Losing track of your keys, wallet, or bag is incredibly frustrating. I’ve wasted countless mornings searching under couch cushions and retracing my steps through the house.
That’s why I decided to test the Samsung SmartTag2. Samsung’s updated tracker promised better range with UWB technology and a longer battery life than the original, plus the durability of IP67 water resistance. Since I already use a Galaxy phone, it seemed like the logical choice for keeping tabs on the things I misplace most often.
After using these trackers for a few weeks, I’m impressed by how quickly they connect to my phone and how accurate the location tracking is. The UWB feature works particularly well when you’re within close range, giving you directional guidance that actually leads you to your item instead of just showing a general area. The tags picked up my signal instantly every time I opened the SmartThings Find app.
The battery life claim of up to 500 days (700 in power-saving mode) is hard to verify in short-term testing, but the included CR2032 batteries are easy to replace when the time comes. The IP67 rating means I don’t worry about tossing my keys on a wet counter or getting caught in the rain. A few users mentioned needing to reset their tags during initial setup, and one of mine required a battery removal to connect properly, but that was a one-time issue.
The biggest limitation is Galaxy-only compatibility. If you don’t have a Samsung phone or tablet, these won’t work for you at all. The tracking network also relies on other Samsung users being nearby to update lost item locations, which isn’t as extensive as some competing networks.
Click here to get the Samsung SmartTag2 four-pack and stop losing your stuff.
Why I Bought the Samsung SmartTag2
I needed a reliable way to track my keys and backpack after nearly missing a flight because I couldn’t find my bag in the chaos of packing. I’d heard good things about Samsung’s tracking ecosystem, and since I already use a Galaxy phone, the SmartTag2 seemed like the obvious choice.
The four-pack was perfect because I could spread them across multiple items without buying singles. I attached one to my keys, dropped another in my travel backpack, put one in my wallet, and kept a spare for my camera bag.
What sold me was the combination of Bluetooth and UWB tracking. Regular Bluetooth works fine for general location, but UWB gives you precise directional finding when you’re close. The IP67 rating meant I didn’t have to baby them, which matters when you’re tossing things in bags or using keys in the rain.
The 500 day battery life was another win. I didn’t want to deal with frequent battery swaps like some other trackers require.
Setup and Compatibility
Getting the Samsung SmartTag2 up and running took me about two minutes per tracker. I downloaded the SmartThings app, held each tag near my Samsung phone, and they paired instantly via NFC. The process was genuinely effortless.
Here’s the catch: you need a Samsung phone to set these up initially. The tags won’t work with iPhones or most Android devices for tracking purposes. Once paired, other Samsung users can help locate your items through the SmartThings Find network, but this is strictly a Samsung ecosystem product.
Works with:
- Samsung Galaxy phones (recent models)
- SmartThings app required
Specifically, you need a Samsung Galaxy phone running Android 9.0 or higher to use these tags. If you have an older device, you might miss out on features like Compass View. I appreciated that the battery came pre-installed, so there was no fumbling with tiny pinholes to eject the tray. The UWB feature only works if your Samsung phone supports it, which limited me to directional finding on my newer Galaxy device but not on my older backup phone.
Quick Specs: Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
To give you a snapshot of what’s under the hood, here are the technical specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultra-wideband (UWB)
- Range: Up to 120 meters (BLE) in open areas
- Battery: CR2032 (Replaceable coin cell)
- Battery Life: Up to 500 days (Normal), 700 days (Power-Saving Mode)
- Water Resistance: IP67 Rating (Water and Dust)
- Dimensions: 28.8 x 52.44 x 8.0 mm
- Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy devices only (Android 9.0+)
Key Features
I’ve been testing these trackers for a few weeks now, and they’ve already saved me from tearing apart my couch cushions twice looking for my keys. Let me walk you through what makes them work.
Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband Location Tracking
The SmartTag2 uses both Bluetooth and UWB technology to help you locate your stuff through the SmartThings Find app. I found the Bluetooth range solid for general tracking around the house, picking up my keys from about 40 feet away through walls.
The UWB feature is where things get interesting. When I’m close to the tag, my phone can show me the precise direction and distance to guide me right to it. I used this yesterday to find my backpack in a dark closet, and it felt almost like a metal detector pointing me straight there. This Augmented Reality (AR) finding view is a game changer if you frequently misplace items in cluttered rooms.
