The FindMyWeb dashboard aggregates Apple, Google and Samsung tracker data into a single view.
FINDMYWEB REVERSE-ENGINES APPLE FIND MY FOR OPEN-SOURCE TRACKERS
*FindMyWeb stitches Apple, Google and Samsung location networks into a single, user‑controlled web interface. The project promises true ownership of tracking hardware without vendor‑locked firmware. Its rapid development signals a shift toward decentralized location services.*
FindMyWeb emerged on Codeberg as a direct response to the fragmented tracker market. Apple, Google and Samsung each run closed‑source location services that require proprietary hardware and opaque data handling. Users are forced into vendor ecosystems, losing control over where their coordinates travel.
The project stitches those three networks into a single, self‑hosted web portal. By reverse‑engineering Apple’s Find My protocol and pairing it with open‑source Zephyr firmware, the codebase offers a path to truly independent tracking devices. The timing is critical: privacy‑focused developers are seeking alternatives before major platforms tighten access.
With a modest but active commit history, FindMyWeb demonstrates that a community‑driven stack can rival commercial solutions. Its open architecture promises to democratize location tracking for hobbyists and security‑conscious users alike.
What is FindMyWeb?
FindMyWeb is a Codeberg‑hosted project that lets anyone build personal location trackers. The README describes it as a way to "build trackers which you actually own" using existing networks instead of proprietary devices. It supports Apple Find My, Google Find My Device, and Samsung SmartThings. The backend talks to Apple’s network via malmeloo’s FindMy.py library, while the tracker hardware runs a custom Zephyr‑based firmware. A web front‑end aggregates the three services, offering a unified interface. The codebase is openly licensed and intended for self‑hosted deployment, eliminating the need for vendor‑specific apps.
How does FindMyWeb avoid vendor lock‑in?
The project sidesteps closed‑source ecosystems by leveraging publicly documented network protocols. Apple’s Find My network is accessed through the open‑source FindMy.py library, avoiding Apple’s proprietary app stack. Tracker firmware is built on Zephyr, an open‑source RTOS, allowing users to flash their own devices. The web interface runs on a standard FastAPI backend, returning raw location data without Apple’s telemetry layer. By unifying three major networks under a single API, users can switch hardware or providers without rewriting code. The approach restores data sovereignty and reduces reliance on any single vendor’s cloud.
What is the current development status?
The repository shows 156 commits, 2 stars, 5 forks and a 275 KiB footprint. Language breakdown is Python 38.9%, Vue 35.5%, C 13.1%, TypeScript 11.4%, CMake 0.4% and other 0.6%. Recent activity includes a spelling fix on 2026‑10‑22, a backend fix that restores correct FastAPI location data on 2026‑04‑04, and firmware updates replacing usb_reset.c with new shell commands on 2026‑03‑07. The project lists four build options: Web (frontend + backend), Development/Baremetal, Docker (TBD), and FruityTag firmware (pre‑built TBD). Documentation points to setup instructions for both the web stack and Zephyr firmware. The roadmap remains community‑driven, with no formal release schedule.
Who contributed to FindMyWeb?
The primary maintainer is listed as Misom, whose email is misom@symlinks.dev. Commit signatures show Misom authoring most changes, including the recent README spelling correction. The README credits seemo‑lab for initial research on the Apple Find My network and malmeloo for the FindMy.py library that powers the backend. No corporate entities appear in the contributor list. The project’s open‑source nature invites external developers to fork, extend, or audit the code, reinforcing its claim of user ownership.
Frequently asked questions
What networks does FindMyWeb support?
FindMyWeb supports Apple Find My, Google Find My Device and Samsung SmartThings.
Which library does FindMyWeb use to talk to Apple’s network?
The backend uses malmeloo's FindMy.py library to interact with Apple’s network.
Who is credited for the initial research on the FindMy network?
The README thanks seemo‑lab for their initial research on the FindMy network.
If the project gains traction, it could force major vendors to reconsider their closed ecosystems. A functional, open‑source tracker that taps Apple, Google and Samsung networks would give users a real alternative to proprietary hardware. The next few months will reveal whether the community can turn this proof of concept into a reliable, widely‑deployed service.
Sources: Hacker News (FindMyWeb: Apple Find My, reverse enginiered)