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Can Samsung SmartTags work without internet or Wi-Fi?

Can you only track your stuff with Samsung SmartTags with internet access?

Multiple colors of SmartTags
Source: KnowTechie

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Quick Answer: Samsung SmartTags do not require cellular connectivity or Wi-Fi to function. Rather, they rely on Bluetooth Low Energy technology to convey its location to the connected Galaxy phone. 

Traditional personal trackers use either GPS or cellular networks to determine the location of a tracked item or person. 

While these trackers are effective, they often come with additional costs, such as recurring subscriptions or wireless data fees, which can make them less accessible. 

In addition to these costs, these trackers are usually battery-hungry devices. That means frequent charging, which makes them less practical for long-term use.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
4.0
$69.95

Galaxy SmartTag is a small, Bluetooth-enabled tracking device designed to help you locate lost or misplaced items. You can attach it to your keys, backpack, or any other item you frequently misplace and then use your smartphone to locate the SmartTag when needed. 

What We Like:
  • Long battery life and easy-to-replace battery
  • You can attach it to your keys, backpack, or any other item you frequently misplace
  • Offline finding mode that uses nearby Galaxy smartphones to locate lost items even when they're out of Bluetooth range
Check Availability
KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.
01/22/2025 03:11 pm GMT

Both Apple and Samsung were aware of these pitfalls when they entered the smart tracking market.

So, they opted for Bluetooth and/or UWB technology to power their smart trackers. Plus, they tapped their respective network of billions of smartphones to maximize the range of their trackers.

Let’s answer a couple of more questions that you may find interesting.

Does a Galaxy SmartTag use GPS?

Samsung phone showing GPS location on screen
Image: KnowTechie

The Galaxy SmartTag does not have GPS. Its underlying technology depends on Bluetooth technology to connect to your Galaxy phone and provide location tracking within a limited range (120m). 

However, if your SmartTag is out of range, you can still locate your tag’s last known location by leveraging the billions of Galaxy phones in the Samsung SmartThings network.

Can the Samsung SmartTag be tracked when off?

Samsung Tag tracking interface showing on screen
Image: KnowTechie

The Samsung SmartTag cannot be tracked when it is off. It relies on BLE 5 for tracking. This wireless protocol stops transmitting if the SmartTag is off. 

In case users are unable to track their Samsung Tag, they can view its location history in the SmartThings Find App to get an idea of its last known location.

Can a Samsung SmartTag be shared with others?

Smartthings find interface showing location
Image: KnowTechie

Unlike Apple’s AirTag, you can easily share the location of your Galaxy SmartTag with family and friends via the ​​SmartThings Find app.

This includes any devices owned by children in your Family Group, making it easier to keep track of loved ones and their tech.

Once you share a SmartTag, it will be tracked using location data from your device and the device of the person you shared it with. Perfect for shared items like house keys or even pets.

SmartTags are an inexpensive way to secure your stuff

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag
4.0
$69.95

Galaxy SmartTag is a small, Bluetooth-enabled tracking device designed to help you locate lost or misplaced items. You can attach it to your keys, backpack, or any other item you frequently misplace and then use your smartphone to locate the SmartTag when needed. 

What We Like:
  • Long battery life and easy-to-replace battery
  • You can attach it to your keys, backpack, or any other item you frequently misplace
  • Offline finding mode that uses nearby Galaxy smartphones to locate lost items even when they're out of Bluetooth range
Check Availability
KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.
01/22/2025 03:11 pm GMT

We hope that this post helps you understand the workings of your Samsung SmartTag. Interestingly, it has a lot in common with Apple’s AirTag: Both rely on Bluetooth technology, use coin-sized batteries, and work within their respective ecosystems (Samsung SmartThings and Apple’s Find My network).

We hope you now know a bit more about your Samsung SmartTag and what it uses to track its location.

If you’re looking for one to track your stuff, it might be worth waiting. All signs point to the SmartTag 2 being released in October, and most of the sellers for the SmartTag or SmartTag+ are scalping prices.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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I write about tech and gadgets, and in particular, smartwatches.

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