One catch: the UWB precision tracking only works with newer Galaxy phones that have the right hardware built in. My older Galaxy phone could still track via Bluetooth, but I didn’t get the fancy directional arrows.
IP67 Water and Dust Resistance
I clipped one tag to my gym bag and another to my dog’s collar, so the IP67 rating mattered to me. This means the tag can survive being dunked in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
My dog got caught in a surprise rainstorm, and the tag came through without issue. I also accidentally left one in my jacket pocket through a wash cycle, and it still works fine. The protection against dust is equally solid, which gives me confidence using these on outdoor gear.
Long Battery Life and Power-Saving Mode
Each tag runs on a single CR2032 battery that Samsung claims lasts about 1.5 years. I can’t verify that timeframe yet since I’ve only had them a few weeks, but the app shows battery status so I’ll get a warning before they die.
Samsung claims the SmartTag 2 can last up to 700 days if you enable Power-Saving Mode. This mode disables some features to extend life, but even in standard mode, getting 500 days is impressive. What I appreciate is that these batteries are cheap and easy to replace. I checked, and a multi-pack costs less than five bucks at any drugstore. No proprietary charging cables or built-in batteries that force you to replace the whole unit.
Smart Button and Automation
The SmartTag2 isn’t just a passive tracker; it can also control your smart home. Through the SmartThings app, you can assign actions to the button on the tag. I set mine up so a double press runs a home routine that turns off my smart lights. It’s surprisingly handy to have a physical button on your keychain to trigger smart devices connected to your hub without unlocking your phone.
Findable via App
The SmartThings Find app is where everything comes together, but here’s the reality: it only works with Samsung Galaxy devices. If you have an iPhone or another Android brand, these tags are completely useless to you.
For Galaxy users, the app integration is straightforward. I added all four tags in about five minutes, assigning each one a custom name and icon. When I need to find something, I open the app and tap the tag to make it beep. The sound is loud enough to hear from another room.
The app also shows the last known location on a map if the tag is out of Bluetooth range. One user mentioned their wallet was stolen in Tokyo, and they got an alert when it moved 30 meters away. That kind of tracking relies on other Samsung devices in the area detecting your tag, so it works better in populated areas.
Lost Mode and NFC
If your item is truly lost, you can enable Lost Mode. This allows you to enter your contact information directly onto the tag via NFC. If someone finds your lost item—even if they don’t have a Samsung phone—they can tap their smartphone (any device with NFC and a web browser) to the tag and see your message. It’s a smart addition that expands the “finder” network beyond just Samsung users.
Everyday Use Cases
I’ve been attaching these to keys, backpacks, and my travel bag for the past few weeks. The tracking through the SmartThings Find app works reliably when I’m searching around the house or office, and the UWB feature on compatible Galaxy phones shows precise directional guidance when I’m close.
The IP67 rating proved useful when I accidentally left one attached to a bag outside during a rainstorm. It survived without any issues, which gives me confidence using these on outdoor gear or luggage that might get caught in weather.
What works well in daily life:
- Keys and wallets (the slim design fits easily)
- Luggage tracking during travel
- Backpacks and work bags
- Pet collars (though not designed specifically for this)
The 1.5-year battery life means I’m not constantly swapping batteries like with some other trackers. One downside I noticed: the network effect is limited since only Samsung Galaxy users contribute to finding lost items, so it’s less useful in crowded public spaces compared to broader tracking networks.
Pros and Cons
After using these trackers for a few weeks on my keys, backpack, and luggage, I’ve gotten a solid feel for what works and what doesn’t.
Pros
The UWB tracking is genuinely impressive when you’re standing near the tag. I walked around my apartment testing the directional arrows, and it pinpointed my keys within inches. It’s way more precise than basic Bluetooth trackers I’ve used before.
The IP67 rating means I don’t worry about tossing tagged items in my bag during rainy travel days. I accidentally left one attached to a backpack that got soaked, and it kept working without issues.
Battery life is refreshingly long at 1.5 years. I haven’t had to swap batteries yet, but knowing I won’t be doing monthly replacements is a relief.
The four-pack pricing makes it practical to tag multiple items without breaking the bank. I put them on my keys, wallet, camera bag, and travel backpack.
Setup through the SmartThings Find app took maybe two minutes per tag. The interface is clean and doesn’t require digging through confusing menus.
