Does Car GPS Tracker Work Without Battery? [GPS Types & How They Work] - SEEWORLD (2024)

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People frequently ask about the extras they purchase and install in their vehicles. “Does a car GPS operate without a battery?” is a question we frequently hear. They want to know if it’s available to track a car without a battery so they can make an informed decision before handing up their hard-earned cash. This question will be answered in this new post to ease your mind.

Do car GPS trackers operate without a battery? The short answer is yes, the plug-in connection GPS (OBD GPS trackers) and the hardwired GPS trackers can function without a battery as a car is able to generate electricity from both its operating engine and the car battery to power any mobile device without the use of external power sources.

In case you don’t know, there are generally three types of GPS car trackers. The plug-in connection GPS (OBD GPS trackers), the hardwired GPS trackers, and battery connection GPS (wireless GPS). Obviously, you are looking for the non-battery-required GPS tracker so that is why you are here. We will explain these three types of car GPS trackers in short and provide a list of the best car GPS tracker without a battery.

Types of Car GPS Trackers

  • Plug-in car GPS tracker. Plug-in car GPS tracker is also known as an OBD GPS tracker. It’s called that because all you have to do is plug it into your vehicle’s OBD connection and you’re ready to go. In case you didn’t know, OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. Some people prefer this way of connection since it is simple to set up and requires no special tools. Simply attach the GPS tracker to the OBD port.
  • Hardwired connection GPS tracker. Hard-wired GPS car trackers, as the name indicates, are plugged directly into the vehicle’s wiring. This technique is preferred by some users, especially if their car lacks the OBD port.
  • Battery-powered GPS tracker. GPS trackers that run on batteries are small, self-contained, and intelligent enough to include sensors that detect door openings or vibrations. Companies that manage fleets of cars and assets have discovered a variety of applications for them, notably in asset security and management.

Can a car be tracked without a battery?

Yes, your car can be tracked without a battery. All wireless GPS trackers have their own built-in power and they can work even though you don’t connect them to your car. With the Seeworld wireless GPS tracker, in fact, you don’t need to plug it into your car and enjoy the benefits of monitoring your car.

Does GPS work when the car is off?

Yes, GPS can work when your car is off. Drop us a message for more details.

Final Words

If you want to install a GPS car tracker but don’t want to deal with battery concerns, you now have choices. You can go for either plug-in car GPS trackers or hardwired connection GPS trackers.

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Does Car GPS Tracker Work Without Battery? [GPS Types & How They Work] - SEEWORLD (2024)

FAQs

Does Car GPS Tracker Work Without Battery? [GPS Types & How They Work] - SEEWORLD? ›

Yes, your car can be tracked without a battery. All wireless GPS trackers have their own built-in power and they can work even though you don't connect them to your car. With the Seeworld wireless GPS tracker, in fact, you don't need to plug it into your car and enjoy the benefits of monitoring your car.

Does the tracker work if the battery is disconnected? ›

Without a charged battery, the tracker cannot transmit its location to the server. If the battery is dead, the device will not work, and the tracker will stop transmitting its location. It is essential to ensure that the GPS tracker has sufficient power, either through a charged battery or a continuous power source.

Is there a GPS tracker without 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.

Does GPS work without a battery? ›

Some GPS tracking devices employ alternative energy sources to extend battery life or function independently of traditional batteries. The most notable alternative energy source used in GPS trackers is solar power.

Do trackers work when the engine is off? ›

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.

Can a car tracker work without a car battery? ›

Yes, your car can be tracked without a battery. All wireless GPS trackers have their own built-in power and they can work even though you don't connect them to your car. With the Seeworld wireless GPS tracker, in fact, you don't need to plug it into your car and enjoy the benefits of monitoring your car.

What happens when you unplug a car tracker? ›

However, when a GO device is unplugged, the device will keep the data for at least a month. Vehicle and driver data is stored in the internal memory, which does not require power to preserve records.

Can a cell phone detect a GPS tracker? ›

An unknown tracker alert is sent when someone else's tracker device is separated from them and if your Android phone detects the tracker is traveling with you and out of Bluetooth range from the owner. The notification alerts you to the tracker and tells you how to find it and what to do next.

How to outsmart GPS tracking? ›

Any electrically conductive metal will scramble a GPS device's signals. The simplest, cheapest, and easiest option is to simply wrap the GPS device in aluminum foil whenever you want your location to remain hidden.

How long do car GPS trackers last? ›

Average Lifespan of Car Trackers

Battery-powered trackers may have a shorter lifespan compared to wired or OBD-II trackers, ranging from 1 to 3 years on average, depending on battery capacity and usage frequency.

Can a tracker work without power? ›

With GPS tracking, you will need power. Typically a tracking device will draw its power from your car battery. If the battery is dead or disconnected you will needan alternative power source. There is also the dimension of how is the tracking device attached to your vehicle, is it fixed - meaning (A.)

Which tracking device has the longest range? ›

Satellite-based GPS trackers offer the most range among all device types. Since they communicate directly with satellites orbiting space, they are not limited by cellular coverage or proximity to the transmitting device.

How do I stop someone from tracking my car? ›

If you haven't been able to locate the GPS device, using a GPS blocker or jammer is another way to disable it. A GPS blocker will jam the signal so the unit will be unable to report. These devices use a rechargeable battery and will block all signals coming from the GPS tracking device.

Can you block a GPS tracker on your car? ›

So, vehicle tracking using GPS technology can be blocked using jamming devices that interfere with these transmissions. For instance, wrapping things like aluminum foil around the GPS receiver creates a Faraday Shield, which blocks the GPS signals.

How do I get rid of a GPS tracker on my car? ›

To remove a magnetic GPS tracker, locate the device, typically placed under the car or inside the wheel well. Since they are attached via magnets, simply pull the tracker off the metallic surface.

Can a phone be tracked if the battery is removed? ›

Can You Track Phone without Battery? No, you cannot track your phone without a battery. But you can track the last location of the phone before its battery had taken out using a GPS tracking app.

Is a disconnected battery still doing work? ›

Yes a car will still run with a disconnected negative battery cable if the alternator is good.

Can a tracker work if phone is off? ›

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.

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