Use the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag+

Last Update date : Jan 14. 2022
SmartTag being placed on a luggage

Are you forgetful? Have you ever misplaced something important? It happens to the best of us. Or maybe you have a pet that wanders down the road a lot. With the new Samsung Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag+, you won’t have to panic in either situation. These high-tech trackers can be attached to an item and tracked using the SmartThings app. And the best part? You don’t have to pay for the basic tracking service.

Note: The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag+ are compatible with Galaxy phones and tablets using the latest version of the SmartThings app. 

To track and search for your Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+ remotely, you’ll need to connect it to SmartThings. After just a few minutes, you’ll have a reliable way to track important items. Follow the guide below to connect your Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+ to SmartThings.

Step 1. Open the SmartThings app and press the button on the Galaxy SmartTag.
Step 2. A popup will appear once the Galaxy SmartTag is detected; select Add now.

Note: 

  • If no popup appears, tap Devices, tap Add (the plus sign), then tap Add device. Tap the By brand tab, then choose Samsung. Tap Tag/Tracker, then tap Galaxy SmartTag.
Add now highlighted in the SmartThings app

Step 3. Select the circle and tap Agree.
Step 4. Tap Start. If prompted, choose your desired Location and Room for the device.

Location and Room selection boxes in the SmartThings app

Step 5. Press the button in the centre of the Galaxy SmartTag. The device will make a sound to confirm it's in pairing mode.
Step 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.
Step 7. Once you're finished, the device will be available in the SmartThings app and will appear in the SmartThings Find feature. Please see the next section to learn about tracking the Galaxy SmartTag using SmartThings Find.

When you’re in a pinch and can’t find your Galaxy SmartTag, you’ll be happy to know there are several ways to locate it.

Step 1. Open the SmartThings app, tap the Devices tab, then tap the Home icon.
Step 2. Select your desired location, then swipe through the rooms to find your tag.
Step 3. Select your Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+, then select View map.
Step 4. This will open SmartThings Find. This feature will allow you to track the Galaxy SmartTag and other mobile devices that are added to your SmartThings account. If it is detected, the Galaxy SmartTag’s approximate location will be displayed.

SmartTag device map with Search nearby, Navigate, and Ring options in the SmartThings app

If you are still unable to locate it, you can use these additional options to pinpoint its whereabouts:

  • Search nearby: Use this to help you locate the device when you know it’s somewhere nearby. It will let you know if the Galaxy SmartTag’s signal is weak or strong. The green area will get bigger as you get closer to the device and it’s signal gets stronger.
  • Navigate: Use this feature when the device’s location appears on the map, but you are unsure how to get to it. This will bring up the device’s location in Google Maps, so you can navigate to it using GPS.
  • Ring: Tap this to make the Galaxy SmartTag emit a beeping sound. It will continuously ring until you tap Stop. This feature is great if you know the device is close and need a little extra help to find it.

Once the Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+ is connected to your phone or tablet, you can press the tag’s button to run a Routine. You’ll just need to set up actions for your Galaxy SmartTag in the SmartThings app.

Step 1. Open the SmartThings app, then tap the Devices tab.
Step 2. Tap the Home icon, then select your desired location. Swipe through the rooms to find your Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+, then select it.
Step 3. Swipe to and tap Pressed to choose what happens when you press the button on the Galaxy SmartTag.

Note:

  • You can also tap Held to choose what happens when you press and hold the button.
Automations option for the tag

Step 4. Tap Add (the plus sign), then select the function you’d like to use. For example, you can tap Control devices, Notify someone, or Run scenes.

Plus icon highlighted on SmartTag, Pressed setting

Step 5. Use the on-screen instructions to set up the function, then tap Next.
Step 6.
Choose the action for the Routine, such as turning on a light.
Step 7. When you are finished, tap Save to save your Routine.

If you no longer want to use your Galaxy SmartTag, you will need to remove it from the SmartThings Find feature first.

Step 1. Open the SmartThings app, tap the Life tab, then select the SmartThings Find card.
Step 2. Tap the Menu icon in the lower right-hand corner, tap More options (the three vertical dots), then tap Set Favourite
Step 3. Deselect the Galaxy SmartTag and any other device(s) you don’t want to appear in SmartThings Find, then tap Save.
Step 4. The tag and device(s) will no longer be tracked in SmartThings Find.

The previous steps only delete the tag from SmartThings Find. To completely remove the Galaxy SmartTag from the SmartThings app:

Step 1. Open the app, then tap the Devices tab, then tap the Home icon. Select your desired location, then swipe through the rooms to find your tag.
Step 2. Touch and hold your tag, then tap Edit.
Step 3. Tap Delete device, then tap Delete to confirm.

Delete highlighted under Delete SmartTag? in the SmartThings app

The Galaxy SmartTag uses a CR2032 battery, which is a small lithium battery shaped like a coin. It’s the same kind of battery that is usually used in wrist watches. In other words, you don’t need to charge it.

