Thanks to the growing popularity of Apple AirTags, Android smartphone manufacturers have started adopting UWB (ultra-wideband) tech on their flagship offerings. UWB allows short-range wireless communication for precise location tracking, keyless car entry, data transfer, and other features on compatible Android phones. While you’re not going to find UWB on even thebest budget Android phones, you’ll find it on theGoogle Pixel 8 Proand a few other flagships.
UWB was developed as a protocol to transfer data. Its ability to detect and track nearby objects made it essential for modern devices and cars. Select BMW, Audi, Ford, Tesla, and Hyundai models supportAndroid digital car keyvia UWB and/or NFC for keyless entry.
Turning on the ultra-wideband (UWB) feature on your Android phone
To use UWB features in your car or for things like precise location tracking with theSamsung SmartTag 2, you’ll need to make sure the feature is turned on in your phone’s settings:
Your phone is now ready to unlock or lock your car, find nearby devices, and use UWB to its fullest.
What is Android digital car key?
Control your car with a digital key on your Android phone
How to enable ultra-wideband on Samsung Galaxy Phones
Samsung uses the One UI Android skin on their Galaxy devices. One UI has a different Settings menu. Here’s how to use it to activate UWB.
Apart from unlocking a car and communicating with nearby devices, UWB on your Samsung phone can find your Galaxy SmartTag+. The newest Galaxy phones offer a Find Using Camera function that moves the device around using the rear camera. When your phone matches the direction of your SmartTag+, Find Using Camera is triggered.
Why should you enable UWB on Android?
There are several reasons to toggle on UWB on your Android phone. Let’s quickly go over them.
Apart from the above smartphone-focused scenarios, UWB tech is used in manufacturing and logistics to track items in warehouses and factories. NFL (National Football League) also uses UWB tech to track a player’s location for stats.
What you’ll need to use UWB on your Android phone
If you’re ready to embrace the digital goodness of ultra-wideband connectivity, there are a few ways to get started:
How to find AirTags and other Bluetooth trackers with your Android phone
Keep an eye on what’s keeping an eye on you
What phones have UWB connectivity?
While the number of phones with UWB is pretty slim, we expect to see more manufacturers add the feature to phones throughout 2024. As of April 2024, the following phones have ultra-wideband connectivity:
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel Fold
*Google Pixel Tablet
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
You’ll also find UWB on iPhone 11 series phones and later, with the exception of the iPhone SE 2. It’s worth noting UWB may note be included on some variants, and UWB may not be avaialble in every country.
Unlock your Android phone’s full potential
Although UWB is limited to a few flagship Android phones, we expect the latest tech to make its way to budget devices soon. UWB has limited functionality in its current avatar due to a slim collection of compatible devices. It should gain traction when we have UWB-compatible smart home devices, smart trackers, and cars that support digital keys. To learn more about the latest communication standard, check out ourdedicated guide on ultra-wideband.
