Originally Posted by
gehenna
Hello Everyone
I am looking into the availability of tracking my luggage, by use of an Android 'phone. There are various devices around to put in your luggage, but any recommendations or otherwise would be appreciated. Oh, I really do not wish to lash out to pay for tracking, if possible!
Thank you all for your input, as always.
Gehenna
These devices have a short detection range and rely on connecting to a mobile device running compatible software. You can install that software on your own phone, in which case you would be able to track the tag provided it was close, which might be helpful in finding your keys/wallet etc.
To track your luggage when it's away you would need to rely on someone else's phone running compatible software coming into range of your tag and reporting it's location over the internet.
Apple have covered this by building the 'airtag' software into their operating system and selling their devices all over the world. The chances of an airtag coming into contact with one is pretty high, wherever it is. Android is more patchy. Most manufacturers run their own flavour of Android on their devices, which may or may not support your chosen tag, and few are as ubiquitous worldwide as Apple.
My advice, if you want it to just work is to go down the Apple device/airtag route. If you want to stick with Android you may have to try a few devices to find one which fits your use case; and be prepared to be disappointed.
I'd be interested to hear of any success stories since I'm an Android disciple myself.