Android’s open nature has always been one of the main charms of the OS and its ecosystem. However, recent findings suggest that Samsung may be following Apple’s lead when it comes to accessory compatibility. Specifically, some Samsung Galaxy S24 users have noticed that the phone’s high-precision tracking features behave differently depending on whose name is on the smart tag.
Samsung reportedly locks UWB tracking to its own tags on Galaxy devices,
At the heart of the issue is Ultra-Wideband (UWB). The latter is the technology that allows your phone to point you toward a lost item with centimeter-level accuracy. On paper, any UWB-compatible tracker should work with a UWB-enabled phone. But recent findings by a Reddit user (via SamMobile ) revealed a curious software gate within Samsung’s “ServiceMode” diagnostics.
When the Galaxy S24 detects a Samsung SmartTag+, it activates its “TSS” (Time Synchronization System) engine. This enables the full suite of precision finding: directional arrows, elevation data, and augmented reality (AR) guidance. However, when paired with a third-party tracker like the Moto Tag, the phone reportedly keeps the direction engine disabled. The result is what users are calling “UWB Lite.” In other words, you get a general idea of the distance, but the precise “hot or cold” directional arrows remain locked.
A fragmented experience
The situation gets even more confusing because the experience isn’t consistent for everyone. Some technical tests show a clear “vendor lock” (where the hardware is present but artificially restricted by firmware). Meanwhile, other users claim their third-party tags work just fine. This inconsistency suggests that the restriction might not be a permanent “wall,” but rather a complex interaction between Samsung’s specific UWB stack and the Google Find My Device network.
For many fans, this seems to go against the spirit of Android. If a phone has the hardware—in this case, the same Qualcomm UWB chip found in the Pixel 8 Pro—there is a general expectation that it should work with any compatible accessory. By prioritizing its own SmartTags, Samsung is effectively creating a “walled garden” that nudges users toward buying Samsung-branded peripherals if they want the best possible experience.
We are still not clear whether this is a deliberate business move or a temporary software hurdle. Still, in a market where interoperability is a key selling point, any hint of artificial limitation usually sparks a vocal reaction from the community. For now, if you are a Galaxy owner looking to pick up a smart tag, you may have to decide if the convenience of a third-party price tag is worth losing out on the most precise tracking features.
