Imagine having all the benefits of Samsung’s SmartTags and Galaxy Find network—features like precision tracking using ultra wideband (UWB) technology—without owning a Samsung Galaxy phone. That’s precisely what uTag, short for Universal Tag, promises to deliver. Developed by Kieron Quinn, this free, open-source Android app is breaking down the barriers in today’s connected world, making smart tracking accessible to a broader range of users running Android 11 or later.

Samsung’s SmartTags are widely recognized as the Android answer to Apple’s AirTags. They offer a robust set of tracking features, including location mapping, notifications when a device is left behind, and even a precision finding feature powered by UWB. The catch? These features are traditionally locked behind Samsung’s ecosystem. The official SmartThings app—the gateway to managing your SmartTag—includes a built-in software check that insists on a Samsung Galaxy device for setup and use.

While the SmartThings app itself is compatible with any Android or even iOS device for controlling smart home gadgets, it won’t let you configure a SmartTag unless you’re in the Galaxy family. This exclusivity has left many Android users outside the loop, especially those who admire the functionality of Samsung’s trackers but have opted for another smartphone brand.

Kieron Quinn’s solution to this closed system is uTag—a clever workaround that essentially bypasses Samsung’s device restrictions. By installing a modded version of SmartThings during its setup, uTag disables the check for Galaxy hardware, allowing your non-Samsung Android device to communicate with SmartTags. Once set up, the app replicates much of the functionality that Samsung’s own software provides:

• Tag notifications: Get real-time alerts if you accidentally leave your Tag behind.
• Location sharing: Easily share your Tag’s location with friends or family.
• Ringtone triggering: Ring your Tag remotely, a feature that can be a lifesaver when you misplace it.
• Location history: Keep track of where your Tag has been over time.

Perhaps most impressively, uTag is the first tracking app on non-Samsung devices to support precise tracking through UWB—a feature that even Google’s Find My Device app hasn’t yet embraced.

While SmartThings does include a manual scan feature for discovering unknown Tags, uTag takes it a step further. It automatically scans periodically for any unknown Tags in your vicinity, notifying you about their location without needing manual intervention. This automated approach not only enhances convenience but also opens up new possibilities for tracking devices in environments where multiple trackers might be present.

How it works and what to watch out for

If you’re ready to join the ranks of users liberated from Samsung’s exclusivity, uTag is available for free as a downloadable Android APK on GitHub. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect during setup:

• Download and install: Get the APK from GitHub and install it on your Android device.
• Modded SmartThings: The app will automatically download and install a modified version of Samsung’s SmartThings app. This modded version strips away the device checks that normally restrict SmartTag setup.
• Samsung account requirement: You’ll need to log into your Samsung account both in the SmartThings app and within uTag. This step is necessary because uTag relies on Samsung APIs for tracking functionality.

It’s worth noting that any time you’re prompted to use your Samsung credentials in a third-party app, security and privacy concerns naturally arise. However, uTag’s open-source nature is a major plus here—users can inspect the code for themselves and see exactly how their data is handled.