The threat of vehicle thefts lead some people to choose to attach a GPS tracker to their own cars. Sometimes work vehicles also have a tracker attached to help show that you are where you should be. They are also used by car rental companies. Whatever the reason for installing one, you will want to make sure that it is going to work, and one question that is frequently asked about these devices is does GPS need internet?
The answer to this question is that GPS trackers can work without the internet, but in order to communicate the data, the device does need to find a connection, and live tracking in particular needs a steady connection.
How do GPS trackers work?
GPS trackers have internal memory, which means that they are able to store a limited amount of data. Once an internet connection is established, this data can be shared to the cloud so that you can access it on your phone or computer. GPS obtains information from satellites which is why the internet is not required for collecting and storing location data. The internet is only needed in order to access the data remotely and GPS trackers have a SIM card within them to enable connection.
With the most intelligent trackers, you will be able to receive all kinds of useful information about your vehicle. If the vehicle’s engine starts and your phone is not inside, you will immediately receive a notification. This means that if your car is being stolen, you can report it to the police straight away and begin tracking it so that they have a better chance of returning it to you as soon as possible. The device can also alert you if the vehicle is accelerating or braking harshly, which is useful to know if you have lent your car to someone and want to make sure that they are treating it respectfully.
What are the benefits of fitting a GPS tracker on a vehicle?
With a GPS tracker and internet connection, you will be able to track the live location of your vehicle no matter where you are. In the event of theft, this information could be critical in retrieving your vehicle and bringing whoever stole the car to justice.
Another benefit is making sure that family members and other users of the car are safe. If for example someone has not returned home by the time expected, a quick look at an app will let you know if they are en-route home and how far away they are. This is useful for when a person is unable to call or answer the phone because they are driving.
If you are a business owner or manager with a fleet of vehicles, it may be beneficial to have a way to make sure that all drivers are in the correct locations. An example of this is if you are a delivery company and you want to let customers know when a driver is expected to arrive.
In these ways, a GPS tracker can be a great device for providing peace of mind.
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FAQs
Does GPS require the internet to work? Absolutely not. GPS does not require any form of internet connectivity. GPS depends on signals from satellites.
What trackers work without internet? ›
Track Offline Location and Mileage With Timeero
Timeero doesn't require an internet connection or mobile data to operate efficiently. The location, time, and mileage trackers, as well as geofencing automation, reminders, and notifications, work just fine without an internet connection.
How do trackers work without Wi-Fi? ›
GPS obtains information from satellites which is why the internet is not required for collecting and storing location data. The internet is only needed in order to access the data remotely and GPS trackers have a SIM card within them to enable connection.
Do car trackers work when the car is off? ›
This is dependent on the type of tracker you use. Most, if not all trackers operate by using the car's battery/electrical system to power it. So for some models of car trackers, they will not track the location of the vehicle if it is off.
How do I track my location without internet? ›
Finally, you'll need to use a GPS app that works offline. Many GPS apps require an internet connection to function correctly, but several options are available that work without one. Workyard, GPS Essentials, and Sygic are all examples of GPS apps that provide offline location tracking.
Can I track my car without internet? ›
GPS does not require any form of internet connectivity. As already mentioned, GPS dependent on the signals from satellites. Anyone can harness these signals using a GPS receiver. You can test this fact by turning of the internet connection on your phone and try to use google maps.
Is there a GPS that works offline? ›
HERE WeGo Offline Maps & GPS
One of the biggest competitors to Google Maps, HERE WeGo is a popular offline navigation app amongst international travelers with limited data plans. You can download offline maps of more than 100 countries in the world and enjoy voice/walk guidance without a single cell signal.
Do cell phones have GPS tracking? ›
Cell phone GPS technology relies on the Global Positioning System, a network of satellites that transmit signals to GPS receivers. By measuring the distance between the receiver and multiple satellites, the cell phone can calculate its precise position using the principles of triangulation and trilateration.
Does a GPS tracker need a battery? ›
There are two types of GPS devices that have an internal power source: a battery-powered device and a solar powered GPS tracker. These units draw power from their internal power source and are widely used to enable location tracking for unpowered assets.
What does it mean when a tracker is offline? ›
This indicates that your tracker is unable to acquire a GPS signal at this time - this is very common indoors as the roof of your home blocks the signal. The tracker will keep trying to establish the connection until GPS is available.
In most cases, a GPS tracker will require a monthly subscription cost. Some companies offer discounts for up-front bulk payments, so select the subscription that best suits you and your budget.
How much data do I need for a GPS tracker? ›
Some may require less data, and some more. But if you're looking to get started on your search for GPS trackers, know that you will likely need about 1GB of data per month to use the tracker daily. You can use GPS trackers without internet access. However, you will only have access to limited features.
Can I block a GPS tracker on my car? ›
A plug-in GPS blocker creates an interference signal that blocks vehicle GPS tracking. Simply plug it into your car's cigarette lighter or auxiliary power outlet.
Where is the best place to put a GPS tracker? ›
Under the dashboard: This location is unobtrusive enough to remain out of sight and also typically stays out of the way of metal auto components that can interfere with GPS signals. Inside the Bumper: Putting the tracker within the bumper gives it a concealed position, which is great for preventing theft.
Can you be tracked offline? ›
Can a phone be tracked if it's turned off? A phone that is turned off is difficult to track because it stops sending signals to cell towers. However, the service provider or internet provider can show the last location once it's switched back on.
What makes tracker to go offline? ›
If your tracker status indicates that the tracker is offline, your tracker is likely in an area with no cellular connection or the tracker has lost power. If the device does not reconnect on its own, you'll need to either recharge the device or manually troubleshoot with the tracker.
Do dog trackers work without cell service? ›
Yes, many GPS dog trackers can work without cell service by utilizing other communication methods, such as satellite networks. However, the ability to track in real-time may be limited in areas with poor satellite reception.
How can I track someone online without them knowing? ›
As an option, consider using a monitoring app to track a phone without them knowing. With a parental control app, such as mSpy, you can easily find out where your loved ones are. The app allows monitoring of a target person's online activity on their iOS or Android device.
