Pet Tracker Not Working Common GPS Issues And Fixes

When your pet tracker fails to deliver accurate location data, it’s more than just a technical hiccup—it can be a source of real anxiety. These devices are designed to give pet owners peace of mind, but like any technology relying on GPS, cellular networks, and battery power, they’re prone to occasional glitches. Understanding the most frequent causes behind a malfunctioning pet tracker allows you to troubleshoot effectively and restore reliable tracking. This guide breaks down the core GPS-related issues, explains why they occur, and provides actionable solutions so you can get your device back on track—literally.

How Pet Trackers Use GPS: A Quick Overview

Pet trackers combine Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with wireless communication (usually LTE-M or NB-IoT) to relay your pet’s location to a mobile app. The device receives signals from multiple satellites to calculate its position, then transmits that data via a cellular network to servers accessible through your smartphone. While this system is generally reliable, several factors—including signal obstruction, outdated firmware, and environmental interference—can disrupt accuracy or cause complete failure.

Unlike simple Bluetooth tags, which only work within short range, GPS-enabled pet trackers are built for outdoor use and real-time monitoring. However, their reliance on multiple systems means there are more points of potential failure. Knowing how each component contributes to tracking performance helps pinpoint where things might be going wrong.

Common GPS Issues and Their Causes

When a pet tracker stops working properly, the problem often lies in one of several predictable areas. Below are the most frequent GPS-related issues pet owners encounter:

• Weak or No GPS Signal: Occurs when the tracker cannot connect to enough satellites due to indoor placement, dense tree cover, or urban canyon effects between tall buildings.
• Inaccurate Location Data: May show your pet miles away or stuck in one place despite movement. Often caused by outdated GPS coordinates cached in the app or poor signal triangulation.
• Delayed Updates: Location refreshes happen too slowly—sometimes every 10–15 minutes instead of every few seconds. Usually tied to power-saving modes or weak cellular reception.
• Frequent Disconnections: Tracker goes offline repeatedly, even when fully charged. Likely due to poor network coverage or SIM card issues.
• Battery Drain Affecting GPS: GPS is power-intensive. If the battery depletes quickly, the device may disable location services to conserve energy.

Tip: Always test your pet tracker outdoors in an open area before assuming it's faulty—indoor environments significantly reduce GPS accuracy.

Troubleshooting Step-by-Step: A Practical Guide

Follow this logical sequence to diagnose and resolve GPS problems with your pet tracker. Many issues can be fixed without contacting customer support.

1. Check Device Power and Charging Status
   Ensure the tracker is fully charged. Low battery forces many devices into sleep mode, disabling GPS. Charge for at least 2 hours using the manufacturer-recommended cable.
2. Move to an Open Outdoor Area
   GPS requires line-of-sight to satellites. Take the tracker outside, away from walls, trees, and metal structures. Wait 3–5 minutes for a satellite lock.
3. Restart the Tracker
   Power the device off and on again. This clears temporary software glitches and resets the GPS module.
4. Verify Cellular Connectivity
   Check if the tracker has a strong network signal. Most apps display signal strength (e.g., bars or dBm values). If signal is weak, the device can’t transmit GPS data.
5. Update Firmware and App
   Outdated software can cause compatibility issues. Visit the app settings to check for firmware updates. Also, ensure your smartphone app is up to date.
6. Re-sync the Device
   In the app, remove and re-add the tracker. This forces a fresh connection and recalibrates GPS calibration data.
7. Test with Another Phone or Account
   Rule out phone-specific issues by logging into the tracker account from another device.

“Over 60% of ‘broken’ pet tracker reports we receive are resolved with a simple reboot and outdoor reset. GPS needs space and time to initialize.” — Daniel Reyes, Senior Support Engineer at PawTrack Technologies

Environmental and Physical Factors That Impact GPS Accuracy

Even a perfectly functioning tracker can struggle under certain conditions. Recognizing these limitations helps set realistic expectations.