Depending on your usage and other factors, CR2032 batteries can last about a year, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it for a while.

To view the battery’s level, open the SmartThings app, select your Galaxy SmartTag; the current battery level will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

If the battery is depleted, you can easily change it. Just follow these simple steps:

SmartTag user interface in the SmartThings app displaying battery level

Step 1. Insert the tip of your finger or a flat object (such as a guitar pick or credit card) into the notch on the bottom of the Galaxy SmartTag and pull until the tag opens.

Opening Samsung SmartTag for battery

Step 2. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one within 10 seconds.
Step 3. Then snap the cover back in place.

If your Galaxy SmartTag is not working properly, or if you plan to connect it to another phone, you can perform a reset. To do this, you need to physically remove and reinsert its battery.

Step 1. First, open the Galaxy SmartTag’s battery cover. To do this, insert the tip of your finger or a flat object (such as a guitar pick or credit card) into the notch on the bottom of the Galaxy SmartTag and pull until the battery cover comes off.
Step 2. Remove the battery and press and hold the button in the centre of the Galaxy SmartTag.

Battery being removed from SmartTag

Step 3. While still holding the button down, reinsert the battery.

Note:

  • If the device makes a sound right after inserting the battery, try these steps again.

Step 4. Hold the button for five seconds, then release.
Step 5. Snap the battery cover of the tag back in place. The device should now be reset.

Battery cover being snapped back on SmartTag

Step 6. If you're planning to connect the Galaxy SmartTag to another phone, you'll need to remove it from the SmartThings app first. Navigate to and open SmartThings on your phone, then tap the Devices tab, then tap the Home icon. Select your desired location, then swipe through the rooms to find your tag.
Step 7. Touch and hold your tag, then tap Edit.
Step 8. Tap Delete device, then tap Delete to confirm. Now the Galaxy SmartTag will be completely removed from SmartThings, and you can add it back or add it to another phone if desired.
Step 9. If you are still having problems with the Galaxy SmartTag after following the steps above, contact Samsung Support.

Note:

  • The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ is compatible with Android OS 8.0 or higher. However, to use the AR finding feature, your Galaxy phone or tablet must support Android 11 or higher. The feature is currently available on Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Z Fold 2. iOS devices and third-party Android devices are not supported.

The Galaxy SmartTag+ is similar to the Galaxy SmartTag, but it also offers the capability to find your lost possession using augmented reality (AR) via Ultra-wideband technology. This feature uses your phone's camera to track the precise location of the Galaxy SmartTag+ if it is within 15 metres, which makes it useful if you have lost an item at home or nearby.

Step 1. Once you've connected the Galaxy SmartTag+ to the SmartThings app on your phone or tablet, open the app and tap the Life tab. Tap the SmartThings Find card.
Step 2. Make sure you've selected your Galaxy SmartTag+, then tap Search nearby.
Step 3. Wait a few seconds, then tap Find using camera

Note:

  • The Find using camera option may not appear if the signal is too weak.

Step 4. You may need to grant permission before opening the camera. Next, point your device around your current location.
Step 5. If the signal is strong enough, you will see arrows on the screen pointing you in the right direction as you approach the Galaxy SmartTag+.

Phone using AR to find lost pair of keys

Step 6. Tap the music note icon to make the Galaxy SmartTag+ ring, so it's easier to find.
Step 7. If you get close enough to the Galaxy SmartTag+ and missing item, a popup message will appear, informing you that it's nearby.

Which devices are compatible with the Galaxy SmartTag+?

The Galaxy SmartTag+ is compatible with Android OS 8.0 or higher. However, to use the AR finding feature, your Galaxy phone or tablet must support Android 11 or higher. The feature is currently available on Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Z Fold 2. Third-party Android devices and iOS devices are not supported.


Why does the battery drain quickly on my Galaxy SmartTag+?

The battery may drain faster if you frequently use the AR finding feature, or if the Galaxy SmartTag+ is left unattended for a long period of time.

How do I use the AR finding feature with the camera?

First, connect the Galaxy SmartTag+ to the SmartThings app on your phone or tablet. Then, open the app, tap the Life tab and tap the SmartThings Find card. Tap Search Nearby, then point your device around your current location. If you get close enough to the missing item, the Galaxy SmartTag+ will activate. You will also see green and black arrows on the screen as you approach the Galaxy SmartTag+.

What are the operating conditions of the AR finding feature?

Your phone or tablet must support Ultra-wideband signals to use the AR finding feature. The feature may not work in places where it is difficult to receive signals, such as vehicle boots, steel drawers, narrow indoor environments, and other enclosed spaces. In addition, it may not work if your device is mounted or pointing in the opposite direction of the Galaxy SmartTag+.

What is the approximate distance of the AR finding feature?

The AR finding can locate the Galaxy SmartTag+ within 15 metres of your phone or tablet.

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