The Galaxy SmartTag 3 was announced only a few days ago, and while we were initially told that it would work across the Android ecosystem, we have confirmed today that isn't the case. This means that if you own an iPhone 18 Pro Max or a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, you will be able to use SmartTag 3, but will not be able to if you own a different Android device, such as a Pixel 11 Pro.
What are you doing, Samsung?
On September 30th, Samsung unveiled the new SmartTag 3, announcing cross-OS support for "Galaxy and iOS devices." At the time, the press release didn't mention other Android phones would be supported, but we reached out to Samsung to verify whether that would be offered.
Yes, SmartTag3 is compatible with other Android devices that have access to the Google Play Store to download the SmartThings and Samsung Find apps.
Samsung, statement sent to PhoneArena, October 5, 2026
We celebrated this news, because this meant that all Android users, as well as iPhone users, would now be able to use SmartTag 3. However, the mood swiftly changed today with an updated statement from Samsung that includes an unexpected development:
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SmartTag3 currently connects to and works only with Galaxy devices among Android smartphones, and there are currently no plans to support other Android devices.
Samsung, statement sent to PhoneArena, October 7, 2026
This matches every SmartTag that has been released before this one, which were all Galaxy-only, except this third generation now supports iPhone.
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Which tracker is going on your keys this holiday season?
Samsung picked iPhone over the rest of Android
We are, understandably, confused by this correction. Why would Samsung give preference to iOS support rather than supporting other devices that already run Android?
It should be noted that iPhone users using SmartTag 3 will not receive all the benefits a Galaxy user would. iPhone owners will get location check and sharing, plus Search Nearby through SmartThings Find. Compass View, Ring Phone and Left Behind Alert will stay exclusive to Galaxy devices.
This is highly disappointing considering Google's Pixel Tag, the company's first tracker launching on November 11, will run on the Find Hub network and support Android 9 and up, so it won't be Pixel-only.
Pixel Tags will have UWB and Channel Sounding, and the same is true for Motorola's Moto Tag 2, which also uses Find Hub and claims 500+ days of battery life. SmartTag 3 doesn't use Google's Find Hub network at all.
Pricing is also similar for these devices, averaging around $29 for a single and around $99 for a four-pack. Even Apple's AirTag 2 costs around the same, so it's not like there's a price advantage when the SmartTag 3 fits within the same price bracket.
The Galaxy SmartTag 3 in White with its Silicone Case. | Image by Samsung
What to do if you don't own a Galaxy phone
Simple: if you're on a Pixel, Motorola or Nothing phone, the SmartTag 3 won't pair, so there's no point in picking one up. However, if you own a mix of devices and one of those is a Galaxy, you can definitely add this to your list of accessories. Just know that the tag will only work on the Galaxy or iPhone and won't go with you when you switch to a non-Galaxy Android device.
If you are an iPhone user, you can definitely use the SmartTag 3, as this is one of the brand-new features the company is touting.
I am disappointed
As someone who switches phones often, I was excited about the prospect of investing in some SmartTags to use them across all my devices. Unfortunately, that will no longer be the case now that I know I can't use them with anything else except my Galaxy and iPhone.
It's a sad day indeed when the Android ecosystem is once again crippled and fragmented by features that should not be exclusive to one brand. I do hope Samsung reconsiders and adds this via a software update, but I'm not holding my breath.
Johanna Romero is a Senior News Writer at PhoneArena, covering mobile technology news across Android, iOS, wearables, and the Google ecosystem she knows best. Drawing on 15 years in IT and tech support from 2007 to 2022, she brings a user-friendly eye for the practical features and lesser-known tricks readers care about. Google named her an official #TeamPixel member in 2022, and she also reviews the latest devices on her YouTube channel, JoJo the Techie.
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