OnAirDecode BLE tracker detector with an SDR
BLE tracker detector: item trackers around you, and an alert for one that follows you.
- Group
- IoT & sensors
- In the mode list
- Trackers, 2.4 GHz
What BLE tracker detector is
BLE tracker detector (2402 / 2426 / 2480 MHz): recognises Apple Find My accessories such as AirTag, Tile, Chipolo, Samsung SmartTag and Google Find My Device tags from their advertisements, shows how long and how close each stays and warns about one that follows you (receive only; identifiers are kept for a short window and never saved).
Frequencies and settings
OnAir takes any frequency you type; the numbers above are the mode's starting point and the range its table describes. In the app the shortcut label is Trackers, 2.4 GHz.
What OnAir shows
BLE tracker detector (2402 / 2426 / 2480 MHz): recognises Apple Find My accessories such as AirTag, Tile, Chipolo, Samsung SmartTag and Google Find My Device tags from their advertisements, shows how long and how close each stays and warns about one that follows you (receive only; identifiers are kept for a short window and never saved).
Limits and what it was checked with
Checked with generated signals and impairments; recordings of real signals welcome.
Which radio you need
This mode sits at a high frequency, so check that your radio tunes it: a HackRF covers 1 MHz to 6 GHz, and RTL-SDR stops near 1.7 GHz. Some modes at these frequencies also need a fast radio (10 to 20 Msps) or a dish and an LNB.
Receiving and the law
Questions about BLE tracker detector
Can I decode BLE tracker detector with an RTL-SDR?
Probably not: an RTL-SDR tunes up to about 1.7 GHz. A HackRF (1 MHz to 6 GHz) or another wideband radio is the usual choice for this frequency range.
Is it legal to receive BLE tracker detector?
This mode is passive. It only receives, never connects, pairs or joins networks, and never decrypts payloads. Check the rules where you live.
Can I try BLE tracker detector in OnAir without a radio?
Yes. Most modes include a built-in synthetic test signal, so you can open the screen and try the controls before you own a radio.