Older Google Pixel phones can’t precisely locate UWB trackers
TL;DR
Google confirmed that UWB precise tracking for Android-compatible trackers is only available on Pixel 8 Pro and newer Pro models, not older Pixel 6 Pro or 7 Pro, despite their hardware support. This limitation is noted on Google's support page, with few UWB trackers like the Moto Tag currently available.
Google introduced support for the ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless protocol with the Pixel 6 Pro in 2021. But if you’ve been struggling to get your Pixel phone to precisely locate one of the few Android-compatible trackers that support UWB, it’s because that feature is only enabled on the Pro models of the Pixel 8 and above, Google confirmed to Android Authority.
Google didn’t explain why UWB precise tracking isn’t enabled on the older Pixel 6 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro, despite both of those models having the necessary hardware. The Verge reached out to Google for an explanation and will update this story if one is provided. The limitation is also noted on a support page on Google’s website that points out support for UWB precise finding is only available on a limited number of Android phones including the Plus and Ultra versions of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and above plus some Motorola Edge and Razr models.
UWB-capable trackers compatible with Google’s Find Hub network – which itself only gained support for UWB precise tracking earlier this year – are also few and far between. Samsung’s SmartTag Plus supported UWB, but is now discontinued. The only option currently available is Motorola’s $29 Moto Tag that launched in June 2024 and added support for UWB precision finding earlier this year through a firmware update.