How Xplora devices determine location
Xplora devices determine location using three different sources:
- GPS/GNSS – This is the most accurate method, using satellites to pinpoint the device’s location. GPS signal works best outdoors, but can be limited indoors or in dense urban areas.
- WiFi and Cell tower positioning – When GPS is unavailable, the device checks for nearby WiFi and cell antenna signals to estimate the location. This method is less precise, but particularly useful in indoor settings where GPS signals may be weak.
❗ The watch needs a working SIM-card with mobile data connection to update its location.
Map features
Location tracking
Xplora devices regularly send location updates, so you are always informed about your child's whereabouts. You can view the latest updates for each device linked to your guardian account in the Maps section.
The app automatically refreshes the location in the background whenever your child changes position. You can also tap the ↻ button to manually update the last location or activate Live Tracking to follow their movements in real time.
💡 If the location seems stuck, try restarting the watch to trigger a new update.
Live Tracking
Want more frequent updates for a short time? You can enable Tracking to get frequent location updates. When activated, the watch will send frequent location updates for up to 30 minutes, giving you a more detailed view of your child’s movements in real time.
⚠️ Live tracking uses more battery and mobile data, which is why it's limited to 30 minutes at a time and should be used only when needed. To ensure your child’s safety without draining the battery too quickly, the watch will automatically search for location updates every few minutes when live tracking is not active.
Location History
In the Map view of the Xplora app, you can also check your child’s location history from the past 3 days. This feature shows all the locations the device has recorded during that time, and you can easily switch between the days to review your child’s movements.
❗Remember that location data is only stored for 72 hours and is automatically deleted after that period.
Safety zones
Safety Zones let you define specific areas where your child should be. You'll get notified when the watch enters or leaves one of these zones. Learn how to set up safety zones.
Can I turn off location updates to save battery?
No. Location tracking cannot be disabled manually. However, the system is already optimised to reduce battery use with smart location updates.
If the watch doesn’t last a full day, there could be other factors affecting battery life. Check this article for guidance.
Which factors impact the availability or accuracy of the location?
The precision of the location is influenced by both the network provider and the geographical context of the area where the watch is being used:
✓Providers with broader network coverage and settings compatible with Xplora offer more reliable location tracking compared to smaller network operators or secondary providers.
✓Location accuracy can be affected by other factors like tall buildings, thick trees, or being indoors, which can block GPS signals. In these cases, the device will automatically use Wi-Fi or mobile networks to estimate the location.
My smartphone has excellent coverage, while my watch can't reach the network
Like all smartwatches, Xplora watches have smaller antennas than regular smartphones because they're designed to be compact and worn on the body. Additionally, to comply with safety standards, these watches have stricter requirements for electromagnetic radiation, which can result in weaker signal reception than your phone.
💡If you use different providers at home, you can test the SIM cards you're already using in other devices to check if your provider’s coverage is strong enough for the watch.
The app displays a distant point as my watch's location
Check this article for guidance
The location accuracy of the watch is not good or the location is not available at all
Xplora watches are smartwatches with a GPS feature, but they are not designed to be tracking devices. As much as we would like to, there may be instances where the location is not always available or entirely accurate.
There are a few reasons why the location might not be accurate or available:
-
GPS works best outdoors. If the watch is indoors or something is blocking the signal, GPS might be weak or unavailable. Try moving to an open area with a clear view of the sky, and update the location from different spots to help the device get a better signal.
- If there’s no GPS signal, nearby Wi-Fi, or cell towers, the watch won’t be able to show the location. It will keep trying to update the location once any of these sources become available again. To help fix this, try moving to a different spot and tap the ↻ button in the app. Restarting the watch can also help it reconnect and update the location.
- If location updates are inconsistent, it might be due to using a provider that's not fully compatible with the watch. Check our article for recommended providers.
💡 To check signal strength and data, swipe down on the watch's main screen. A full signal bar means you have service, and a 4G icon shows a data connection.
Final reminder 🤗
Xplora watches are made to support your child’s independence, while staying connected with you, but they're not designed to function as high-precision tracking devices.
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