Introduction: the background of dual-system tags
In daily life, Keys, wallets, pets, laptops and other high-frequency use or easy-to-lose items, often bring trouble to users. According to recent industry data, the global smart tracker market is growing year by year, cross-platform compatibility increased from 35% in 2022 to 52% in 2024-largely because of the limitations of a single system tag: Apple AirTag only supports iOS devices, samsung’s Galaxy Smarttag and Huawei’s Tag are mainly adapted to the Android ecosystem. If a family or team uses two operating systems at the same time, it is necessary to buy multiple different tags, which increases costs and is difficult to manage.
In order to solve this pain point, smart tags supporting both iOS and Android systems have emerged. This paper will disassemble the technical implementation of the dual system tag from three aspects: hardware architecture, software protocol and positioning logic. At the same time, combined with the actual use scenario, it will help users understand its advantages and purchase points.
The core composition of the dual system tag
1. Hardware: the basis of low power and compatibility
Bluetooth chip: Ble (Low Energy Bluetooth)5.0 and above version (mainstream is 5.2) , support intermittent broadcast signal (1-5 times per second) , while ensuring the stability of communication within 10 meters, minimize power consumption. Some high-end models integrate dual-mode Bluetooth (classic Bluetooth + BLE) and are compatible with older phone systems such as iOS 12 + and Android 8 + .
Battery modules: divided into two categories-1 replaceable button battery (e.g. CR2032) with a typical life of 6-12 months, suitable for scenarios that do not require frequent charging (e.g. keys, backpacks) ; 2 built-in lithium battery (100-300mAh) , support USB-C charging, last 1-3 months, with waterproof design (such as IP67/IPX8 level) , suitable for pets, outdoor equipment tracking.
Auxiliary hardware: in addition to the water-resistant housing (common IP67 class, can prevent splashing, short-term immersion) and function buttons (trigger finder alert, paired reset) , some tags have built-in vibration motors (when the phone calls the tag) and LED indicators (pairing/location status prompts) for ease of use.
2. Software: the heart of cross-platform communication
The software logic of the dual-system tag is divided into two categories: “System-level integration” and“Standalone App adaptation.” The core difference lies in the location data transmission and processing path:
System-level communication protocol (system-level tag) : directly access the phone’s native lookup network without installing additional apps
Apple Find My: using the“Offline Find” feature of Apple’s device ecosystem, tags broadcast temporary ids via anonymous Bluetooth and are received by any nearby iOS device (iPhone, iPad, Mac) , it encrypts the“Tag signal + device’s own GPS/network location” and uploads it to the apple cloud, where users can see their location via the system’s built-in“Find” App, anonymizing the data (no user id associated with it) .
Google Find My Device: for Android 10 and up, the tag broadcasts a Bluetooth low energy signal, which is picked up by a nearby Android Device (with location services enabled) , the location data is uploaded via the Google Services Framework, which allows users to search within the find my device App, as well as remotely triggering the tag to speak (with the tag’s built-in speakers) .
Independent App protocol (App-type tag) : cross-platform apps relying on vendor-developed, more flexible positioning logic
Bluetooth signal transmission: the tag is connected to the mobile phone through BLE, and the mobile phone receives the signal strength (RSSI value) of the tag in real time. Combined with the GPS/base station positioning of the mobile phone itself, the location of the tag is preliminarily determined.
Cloud server processing: the phone uploads“Tag ID + Signal Strength + phone location” to the vendor’s distributed cloud via TLS encryption, and the server optimizes accuracy via triangulation (when multiple devices receive) , it also stores historical trajectory data.
Cross-platform App adaptation: Manufacturers Offer Common versions of iOS (App Store) and Android (App market) apps, support for multi-user shared tags (such as family members co-manage pet tags) , set the security area (leave/enter push notification) , view the history of location records and other extensions.
Working principle analysis: two kinds of tags location logic difference
1. System-level dual-system tag: relying on native ecology, high efficiency and privacy
The core steps (“Find Apple devices + Google find devices” dual compatibility) :
Low-power broadcast: the tag broadcasts anonymous Bluetooth signals at a rate of 1-3 seconds per time (including temporary device ID, updated every 15 minutes to avoid privacy leaks) , and consumes only 5-10 ΜA of power to ensure long battery life.
Cross-system device relay: automatically connect to Apple’s Find My network if you have an iOS device nearby, and to Google’s location network if you have an Android device (turn on Find My device permission) , no manual switching is required.
Data aggregation in the cloud: the relay device encrypts the tag plus its location and uploads it to the cloud, where Apple/Google servers integrate data from multiple devices over a distributed network, eliminate interference signals (e.g. weak signals due to walls) .
User query location: in the iOS“Find” App or the Android“Find my device” App, users can select the corresponding tab to see their real-time location (within 10 meters, up to 1-3 meters at close range) , if the tag is nearby, it can trigger the tag to speak (tag support is required) .
Key features:
Zero App dependency: older phones (iOS 14 +/Android 10 +) are compatible without third-party apps.
Wide coverage and low latency: thanks to a global network of billions of Apple/Android devices, tags can be relayed to a pedestrian’s device in less than 30 seconds, even in remote locations such as parks and shopping malls.
Privacy is tight: temporary ids don’t link to a user’s identity, Apple/Google stores location data for only 7 days, and only the user can view the data through their account password to avoid data breaches.
2. Stand-alone App dual-system tag: Flexible and customizable
Core steps (take a mainstream cross-platform tag as an example) :
Tag and App pairing: Users Install Apps on iOS/Android phones, search for tags via Bluetooth, and complete the pairing (some support quick NFC pairing, so you can connect when you’re close to the phone) .