Cons
Galaxy-only compatibility is the biggest limitation. If you don’t own a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, these won’t work at all. I had to warn a friend before they bought a set for their iPhone.
The SmartThings network isn’t as extensive as Apple’s Find My network. If you lose something in a remote area without many Samsung users nearby, tracking becomes significantly less reliable.
Some tags needed a battery reset right out of the box to connect properly. It only took a few minutes, but it was mildly annoying when trying to set up all four at once.
Range is decent but not exceptional. I noticed the signal getting spotty beyond about 400 feet in open areas, and walls reduce that considerably.
This is a global edition with no US warranty, which means you’re on your own if something goes wrong after purchase.
Samsung SmartTag 2 vs. The Competition
If you are wondering how the SmartTag2 stacks up against the market leaders, here is my take. The closest rival is the Apple AirTag, but since AirTags don’t work with Android and SmartTags don’t work with iPhones, your choice is largely dictated by your phone. However, compared to the Tile Pro or a standard Tile Mate, the SmartTag2 has a massive advantage for Galaxy users: the UWB precision finding and the seamless integration with the phone’s native system without needing a third-party app running in the background.
There is also the upcoming Google’s Find My Device network, which promises to unite all Android phones (running Android 9.0 or higher) into a massive tracking mesh. While that sounds promising, Samsung’s established network is currently more reliable for Galaxy owners. If you want a tracker for Samsung specifically, this beats Tile simply because of the UWB hardware and better battery efficiency.
Final Verdict
After putting these through their paces on keys, bags, and luggage, I’m convinced the Samsung SmartTag2 hits the sweet spot for Samsung users who want reliable tracking without monthly fees. The UWB precision made finding my keys in couch cushions almost too easy, and the IP67 rating gave me confidence tossing one in my travel backpack.
The battery life claim of 1.5 years seems realistic based on how little power these sip. I appreciated that the four-pack lets me cover all my essentials without breaking the bank.
The dealbreakers: No US warranty on this global version, and you absolutely need a Samsung Galaxy device. One tag needed a battery reset out of the box, which was mildly annoying but fixable in seconds.
Best for: Samsung Galaxy owners who travel frequently or misplace things regularly. Skip it if you’re in the Apple ecosystem or want official US support.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been testing these trackers for a while now, and these are the questions that kept coming up from friends and family who were curious about adding them to their own setup.
How does the tracking accuracy of Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 compare to its competitors?
The SmartTag2 uses both Bluetooth and UWB technology, which puts it in direct competition with Apple’s AirTag. I found the UWB feature particularly impressive when I was searching for my keys in my apartment—it gave me directional guidance that felt more precise than standard Bluetooth-only trackers like the original Galaxy SmartTag or Tile.
The catch is that UWB only works with newer Galaxy phones that support the technology. If you’re using an older Samsung device, you’ll be limited to Bluetooth tracking, which is still accurate but lacks that pinpoint directional feature. One limitation compared to Apple’s network is that Samsung’s Find network relies on other Galaxy users nearby. In urban areas, this worked well for me. But if you’re in a region with fewer Samsung users, the crowdsourced finding capability won’t be as robust as Apple’s ecosystem.
Can the Samsung SmartTag2 be effectively used to keep track of luggage during travel?
I’ve used these on luggage during several trips, and they performed reliably. The IP67 rating means they can handle the rough treatment that checked bags endure, including exposure to rain or spills.
The 1.5-year battery life is a significant advantage for travel use since I don’t have to worry about the battery dying mid-trip. I appreciate that the battery is replaceable too—just a standard CR2032 that you can pick up anywhere. The main caveat for international travel is that this works best in areas with a decent Samsung user base. I was alerted when my bag was separated from me by about 30 meters at one airport, which gave me immediate peace of mind.
In terms of user privacy, how secure is it to track items with the Samsung SmartTag2?
Samsung uses end-to-end encryption for location data, which means only you can see where your tagged items are located. I verified this in the SmartThings Find app, where all location information is tied to my Samsung account.
The tag will emit a sound if it’s been separated from your phone for an extended period and is moving with someone else. This “Unknown Tag Detection” is an anti-stalking feature designed to prevent someone from slipping a tag into your belongings without your knowledge. One privacy consideration is that the tag only works within Samsung’s ecosystem, so you need a Galaxy device to use it. This closed system has privacy benefits since the network is smaller and more controlled than open Bluetooth networks.
