The Pixel Tag goes on sale November 11 for $29, or $99 for a four-pack. It’s Google’s first own-brand item tracker, built for Android phones and plugged into the Find Hub network. If you keep losing keys, bags, or a wallet, this is the tracker Google wants you to buy.
Google announced it at its August 12 hardware event, so the details below come straight from the launch coverage rather than leaks.
Quick Facts
- Price: $29 for one, $99 for a four-pack
- Release date: November 11, 2026
- Works with: Android 9 or later (not aimed at iPhone users)
- Battery: replaceable CR2032 coin cell, rated for over a year
- Water and dust rating: IP67
That’s the short version. The rest of this post covers what you get for the money and who should wait.
How the Pixel Tag finds lost things
The tag uses two kinds of wireless. Bluetooth handles the basic connection, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) powers Precision Finding. According to 9to5Google’s hands-on, that gives you on-screen distance and direction cues within 50 meters.
When the tag is far from your phone, Find Hub takes over. Thurrott reports it uses crowdsourced locating across more than a billion Android devices. Any nearby Android phone can quietly report your tag’s position without its owner knowing.
You can also track it from a Pixel smartwatch or the Find Hub website. There’s no NFC, so a stranger can’t tap the tag to read your contact details.
Pixel Tag design and battery life
It’s a small pill-shaped tag, about 1.8 by 1.1 inches and 5.4 mm thick. The face is silver metal with a Google “G,” and the back is plastic in a single color called Fog. There’s a built-in speaker and a button that rings your paired phone.
The battery is the part many people will like. It’s a standard CR2032 that you swap yourself by pressing down and twisting the back. Google says it lasts over a year, so you’re not throwing away a sealed tracker when it dies.
One catch: the keyring loop isn’t included. Per the launch details, accessories are sold separately, so budget a few extra dollars if you want it on your keys.
Pixel Tag specs at a glance
Here’s how the main specs line up, and what each one means in daily use.
| Feature | Pixel Tag | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Close-range finding | UWB, up to 50 m | Arrow-style guidance to the exact spot |
| Far-away finding | Find Hub crowd network | Works even when your phone is nowhere near |
| Battery | CR2032, replaceable | Over a year, then a cheap swap |
| Durability | IP67 | Fine in rain and dust, not for diving |
| Sharing | Up to 10 people | Handy for family keys or a shared bag |
Setup, sharing, and anti-stalking alerts
Setup uses Fast Pair. Pull the battery tab, hold the tag near your Android phone, and tap the prompt that appears.
Two safety features are worth knowing about. “Left Behind” alerts warn you when you walk away from the tag. Android phones also warn you if an unknown tag seems to be traveling with you, which helps against unwanted tracking.
Since the tag ties into your Google account, our guide on Google phone number verification on Android is a useful read for checking your account setup first.
Who should buy the Pixel Tag, and who should skip it
If you use an Android phone, the Pixel Tag is an easy yes at $29. It works with phones from Android 9 up, so you don’t need a new Pixel. Owners of an older phone can also check our note on what to do when a Pixel reaches end of support.
iPhone owners should look elsewhere. The coverage describes the tag as built for Android, and none of it mentions iPhone support.
What we still don’t know about the Pixel Tag
Launch coverage leaves a few gaps. Knowing them now saves you from a surprise on release day.
- How loud the speaker really is, which matters when a tag is buried in a couch.
- Which countries get the tag on November 11, since availability wasn’t spelled out.
- What the keychain loop will cost, because it’s sold separately.
These are small questions, but they decide whether the tag feels like a bargain or a small annoyance. Early reviews should answer them within days of launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pixel Tag release date?
Google says the Pixel Tag goes on sale November 11, 2026.
How much does the Pixel Tag cost?
A single tag costs $29, and a four-pack costs $99. That works out to about $24.75 per tag in the bundle.
Does the Pixel Tag work with iPhone?
It’s built for Android 9 and later, and the launch coverage doesn’t mention iPhone support. Assume it won’t work.
Can I replace the Pixel Tag battery?
Yes. It uses a standard CR2032 coin cell that you swap by pressing and twisting the back, and Google rates it for over a year.
Do I need a Pixel phone to use it?
No. Any phone running Android 9 or later works. Google’s Find Hub app handles tracking on any supported Android phone.
My take: at $29 with a replaceable battery and real UWB finding, the Pixel Tag is the easiest Android tracker to recommend for keys and bags. Buy the four-pack if you have a family to cover. Wait for reviews on real-world range and speaker volume before you trust it with anything expensive.
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