Lost Apple AirTag can be read with Android smartphone to return to owner

After numerous rumors and leaks, Apple finally unveiled the AirTag tracker for finding things. The U1 ultra-wideband chip will be used to find it, which can be found in iPhones starting from the 11th series and the HomePod mini smart speaker. However, an interesting detail that was not mentioned during the presentation is that even Android users can identify the AirTag in Lost Mode.

Since AirTag is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, it requires an Apple device with a U1 chip to work properly. The process of setting up and tracking an accessory is done using the Find My app, making the tracker useless for Android users. However, Apple has made sure to provide users with the maximum opportunity to get their lost items back. According to a new support article posted today on Apple’s website, AirTags in loss mode will be readable by any other device with an NFC chip. Thus, even if the owner of an Android smartphone with an NFC chip finds the tracker, he will be able to read it by learning the owner’s contact information on a special web page that will open after the tag is read.