Real-time signal transmission: once paired, the phone connects to the tag via Bluetooth Low Energy, and the App reads the TAG’s signal strength (RSSI) in real time, automatically increase the scan rate (from 5 to 1 second per scan) .
Cloud location optimization: the phone uploads“Tag ID + RSSI value + GPS/base station location” to the vendor’s cloud, and the server combines the data received from the multi-user phone (such as the phone of another family member) , the accuracy is optimized to 5-15 meters by“Signal triangulation,” and can be further improved by incorporating Wi-Fi positioning if the tag is indoors.
Interactive feedback: users can trigger a variety of actions from within the App-such as making tags sound remotely (60-80 decibels, perfect for indoor hunting) , setting“Anti-loss alerts”(push notifications when tags are more than 10 meters away from the phone) , and sharing tags with others (only authorized to view, not modify) .
Key features:
Features extensible: support for historical track query (storage 1-30 days) , security area settings (such as“50 meters away from home remind”) , multi-device management (the same App management 10 + tags) .
Cost-effective: most basic features are free (location, find) , while advanced features (long-term trajectory storage, multi-user sharing) can be subscribed on demand, for those on a limited budget.
Flexible compatibility: supports older versions of iOS (e.g. iOS 12 +/Android 8 +) , some models are compatible with tablets, smartwatches (e.g. Apple Watch, Huawei Watch) , multi-device viewing.
Location Technology and data flow graph: complete link from signal to location
1. Comparison of core positioning technology
| Type of technology | Scenarios | Range of accuracy | Dependency conditions |
| Ble close range localization | Indoor/small area search | 1-10 meters | The tag connects directly to the phone via Bluetooth |
| Relay location in the cloud | Remote/outdoor | 10-100 meters | Repeater equipment (system equipment or App equipment) is nearby |
| Cell phone assisted location | When there is no GPS on the tag | 5-50 meters | Mobile phone with GPS/GPS enabled |
| UWB location | High-precision scenarios | 0.1-1m | Both tags and phones support UWB (e.g. iPhone 15 series) |
Advantages and scenarios: more efficient on-demand selection
2. System-level tags: for privacy and efficiency first
Core Strengths: wide coverage (via a worldwide network of devices) , privacy and security (anonymous encryption) , zero learning costs (easy native App use) .
Typical scenario:
Business people: track laptops, briefcases, to avoid equipment loss caused by working data leakage.
The elderly: easy to use, no need to learn third-party apps, family members can assist in positioning through the system App.
Privacy-sensitive users: no need to authorize a third-party App to obtain location permissions, reducing the risk of data leakage.
3. Stand-alone App tags: Great for balancing features and costs
Core Strengths: Feature-rich (sharing, track, alerts) , low cost (free basic features) , wide compatibility (support for older systems) .
Typical scenario:
Home users: Tracking Pets (set up home sharing, multi-view) , children’s schoolbags (safe area alerts) , home keys (trigger sound to find things) .
Small team: Small and medium-sized enterprises track office equipment (such as projectors, removable hard disk) , multi-person management to reduce the risk of loss.
Limited budget users: basic location-based features are free, only subscribe to advanced features (such as 30-day trajectory storage) on demand.
4. Common Strengths: core values for cross-platform compatibility
Either way, the dual-system tag addresses the pain point of not being able to use a single system tag across ecosystems — for example, having both an iPhone and an Android phone in the home, only one dual-system tag is needed to achieve full staff management, and there is no need to buy two different tags. In team collaboration, mobile phone users of different systems can share the same tag to improve the efficiency of item management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : Solve Practical Confusion
Can dual-system tabs connect to both iOS and Android phones?
Support, but note that system-level tags can be relayed to both iOS and Android devices (no pairing required) ; individual App tags need to be paired on one phone and viewed on other phones via“Share permissions”; and, you Can’t pair multiple devices at the same time.
Can the tag be located when the battery is dead?
No. But some system-level tags, such as those that support Apple Find My, automatically increase the radio’s frequency three days before the battery runs out, as well as a“Low battery alert” in the cloud that allows users to replace the battery.
Will location be affected when used across countries?
System-level tags rely on local Apple/Google Services (for example, Chinese mainland requires Google services, some models may be limited) ; independent App tags rely on the manufacturer’s global cloud, as long as the phone has an internet connection, as long as the phone has the internet.
How do you know if a tag is system-wide or App-specific?
The system-level tag package will be labeled“Support apple Find My” and“Compatible with Google Find My Device”; the App tag needs to scan the packaging QR code to download the manufacturer’s App, and there is no system native protocol support logo.
Conclusions and future trends
iOS and Android dual-system tags have successfully broken the ecological barrier of single-system tracking through the combination of“Bluetooth low energy hardware + cross-platform software protocol”, and have been successfully applied to the implementation of the dual-system tag, its core value is“Compatibility with different devices and diverse needs”-whether business users seeking privacy and security or home users who need expanded functionality, there will be a matching product.
In the future, dual-system tags will develop in two directions: one is accuracy improvement, combining UWB technology (such as the U1 chip supported by the iPhone 15 series) to achieve centimeter-level positioning, which is suitable for indoor precision searching; Second, multi-device linkage, combined with smart home (such as Xiaomi Home, Apple Homekit) , tag loss automatically trigger speaker reminder, light flashing, further reduce the difficulty of finding things.
For users, the priorities should be clear: system-level tags for privacy and convenience; App tags for sharing, tracking, etc. — whatever, dual-system tags have become an ideal solution for“Anti-lost management” in modern life.
