wrote:

In my case, it was desired 'stalking': I asked <close_family_member>,
who has an iPhone (we don't), to track (the AirTags in) our suitcases,
in case they got lost. As soon as we got our suitcases after our
flights, my Android phone detected and tracked these 'stalking' AirTags.
'Stalking' because they were registered with CFM's Apple Account and
hence not associated with my Android phone, nor it's Google Account.

Has anyone actually tried out any Android compatible trackers? I can't remember why I didn't feel like buying Chipolo devices (has anyone had Santander/Nikon/Seat/AirFrance give them a free one?)

Maybe these? Not so cheap to try on a whim ... <https://rollingsquare.com/collections/tracking>

I see a lot of ads for the Pebblebee ones and have almost bought them a
couple of times, but they are only a little cheaper than Airtags.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-01 16:25, Andy Burns wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

Has anyone actually tried out any Android compatible trackers?

I have a Tile Pro (2022). AFAIK needs people to run the app, ie, an
android phone without the app doesn't track it. An iPhone with the app
would also track it, I think.

Yes, I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed.

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but
if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones.

Arguably, one that works with a popular app would work with phones of
both brands.

There is a need for a tracker that works natively with both brands.

I had it on my baggage when I flew to Canada in 2023. AFAIK it was not
detected over there except by my own phone.

I would see the app-based ones getting worse coverage over time, unfortunately I don't notice the take-up of trackers on android being
very common, so people may turn off the "find hub" functionality if
they're not going to benefit from it ...

--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the

tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed.

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but
if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones.

Good point, at least the current generations of devices will work with
either Android or Apple (not at the same time) so if you know a friendly iPhone user you could swap the device(s) over for a week or two.

Arguably, one that works with a popular app would work with phones of
both brands.

There is a need for a tracker that works natively with both brands.

Google and Apple managed to grit their teeth and get the stalking
detection working cross-platform, but they apparently didn't have the
appetite to make tracking work that way. No doubt Apple had a better
network at the time and didn't want to lose their advantage ...


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-01 22:35, Andy Burns wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the

tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed.

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but
if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones.

Good point, at least the current generations of devices will work with either Android or Apple (not at the same time) so if you know a friendly iPhone user you could swap the device(s) over for a week or two.

No, I don't know any. Mmm... the son of a friend, 500 Km away, had one
when he was a kid.

They could invent trackers with dual hardware, that may be activated and tracked on any phone.

Arguably, one that works with a popular app would work with phones of
both brands.

There is a need for a tracker that works natively with both brands.

Google and Apple managed to grit their teeth and get the stalking
detection working cross-platform, but they apparently didn't have the appetite to make tracking work that way.  No doubt Apple had a better network at the time and didn't want to lose their advantage ...

But the network is almost nil in Europe.
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-01 22:35, Andy Burns wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the

tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed.

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but
if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones.

Good point, at least the current generations of devices will work with
either Android or Apple (not at the same time) so if you know a friendly
iPhone user you could swap the device(s) over for a week or two.

No, I don't know any. Mmm... the son of a friend, 500 Km away, had one
when he was a kid.

They could invent trackers with dual hardware, that may be activated and tracked on any phone.

Arguably, one that works with a popular app would work with phones of
both brands.

There is a need for a tracker that works natively with both brands.

Google and Apple managed to grit their teeth and get the stalking
detection working cross-platform, but they apparently didn't have the
appetite to make tracking work that way.  No doubt Apple had a better
network at the time and didn't want to lose their advantage ...

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

Eh? Apple devices are all over the place in Europe. I use Airtags when travelling and have had no issues on continental Europe.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 01.04.26 22:57, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-04-01 22:35, Andy Burns wrote:

Google and Apple managed to grit their teeth and get the stalking
detection working cross-platform, but they apparently didn't have the
appetite to make tracking work that way.  No doubt Apple had a better
network at the time and didn't want to lose their advantage ...

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

Nonsense.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita" (Augustinus)
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

at least the current generations of devices will work with
either Android or Apple (not at the same time)

They could invent trackers with dual hardware, that may be activated and tracked on any phone.

But you know they'd be twice the price, and BLE trackers are already too expensive.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-01 22:35, Andy Burns wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the

tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed.

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but
if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones.

Good point, at least the current generations of devices will work with either Android or Apple (not at the same time) so if you know a friendly iPhone user you could swap the device(s) over for a week or two.