Factor	Impact on GPS	Mitigation Strategy
Indoor Use	Blocks satellite signals; GPS often fails entirely indoors	Only rely on GPS outdoors; use Bluetooth proximity alerts indoors
Dense Tree Cover	Leaves and branches scatter GPS signals, reducing accuracy	Expect +/- 15–30 ft error; use geofencing with wider radius
Urban Canyons (tall buildings)	Signals bounce, causing “multipath” errors and drift	Wait for consistent signal; avoid narrow streets for testing
Metal Collars or Accessories	Can block antenna transmission if placed underneath	Mount tracker on top of collar; avoid metallic attachments
Weather Conditions	Rain, snow, and heavy cloud cover rarely affect GPS but may impact cellular	Ensure cellular backup; GPS itself remains largely unaffected

Mini Case Study: Bella the Border Collie

Sarah noticed her pet tracker showed Bella, her energetic Border Collie, “at home” despite being at the dog park. After repeated failed attempts, she contacted support. The technician asked if the tracker was under a metal ID tag holder on the collar. Sarah moved the tracker above the tags, took Bella to an open field, and waited five minutes. The next update showed their correct location. The metal had partially shielded the antenna, delaying signal acquisition. A small adjustment made all the difference.

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practices for Reliable Tracking

To minimize GPS failures, follow these proven guidelines:

Do’s	Don’ts
Charge the tracker weekly or as recommended	Let the battery drop below 20% regularly
Test location accuracy monthly in an open area	Assume the tracker works without periodic checks
Use the latest version of the companion app	Ignore firmware update notifications
Attach the tracker securely on top of the collar	Place it under thick fur or beneath other accessories
Enable real-time tracking during high-risk activities (e.g., hiking)	Rely solely on passive or scheduled updates in unfamiliar areas

Tip: Perform a \"live walk test\" every few weeks: carry the tracker on a walk and verify that the app updates your route in real time.

Advanced Fixes: When Basic Troubleshooting Isn't Enough

If standard steps fail, consider deeper interventions:

• Reset Network Settings: Some trackers allow you to manually select network bands. Resetting can help reconnect to a stronger tower.
• Check Subscription Status: Many GPS trackers require active service plans. An expired subscription disables location transmission—even if the device powers on.
• Inspect for Physical Damage: Water damage, cracked casings, or bent antennas can impair function. Look for signs of impact or moisture ingress.
• Contact Carrier or Manufacturer: If the SIM isn’t registering on the network, the provider may need to reactivate it or replace the embedded chip.

In rare cases, the GPS module itself may fail due to manufacturing defects or long-term wear. Manufacturers typically offer warranties of 1–2 years. If your device is under warranty and still malfunctioning after full diagnostics, request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pet tracker show the wrong location?

This usually happens when the last known GPS fix was inaccurate or when the device falls back to Wi-Fi or cellular tower triangulation indoors. GPS requires clear sky visibility. If the tracker couldn’t get a proper fix, it may display an old or estimated position. Always verify location in an open outdoor area.

Can I improve GPS signal strength on my pet tracker?

You can’t boost the signal directly, but you can optimize conditions: ensure the tracker is mounted visibly on the collar, avoid metal obstructions, keep firmware updated, and choose models with high-gain antennas. Some premium trackers use assisted GPS (A-GPS), which uses internet data to speed up satellite acquisition.

How often should a pet tracker update its location?

Real-time trackers update every 2–5 seconds in active mode. Battery-saving modes may reduce this to every 2–15 minutes. Check your device settings to adjust update frequency based on your needs. Frequent updates drain the battery faster, so balance accuracy with longevity.

Final Checklist: Restore Your Tracker in 7 Steps

Keep this checklist handy for quick recovery when your pet tracker acts up:

1. ✅ Charge the device fully
2. ✅ Take it outside to an open area
3. ✅ Restart both the tracker and your phone
4. ✅ Update the app and firmware
5. ✅ Verify cellular signal and subscription status
6. ✅ Re-sync the device in the app
7. ✅ Test with a short walk to confirm live tracking

Conclusion: Stay Proactive for Peace of Mind

A pet tracker that isn’t working defeats its primary purpose—keeping your companion safe. Most GPS issues stem from preventable causes: low battery, poor placement, outdated software, or environmental barriers. By understanding how GPS functions in these devices and following a structured troubleshooting approach, you can resolve most problems quickly. Regular maintenance, proper mounting, and awareness of signal limitations go a long way toward ensuring reliable performance.

💬 Has your pet tracker ever failed when you needed it most? Share your experience and solution in the comments—your insight could help another worried pet owner get their tracker back online.