Since I started traveling seriously last year, I started using Bluetooth trackers; they are easy to set up and use, and convenience makes these products no problem. i use Satechi’s FindAll followers I have a model in my suitcase, travel bag, and keychain — even paired with my sunglasses.
So when Xiaomi said it was introducing its own tracker, I was intrigued. I didn’t really like the design of the AirTag and had to use a keychain accessory to use it in any meaningful context. While Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag2 has a better design, it’s exclusive to Galaxy phones, which bugs me.
Article continues below
You can use Xiaomi Tag with both Find My and Google’s Find Hub networks
A notable advantage of the Xiaomi Tag is that it connects to both apple‘s Find My network as well as the Google Find Hub network. In this sense, there are no restrictions on how you can use the device. On that note, you can only connect the Xiaomi Tag to one network at a time; if you set it up with Find Hub, you’ll need to remove it if you want to switch to the Tap My network.
In my usage, I found it better to use Tag with the Find Me network. Google’s Find Hub has improved a lot over the past year — especially in India — but it’s still not as reliable as Find My, so after an initial test, I paired Tag to Find Me using my iPhone 17 Pro and had no problems. You don’t get UWB, but that hasn’t proven to be a problem.
It has a lightweight design with a removable battery
Image 1 of 4
I really like the design of the Xiaomi Tag; It’s on the smaller end of the scale as these things go, and at just 10g it’s one of the lightest around. The lightweight design means you can put it almost anywhere – I put it in my sling bag when I’m out and about and it holds my technical EDC essentials.
The design of the tag allows it to be attached to a key fob or luggage tag without any problems. The best part of the design is that it has a removable CR2032 battery, so you can easily turn it off. This is a big deal in itself and ensures you don’t have to worry about the battery – the internal cell lasts about a year.
The tag has a small piezoelectric motor that generates alerts and sounds loud enough that you can easily locate it. Oh, and it gets IP67 dust and water resistance, giving you the freedom to use it anywhere.
Xiaomi Tag is one of the most affordable trackers around
Image 1 of 4
Coming in at just €14.99 ($17), Xiaomi significantly undercuts both the AirTag and the $29 Galaxy SmartTag2. Despite its lack of UWB, the ability to work with both Find My and Find Hub networks gives the Tag a huge advantage, as you’re not limited to that.
And when you combine the affordability, it’s easy to see why the Xiaomi Tag has the potential to do well. Xiaomi is also doing better with its global presence, with the label sold in the UK and other western markets, including the US.
Overall, Xiaomi is another winner with the Tag, and thanks to its proven reliability and long battery life, it’s an easy recommendation.