No, I don't know any. Mmm... the son of a friend, 500 Km away, had one
when he was a kid.

Probably we should buy a cheap/second-hand iPhone, just for that
purpose (locating our out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags! (half a:) :-)

A long time ago, I looked into this, but I forgot the outcome:

Is it possible to locate one's out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags
without having a iPhone/iPad? Of course you need an Apple ID (Apple
account), but do also need an Apple (computing) device? Or can you just
use the web-UI in a web-browser? (AFAIR, that was not possible, but I
don't remember why.) What about a Mac? A Mac isn't really iPhone/iPad
like, so if that can work, why can't a Windows machine?

Anyway, this is not crosspoted to the Apple groups, but there are some
Apple users in this group, so perhaps they can comment.

They could invent trackers with dual hardware, that may be activated and tracked on any phone.

But the tracking Android phone still needs an app (and it needs to be running), because Android does not have any native tracking support.

Arguably, one that works with a popular app would work with phones of
both brands.

There is a need for a tracker that works natively with both brands.

Google and Apple managed to grit their teeth and get the stalking detection working cross-platform, but they apparently didn't have the appetite to make tracking work that way.� No doubt Apple had a better network at the time and didn't want to lose their advantage ...

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

As others mentioned, I have not had any troubles with locating my
AirTags in Europe (The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Scotland)
nor in Australia, but perhaps Spain is different.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

at least the current generations of devices will work with
either Android or Apple (not at the same time)

They could invent trackers with dual hardware, that may be activated and tracked on any phone.

But you know they'd be twice the price, and BLE trackers are already too expensive.

Well, I just saw a 2-pack of (claimed) Apple-compatible trackers for
EUR 10 in our major drugstore chain in The Netherlands ('Kruidvat'), so
that *could* be EUR 10 for *one* "tracker with dual hardware"! :-)
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 02.04.26 08:54, Chris wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

Eh? Apple devices are all over the place in Europe. I use Airtags when travelling and have had no issues on continental Europe.

The population of iPhones is bigger than Android in France and a lot
bigger in Switzerland. The use of trackers per 1000 iPhones is bigger by multiples than per 1000 Androids in all of Europe.
--
"Ave! Morituri te salutant!"
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-01 22:35, Andy Burns wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the

tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed.

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but >>>> if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones. >>>

Good point, at least the current generations of devices will work with
either Android or Apple (not at the same time) so if you know a friendly >>> iPhone user you could swap the device(s) over for a week or two.

No, I don't know any. Mmm... the son of a friend, 500 Km away, had one
when he was a kid.

Probably we should buy a cheap/second-hand iPhone, just for that
purpose (locating our out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags! (half a:) :-)

A long time ago, I looked into this, but I forgot the outcome:

Is it possible to locate one's out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags
without having a iPhone/iPad?

Yes. Just log into your account and find it on there.

Of course you need an Apple ID (Apple
account), but do also need an Apple (computing) device? Or can you just
use the web-UI in a web-browser? (AFAIR, that was not possible, but I
don't remember why.)

You need an iphone or ipad with recent enough OS to *register* your AirTag
on your account.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

at least the current generations of devices will work with
either Android or Apple (not at the same time)

They could invent trackers with dual hardware, that may be activated and >>> tracked on any phone.

But you know they'd be twice the price, and BLE trackers are already too
expensive.

Well, I just saw a 2-pack of (claimed) Apple-compatible trackers for
EUR 10 in our major drugstore chain in The Netherlands ('Kruidvat'), so
that *could* be EUR 10 for *one* "tracker with dual hardware"! :-)

I wouldn't trust something so cheap.

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-01 22:35, Andy Burns wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the

tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed. >>>>

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but >>>> if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones. >>>

Good point, at least the current generations of devices will work with >>> either Android or Apple (not at the same time) so if you know a friendly >>> iPhone user you could swap the device(s) over for a week or two.

No, I don't know any. Mmm... the son of a friend, 500 Km away, had one
when he was a kid.

Probably we should buy a cheap/second-hand iPhone, just for that
purpose (locating our out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags! (half a:) :-)

A long time ago, I looked into this, but I forgot the outcome:

Is it possible to locate one's out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags
without having a iPhone/iPad?

Yes. Just log into your account and find it on there.

