Samsung Galaxy SmartTag: A Handy Tool for the Forgetful

At Samsung's Unpacked event on January 14, 2021, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung introduced a new product for the forgetful: the SmartTag and SmartTag Plus. So what exactly is this product, what is it used for, and how do you use a SmartTag? All of this will be explained in the following article.

What is the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag? How many types are there?

Samsung's SmartTag is a small, battery-powered tracking device that can be attached to items like wallets, backpacks, car keys, or even pets, allowing users to locate their belongings when they are lost.

As of 2021, there are two different types of SmartTags:

• SmartTag, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as its connection standard.
• SmartTag Plus, which uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity.

What’s the difference between the two types of SmartTags?

When using the SmartThings Find app to locate a SmartTag that uses BLE, you won't be able to see the exact location of the SmartTag; you can only estimate whether it's near or far. Unlike BLE, SmartTag Plus uses UWB, which provides more accurate location estimation.

Another difference between these two types of SmartTags is that with SmartTag Plus, you can use the augmented reality mode in the SmartThings Find app to mark the location of the item in the real world, rather than just estimating the distance between you and the item as with BLE. This makes finding your belongings quicker and more accurate.

Are both types of SmartTags compatible with all Galaxy phones?

Currently, only the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+ 5G, and S21 Ultra 5G support UWB. All other Galaxy phones only support the BLE version of SmartTag.

How much does the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag cost?

On Samsung's website, the official price of the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is $29.99. The price may vary depending on when you visit.

How to use Samsung Galaxy SmartTag to find lost items

1. Setting up the SmartTag

To track and locate the SmartTag remotely, you need to connect it with SmartThings Find, an app integrated directly into Galaxy phones.

Link to download the application for Android phones: HERE.
Link to download the application for iOS: HERE.

To connect, open the SmartThings app, then press the button on the SmartTag. As soon as the phone detects the SmartTag, a notification will appear. Select Add now.

Tick the box for use of location information > Select Agree.

Press Start > Choose the Location and Room you want to assign the device to.

Press the button in the middle of the SmartTag; the device will emit a sound to confirm the pairing.

Follow the on-screen instructions on your phone to complete the connection process.

2. Locating SmartTag through SmartThings Find

Open the SmartThings app > Select Menu (three horizontal lines icon) > Select All devices > Select Go to map.

If searching for the SmartTag, the device's approximate location will be displayed. If it cannot be located, you can find the device using the following options:

• Search nearby: Helps you locate the device when you know it's somewhere close by. The device will indicate whether the SmartTag signal is strong or weak. The green area will expand as you get closer to the device.
• Navigate: Use this feature when the device's location appears on the map, but you are unsure how to get there. The feature will help you access the device's location in Google Maps so you can navigate to the device using GPS.
• Ring: Tap this option if you want the SmartTag to emit a beep; it will keep ringing until you press Stop.

3. How to remove SmartTag from the app

a. Removing the SmartTag from SmartThings Find

Open the SmartThings app > Find and select the SmartTag device.

Select More options (three vertical dots icon) > Select Show/hide devices.

Uncheck the SmartTag and any other devices you don't want to appear in SmartThings Find anymore > Press Save.

b. Completely removing SmartTag from the SmartThings app

Open the SmartThings app > Find and select the SmartTag device.

Select More options (three vertical dots icon) > Select Delete.

Tap the red minus sign next to SmartTag > Press Delete to confirm.

4. How to replace the battery in SmartTag

SmartTag uses a CR2032 battery, a small lithium battery shaped like a coin. This type of battery is also commonly used in many wristwatches. Therefore, you don't need to charge the device.

With a CR2032 battery, you don’t have to worry about usage time, as you can comfortably use it for about a year (though this may vary depending on usage and other factors).

To check the battery level of the SmartTag, open the SmartThings app, select Menu (three horizontal lines icon) > Select All devices > Select the device name > The current battery level will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

If the battery is low, replace it by: Using your fingernail, insert it into the slot at the bottom of the SmartTag and then pry it open > Remove the old battery and insert a new one > Close the SmartTag cover.

5. How to reset the SmartTag

If your SmartTag is not working as expected, reset the device through the SmartThings app.

Open the SmartThings app > Select Menu (three horizontal lines icon) > Select All devices.

Tap on SmartTag > Select More options.

Tap on Information > Select Reset device.

Or you can try resetting it by removing and reinserting the battery. Follow the instructions above to remove the battery > Press the button in the center of the SmartTag > Reinsert the battery while holding down the button > Hold the button for about 5 seconds and then release it.

The above is a brief introduction to Samsung SmartTag, along with answers to questions related to the recently launched Samsung SmartTag. Thank you for reading this article!