Common Problems When Using GPS Tracker and How to Solve Them

When tracking vehicles, goods, or objects whose coordinates you are monitoring, you naturally want everything to run smoothly without any promblems so that you can access the data in real time. However, problems when using GPS tracker are inevitable.

The problems when using GPS tracker come from various factors. For example, signal issues, location problems, hardware limitations, battery life, and other technical difficulties. To avoid these problems, you need to know how to address them.

Don’t let yourself face difficulties when tracking objects. Let’s discuss what is the problems when using GPS trackers and how to overcome them. 

Common Problems When Using GPS Tracker

As we already know, GPS trackers works by capturing signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites orbiting the Earth. Of course, signal interference is one of the biggest factors that can occur. However, there are still several other problems that may arise when using this monitoring device. 

Here are some of the problems when using GPS tracker:

• Signal interference: Physical obstacles, such as tall buildings, dense trees, and tunnels, can weaken the signal and cause location data to be inaccurate or lost.
• Extreme weather: Extreme atmospheric conditions or geomagnetic storms will cause signal problems.
• Insufficient number of satellite signals: GPS trackers require at least four satellite signals; if there are fewer than four, location accuracy will be reduced.
• Dead battery: GPS trackers have limited battery life, and users often forget to check the battery power when they want to use them.
• Hardware problems: GPS devices with hardware issues such as damaged antennas, loose cable connections, and incorrect installation can interfere with performance.
• Network problems: SIM cards with unstable cellular networks and inactive packages will cause the device to malfunction.

How to Solve the Problems

There are some unavoidable problems when using GPS tracker. However, you don’t need to worry because there are solutions to overcome them. Here’s how:

Ensure a strong signal

A strong signal is one of the main keys to ensuring that your GPS tracker works properly. You need to make sure that the GPS device is not blocked by metal. In addition, avoid physical obstructions, such as tall buildings, dense trees, and tunnels. If you encounter any of these obstacles, avoid them immediately.

Check the network 

GPS trackers require a SIM card or WiFi to send data to the server so that you can check the data via an app on your smartphone or a web-based dashboard. Therefore, it is important to check your cellular network and internet connection.

Make sure your SIM card is active, has credit, and has a stable network in your location. For those using a WiFi network, make sure the device is connected to the internet and does not turn off cellular data.

Check the battery before use

GPS tracker batteries do have a long enough power supply for use. However, it never hurts to always check the battery before using it. Make sure the battery is fully charged before installing the device on the object you want to track. This is, of course, necessary to avoid the battery suddenly dying and not functioning optimally. 

Check the location settings

In addition to checking the battery power, you also need to check the device settings. Double-check that the location services on your device are enabled. Another thing to note is that the GPS application has permission to access your location.

Update the software

Software is a system that also supports the work of GPS trackers. Therefore, make sure to always update it to the latest version. This is necessary to maintain the stability and performance of the device you are using.

Problems when using GPS tracker are inevitable. You can solve any obstacles that may arise by doing a few things before using it.

By avoiding metal barriers, physical barriers, checking cellular and WiFi networks, checking the battery before use, and activating location services on the device, you will reduce potential obstacles.

In addition, you also need to always update the software to keep its performance optimal. If you have tried all these solutions and the problem persists, immediately contact your GPS service provider for further assistance.

By using a GPS tracker without any issues, you will be able to obtain accurate and real-time data from the device. This will ensure that the security of the object you are monitoring is better maintained.