Of course you need an Apple ID (Apple
account), but do also need an Apple (computing) device? Or can you just
use the web-UI in a web-browser? (AFAIR, that was not possible, but I
don't remember why.)

You need an iphone or ipad with recent enough OS to *register* your AirTag
on your account.

Do you know *why* you need an iPhone/iPad to register your AirTag on
your account?

I assume you can access/manage your account 'on the web', i.e. via a web-browser, so why the need for an iPhone/iPad? What about a Mac-only
Apple user (mentioned in the snipped part), can't (s)he register hir
AirTag?
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-01 22:35, Andy Burns wrote:

Carlos E.R. wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:

I'd only be interested in trackers where the native OS did the

tracking, not an app that relatively few users will have installed. >>>>>>

There is a problem with those.

If I am in Spain, I would want a tracker that works with Androids, but >>>>>> if I cross the pond, I probably would want one that works with iPhones. >>>>>

Good point, at least the current generations of devices will work with >>>>> either Android or Apple (not at the same time) so if you know a friendly >>>>> iPhone user you could swap the device(s) over for a week or two.

No, I don't know any. Mmm... the son of a friend, 500 Km away, had one >>>> when he was a kid.

Probably we should buy a cheap/second-hand iPhone, just for that
purpose (locating our out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags! (half a:) :-)

A long time ago, I looked into this, but I forgot the outcome:

Is it possible to locate one's out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags
without having a iPhone/iPad?

Yes. Just log into your account and find it on there.

Of course you need an Apple ID (Apple
account), but do also need an Apple (computing) device? Or can you just
use the web-UI in a web-browser? (AFAIR, that was not possible, but I
don't remember why.)

You need an iphone or ipad with recent enough OS to *register* your AirTag >> on your account.

Do you know *why* you need an iPhone/iPad to register your AirTag on
your account?

It's needs to connect via bluetooth to the phone and register via the
FindMy app.

I assume you can access/manage your account 'on the web', i.e. via a web-browser, so why the need for an iPhone/iPad? What about a Mac-only
Apple user (mentioned in the snipped part), can't (s)he register hir
AirTag?

Doesn't look like it. Seems like an (intentional?) omission.


--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

[...]

A long time ago, I looked into this, but I forgot the outcome:

Is it possible to locate one's out-of-(BLE)reach (Apple) AirTags
without having a iPhone/iPad?

Yes. Just log into your account and find it on there.

Of course you need an Apple ID (Apple
account), but do also need an Apple (computing) device? Or can you just >>> use the web-UI in a web-browser? (AFAIR, that was not possible, but I
don't remember why.)

You need an iphone or ipad with recent enough OS to *register* your AirTag >> on your account.

Do you know *why* you need an iPhone/iPad to register your AirTag on
your account?

It's needs to connect via bluetooth to the phone and register via the
FindMy app.

Thanks. Yes, of course. I should have thought of that. Silly me.

I assume you can access/manage your account 'on the web', i.e. via a web-browser, so why the need for an iPhone/iPad? What about a Mac-only Apple user (mentioned in the snipped part), can't (s)he register hir AirTag?

Doesn't look like it. Seems like an (intentional?) omission.

Nah! Can't be! Non-perfect Apple ecosystem!? Blasphemy!
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 4/2/26 11:14 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

You need an iphone or ipad with recent enough OS to *register* your AirTag >> on your account.

Do you know *why* you need an iPhone/iPad to register your AirTag on
your account?

I assume you can access/manage your account 'on the web', i.e. via a >web-browser, so why the need for an iPhone/iPad?

When the wife was out earlier today I checked her (iPhone) location using
this Amazon 10" tablet that I'm posting with that uses the Fire/Android OS
that's been modified to run Google Play Store apps and using a Chrome
browser. So if that convoluted system works, my GUESS is you don't need
one.

What about a Mac-only
Apple user (mentioned in the snipped part), can't (s)he register his
AirTag?

But I've not tried AirTags so I guess it's still a guess...




--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-02 16:47, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 02.04.26 08:54, Chris wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

Eh? Apple devices are all over the place in Europe. I use Airtags when
travelling and have had no issues on continental Europe.

The population of iPhones is bigger than Android in France and a lot
bigger in Switzerland. The use of trackers per 1000 iPhones is bigger by multiples than per 1000 Androids in all of Europe.

