Can I transmit a beacon signal from my android device while at the same time scanning nearby beacons?

Question

Is it possible to transmit and receive beacon signals at the same time using an android device acting as a beacon?

Answer 1

Yes, on Android 5+ devices that support beacon transmission (see the list here), you can both send and receive beacon transmissions simultaneously. You can see a demonstration of this using the Android Locate app. Simply turn on a transmitter, then switch to locating beacons. If you do this on two Android phones at the same time, they will both see eachother's transmission.

A few things to be aware of:

1. An mobile device will not detect its own transmission.
2. Android 4.3-4.4.x devices can receive beacon transmissions but cannot transmit. (Some older Android 4.x devices do not have Bluetooth LE and cannot receive at all.)
3. Some Android 5.x+ devices do not have firmware that supports transmission. Check the list above to make sure your device supports it.