Are GPS Trackers reliable?


GPS satellites broadcast their signals in space with a certain accuracy, but what you receive depends on additional factors, including satellite geometry, signal blockage, atmospheric conditions, and receiver design features/quality.

Do GPS trackers show the exact location?

Once installed, your GPS tracker will bounce information collected from the vehicle between satellites, computers, and receivers, to determine the vehicle's exact, real-time location. Other information that may be collected includes: Engine time. Geofencing status.

How far off can a GPS tracker be?

Typically, the information provided by GPS trackers is accurate to within three meters. However, any obstruction on the line of sight between the device and the sky can affect the accuracy of the location data it transmits, such as tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, or dense forests.

Can GPS tracker work without Internet?

GPS tracking on your phone works just as well without internet connectivity or cellular service. We are constantly surrounded by Global Positioning System signals from satellites orbiting the planet. Your phone is continuously tracking these signals to get an estimate of your location even when you are offline.

Do GPS trackers work everywhere?

Satellite-based GPS tracking units will operate anywhere on the globe using satellite technology such as GlobalStar or Iridium.

What blocks a GPS tracker?

The quick answer is that any sufficiently solid substance may easily block a GPS signal. The GPS signals can be scrambled by aluminum paper, concrete, or any wooden cover. GPS signals can pass through plastics and fiberglass, which is why GPS devices can maintain signal strength even while disguised within a car.

Can a GPS tracker be removed?

If you want to remove a hardwired GPS tracker from a car, the best option is to ask your local auto repair mechanic to help you out. They will ensure that the tracker is uninstalled properly and is viable for further use.

Can a GPS tracker stop a car?

It can help the police find your car to be returned to you. However, a GPS tracker won't stop your car from being stolen in the first place. That's why it's important to have a good anti-theft system in place as well. This way, you can deter thieves and make it more likely that your car will be returned to you.

How long can a GPS tracker work?

How long can a GPS tracker battery last? The battery life of the GPS tracker varies from one to another. But on average, a GPS device can also last up to 6-12 months without active tracking.

What is the difference between GPS and tracker?

The biggest difference between the two devices is that with the GPS Track Stick you will not know any information about where the Stick has been unless you have the device. Once you retrieve the device you can download exactly where the Tracking Stick has been.

Why is location tracking bad?

The downsides of location tracking Just as GPS trackers allow users to share their location with friends and family, they also allow users to inadvertently share their whereabouts with stalkers. This is particularly dangerous for children, especially as some apps give almost anyone permission to track their location.

How does GPS know exactly where you are?

GPS is a system of 30+ navigation satellites circling Earth. We know where they are because they constantly send out signals. A GPS receiver in your phone listens for these signals. Once the receiver calculates its distance from four or more GPS satellites, it can figure out where you are.

Can a cell phone be used as a GPS tracker?

Track Android with Third-Party Apps If you are unsatisfied with Google's Find My Device service, you can use other location-tracking apps to use your Android as a GPS tracker. Third-party GPS tracker apps can tell you the exact location of your smartphone.

Do cell phones have GPS?

All modern phones have an A-GPS chip in them, but not all phones use it. When you are looking for a new smartphone, ask if it has a full, autonomous Assisted GPS that is user-accessible. This is the best configuration for users, although only some phones support it. Some phones may offer only limited A-GPS.

Can a GPS tracker be hacked?

GPS trackers are significantly less vulnerable to hacking than, for example, smartphones or laptops. As GPS trackers' sole function is to process information emitted from GPS satellites, there is no outbound signal to be hacked, no phone call which can be infiltrated, or IP address that can be followed.

Do GPS trackers need battery?

Like hardwired systems, Plug and Play GPS trackers get their power from your vehicle's electrical system, so they don't require batteries either.

Where does GPS not work?

Walls, vehicle roofs, tall buildings, mountains, and other obstructions can block line of sight to GPS satellites. NOTE: A GPS signal is strongest under the clear sky. If you can't see the sky, you'll have a weak GPS signal and your position on the map might not be correct.

Can thieves disable GPS tracker?

Having a GPS car tracker is easily the best way to keep track of where your car is and to help get your car back if it is stolen. However, thieves will often try to find a GPS car tracker, so they can disable it and still get away with your car. Many people choose to plug their car tracking device into the OBD.

What is inside a GPS tracker?

Inside a GPS tracker is a small electronic silicon chip—about the size of a fingernail. The chip requires a source of power like a battery to receive signals, process the data, and send out the location information. That's why mobile phones, GPS watches, and tracker devices can perform these services.

Will aluminum foil block a GPS tracker?

Any electrically conductive metal will reflect and absorb the device's incoming and outgoing signals and interfere with its operation. Wrapping a GPS tracker in aluminum foil is enough to do the job—although copper and even silver work as well. This is an incredibly cheap and easy method of GPS jamming.

What powers a GPS tracker?

GPS tracking system technology uses the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network. This network incorporates a range of satellites that use microwave signals that are transmitted to GPS devices to give information on location, vehicle speed, time and direction.

Do trackers work when engine is off?

Yes, GPS trackers are hard-wired into your car so they will still work when it is stationary, when the engine is turned off, and if you haven't moved your car in a long time. Your car battery has power, so your GPS tracker can keep recording data.

How long does a GPS tracker last on a car?

OBD-II-powered and hardwired GPS trackers can last as long as the vehicle's battery—many, many years as long as the vehicle is driven at least every couple months or so—while internal battery-powered trackers have a limited lifespan.

Can a GPS tracker drain your car battery?

Does a car GPS tracker drain your car battery? Contrary to common belief, a car GPS tracker does not drain the battery of your vehicle. However, most people think that if their car battery is rapidly depleting, it is unlikely that the car tracker is to blame.

Does GPS tracker work without data or WIFI?

Can I use GPS without an Internet connection? Yes. On Android and iPhone devices, the google maps app can locate and follow you wherever you are without the internet or without data. The GPS on your smartphone is able to do both things at the same time.

What is the advantage of GPS tracker?

A GPS tracking system can alert management to unauthorized use via time-of-use restrictions and calendar templates. You can also reduce fuel spend by ensuring drivers are taking the most direct routes to jobs.