ChatGPT: Yes—there are fairly solid estimates, and the picture in Europe
is quite stable:

---

# 📊 Europe: Android vs iPhone share

Latest data (around 2024):

* **Android:** ~**70–75%**
* **iPhone (iOS):** ~**25–30%** ([Android Metro][1])

👉 A commonly quoted midpoint is:

* **~73% Android vs ~27% iPhone** ([Android Metro][1])

---

# 🧭 What that means in practice

* Roughly **3 out of 4 phones** in Europe are Android
* About **1 out of 4** is an iPhone

So Android clearly dominates, but iPhone still has a **large minority
share** (much bigger than in many other regions).

---

# 🌍 Variation within Europe

The average hides big differences:

### 📱 More iPhone-heavy countries

* UK
* Scandinavia
* France

👉 Higher income → more iPhones

---

### 📱 More Android-heavy countries

* Spain
* Italy
* Germany
* Eastern Europe

👉 More price-sensitive markets → more Android devices ([Android Metro][1])

---

# 🧠 Big picture

* Europe is **mixed**, but leans clearly Android
* Compared to:

* 🇺🇸 USA → iPhone often dominates
* 🌍 Global → similar to Europe (~70/30 split)

---

# ⚖️ Why Android wins in Europe

Main reasons:

* Huge range of prices (from €100 to €1000+)
* Many manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.)
* Strong competition in mid-range phones

While iPhone:

* dominates the **premium segment**
* has strong loyalty, but fewer budget options

---

## 🧾 Bottom line

👉 In Europe today:
**~70–75% Android vs ~25–30% iPhone**, with significant variation by country.

---

If you’re curious, I can give you the breakdown specifically for Spain—it’s even more skewed toward Android.

[1]: https://www.androidmetro.com/2024/01/android-vs-ios-market-share-europe.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
"Android Vs Ios Market Share Europe"
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 03.04.26 23:52, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-04-02 16:47, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 02.04.26 08:54, Chris wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

Eh? Apple devices are all over the place in Europe. I use Airtags when
travelling and have had no issues on continental Europe.

The population of iPhones is bigger than Android in France and a lot
bigger in Switzerland. The use of trackers per 1000 iPhones is bigger by
multiples than per 1000 Androids in all of Europe.

ChatGPT: Yes—there are fairly solid estimates, and the picture in Europe
is quite stable:

Stop posting such fake news. Did you check them?
Poor performance.
--
"Ave! Morituri te salutant!"
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-02 16:47, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 02.04.26 08:54, Chris wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

Eh? Apple devices are all over the place in Europe. I use Airtags when
travelling and have had no issues on continental Europe.

The population of iPhones is bigger than Android in France and a lot
bigger in Switzerland. The use of trackers per 1000 iPhones is bigger by
multiples than per 1000 Androids in all of Europe.

ChatGPT: Yes—there are fairly solid estimates, and the picture in Europe is quite stable:

---

# 📊 Europe: Android vs iPhone share

Latest data (around 2024):

* **Android:** ~**70–75%**
* **iPhone (iOS):** ~**25–30%** ([Android Metro][1])

👉 A commonly quoted midpoint is:

* **~73% Android vs ~27% iPhone** ([Android Metro][1])

Right. Definitely not "almost nil".




--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Am 04.04.26 um 11:34 schrieb Chris:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

* **~73% Android vs ~27% iPhone** ([Android Metro][1])

Right. Definitely not "almost nil".

BTW: The crap Carlos posted says something about the sales figures and absolutely nothing about the installed and operated base.

iPhones live about twice to three times as long as the average plastic
Android. What this means for the number of active devices is easy to
imagine.
--
"Roma locuta, causa finita."
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-04 11:34, Chris wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-02 16:47, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 02.04.26 08:54, Chris wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

But the network is almost nil in Europe.

Eh? Apple devices are all over the place in Europe. I use Airtags when >>>> travelling and have had no issues on continental Europe.

The population of iPhones is bigger than Android in France and a lot
bigger in Switzerland. The use of trackers per 1000 iPhones is bigger by >>> multiples than per 1000 Androids in all of Europe.

ChatGPT: Yes—there are fairly solid estimates, and the picture in Europe >> is quite stable:

---

# 📊 Europe: Android vs iPhone share

Latest data (around 2024):

* **Android:** ~**70–75%**
* **iPhone (iOS):** ~**25–30%** ([Android Metro][1])

👉 A commonly quoted midpoint is:

* **~73% Android vs ~27% iPhone** ([Android Metro][1])

Right. Definitely not "almost nil".

### 📱 More Android-heavy countries

* Spain
* Italy
* Germany
* Eastern Europe

👉 More price-sensitive markets → more Android devices ([Android Metro][1])


<https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/spain>
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

In comp.mobile.android, on Wed, 1 Apr 2026 14:37:43 -0400, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

Having said that, I want to let folks know I know almost nothing about this. >But it seems those are the best two options for someone like Micky to test.
1. Android 12+ native tracker detection (runs automatically)
2. Apple's Tracker Detect app (runs manually)

It will have to be someone other than I. I only have Android 11, and
despite the two big flaws** of this phone, no plans to update unless
something bigger twists my arm.

I find it interesting that it can connect two seemingly (to me)
unrelated things, but I don't have to watch it in person anymore than I
have to watch nuclear fission (which is also interesting) in person.

**My Xiaomi phone's screen goes off when I want it on and on when I want
it off. I've tried to fix this, and when I have time, I will try some
more.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In comp.mobile.android, on Wed, 1 Apr 2026 14:37:43 -0400, Maria Sophia <mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

Having said that, I want to let folks know I know almost nothing about this. >But it seems those are the best two options for someone like Micky to test.
1. Android 12+ native tracker detection (runs automatically)
2. Apple's Tracker Detect app (runs manually)

It will have to be someone other than I. I only have Android 11, and
despite the two big flaws** of this phone, no plans to update unless something bigger twists my arm.

You're probably confused by Arlen's "Apple's Tracker Detect app"
comment.

That app is *developed* by Apple, but it *for* use on Android. The
minimum required Android version is Android 9, so you're lucky and can
try that app.

'Tracker Detect' <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.trackerdetect>

But as mentioned, the 'Tracker Detect' app only works to detect Apple
AirTags (and other items compatible with Apple's Find My network, for
example lost iPhones) which are close to you.

I use the 'Tracker Detect' to check if our AirTags still work, before
putting them in our suitcases before a trip. So our AirTags are
intentionally 'stalking' us. (As I mentioned before, we don't have an iPhone/iPad, hence this rather strange setup/use.)

[...]
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

In comp.mobile.android, on 7 Apr 2026 14:04:06 GMT, Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In comp.mobile.android, on Wed, 1 Apr 2026 14:37:43 -0400, Maria Sophia
<mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

Having said that, I want to let folks know I know almost nothing about this.
But it seems those are the best two options for someone like Micky to test. >> > 1. Android 12+ native tracker detection (runs automatically)
2. Apple's Tracker Detect app (runs manually)

It will have to be someone other than I. I only have Android 11, and
despite the two big flaws** of this phone, no plans to update unless
something bigger twists my arm.

You're probably confused by Arlen's "Apple's Tracker Detect app"
comment.

Aha. Yes, I was.

That app is *developed* by Apple, but it *for* use on Android. The
minimum required Android version is Android 9, so you're lucky and can
try that app.

'Tracker Detect' ><https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.trackerdetect>

But as mentioned, the 'Tracker Detect' app only works to detect Apple
AirTags (and other items compatible with Apple's Find My network, for
example lost iPhones) which are close to you.

I use the 'Tracker Detect' to check if our AirTags still work, before
putting them in our suitcases before a trip. So our AirTags are
intentionally 'stalking' us. (As I mentioned before, we don't have an >iPhone/iPad, hence this rather strange setup/use.)

Sounds like a good plan. If I buy any, I will do the same.

Only twice has an airline "lost" my luggage. Once they found it and
delivered it to my home the next day, so it was actually easier than
dragging it myself. Fortunately, I've learned how to delay worrying for
a day or two.

The second time it took me a long time to walk, then get pushed in a
wheelchair to the baggage area in Guatemala City. By the time I got
there, there was no luggage and no people. I read Spanish but iddn't understand the sign and no one to ask. Finally someone appeaed and I
needed to go to the office on the 2nd floor. I handed him my phone
which had my information and by golly he found my suitcase. VEry happy.
Then 10 minutes later at the car rental, I could not find my phone. I
retraced my steps back to that office and he told me he didn't have my
phone. Now I was worried. He caught up to me 2 minutes later with my
phone. If he'd been a little later, he wouldn't have been able to find
me, and my phone did not yet have a local sim.

I wonder if I could have called my phone with its usa sim and found it
that way.

[...]

--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-07 16:04, Frank Slootweg wrote:

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In comp.mobile.android, on Wed, 1 Apr 2026 14:37:43 -0400, Maria Sophia
<mariasophia@comprehension.com> wrote:

Having said that, I want to let folks know I know almost nothing about this.
But it seems those are the best two options for someone like Micky to test. >>> 1. Android 12+ native tracker detection (runs automatically)
2. Apple's Tracker Detect app (runs manually)

It will have to be someone other than I. I only have Android 11, and
despite the two big flaws** of this phone, no plans to update unless
something bigger twists my arm.

You're probably confused by Arlen's "Apple's Tracker Detect app"
comment.

That app is *developed* by Apple, but it *for* use on Android. The
minimum required Android version is Android 9, so you're lucky and can
try that app.

'Tracker Detect' <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.trackerdetect>

But as mentioned, the 'Tracker Detect' app only works to detect Apple AirTags (and other items compatible with Apple's Find My network, for
example lost iPhones) which are close to you.

I use the 'Tracker Detect' to check if our AirTags still work, before putting them in our suitcases before a trip. So our AirTags are
intentionally 'stalking' us. (As I mentioned before, we don't have an iPhone/iPad, hence this rather strange setup/use.)

[...]

Then, can an Airtag "work" if the only phone nearby is Android?
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-07 16:04, Frank Slootweg wrote:

[...]

You're probably confused by Arlen's "Apple's Tracker Detect app" comment.

That app is *developed* by Apple, but it *for* use on Android. The minimum required Android version is Android 9, so you're lucky and can
try that app.

'Tracker Detect' <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.trackerdetect>

But as mentioned, the 'Tracker Detect' app only works to detect Apple AirTags (and other items compatible with Apple's Find My network, for example lost iPhones) which are close to you.

I use the 'Tracker Detect' to check if our AirTags still work, before putting them in our suitcases before a trip. So our AirTags are intentionally 'stalking' us. (As I mentioned before, we don't have an iPhone/iPad, hence this rather strange setup/use.)

[...]

Then, can an Airtag "work" if the only phone nearby is Android?

No, AFAIK it can't work. The Android phone sees the AirTag, but AFAIK
it has no way of feeding that fact back into Apple's Find My network, at
least not to the owner of the AirTag.

There *is* communication with the Find My network, because the Tracker
Detect app reports part of the "Owner"'s ID, probably their Apple ID. In
my case I see 4 digits which I know are the last 4 digits of the owner's
mobile phone number. But that communication is from the Find My network
to the Android device/app, not the other way around.

It could possibly even be bad if it did work, because if the AirTag
would be used for stalking, the stalker could/would perhaps be informed
that the stalked person detected the stalker's AirTag.
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-04-08 13:30, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-04-07 16:04, Frank Slootweg wrote:

[...]

You're probably confused by Arlen's "Apple's Tracker Detect app"
comment.

That app is *developed* by Apple, but it *for* use on Android. The
minimum required Android version is Android 9, so you're lucky and can
try that app.

'Tracker Detect'
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.trackerdetect>

But as mentioned, the 'Tracker Detect' app only works to detect Apple >>> AirTags (and other items compatible with Apple's Find My network, for
example lost iPhones) which are close to you.

I use the 'Tracker Detect' to check if our AirTags still work, before >>> putting them in our suitcases before a trip. So our AirTags are
intentionally 'stalking' us. (As I mentioned before, we don't have an
iPhone/iPad, hence this rather strange setup/use.)

[...]

Then, can an Airtag "work" if the only phone nearby is Android?

No, AFAIK it can't work. The Android phone sees the AirTag, but AFAIK
it has no way of feeding that fact back into Apple's Find My network, at least not to the owner of the AirTag.

Ah, ok.

There *is* communication with the Find My network, because the Tracker Detect app reports part of the "Owner"'s ID, probably their Apple ID. In
my case I see 4 digits which I know are the last 4 digits of the owner's mobile phone number. But that communication is from the Find My network
to the Android device/app, not the other way around.

It could possibly even be bad if it did work, because if the AirTag
would be used for stalking, the stalker could/would perhaps be informed
that the stalked person detected the stalker's AirTag.

Any tracker can be use for good or for bad.

I simply want a tracker that can use natively both networks, so that I
get the location of my suitcases anywhere.
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;
--- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2