If driver locations aren't updating as expected, this is usually due to a combination of factors such as your device's operating system, device model, and device settings — not the Detrack app.
Why location tracking issues happens
GPS tracking continues in the background as long as the Detrack app has been started and not exited, and your device has sufficient battery. However, tracking will pause or stop if the device enters power saving mode, or if the app is fully exited rather than simply backgrounded.
This behaviour varies across devices, operating systems, and manufacturers — what triggers power saving mode on one device may differ from another.
How to fix it
There are a few steps you can take to keep location tracking active:
Start the Detrack app and keep the app running. Make sure tracking has been started in the Detrack app before beginning a shift. Do not fully exit the app — it can run in the background with the screen off, as long as the conditions below are met.
Have the correct permissions. Always (iOS) and Allow all the time (Android) allow the app to function in the background; any other permissions will limit tracking functionality and may cause data loss.
Turn off power saving mode. Power saving mode suspends background GPS even when battery is above 30% — the exact threshold varies by device, OS, and manufacturer. Check your battery settings and disable power saving mode before starting a shift.
Check your connection. Always check your connection. We will save the previous tracking data to an extent, but prolonged disconnection will risk data loss.
Mind your storage space. The app requires appropriate storage to store images and tracking information. Be sure you have enough disk space to avoid losing data
Keep the device charging. Plug the device into a car charger or connect a backup battery pack. This prevents the battery from dropping to levels that trigger automatic power saving, and keeps the device running throughout a shift.
Keep a navigation app running. Running Google Maps or Apple Maps alongside Detrack signals to the OS that active navigation is in progress, which can help keep GPS alive on certain devices.
Note for Android users: Some Android devices have aggressive battery optimisation settings that go beyond standard power saving mode. If location tracking is unreliable, check your device's battery optimisation settings and exclude the Detrack app from optimisation. The exact steps vary by manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, etc.). Additionally, exiting the app will completely kill the tracking service.
Note for iOS users: The app must be in the Foreground or background, and meet the above requirements. Failing one or more of the requirements will lead to data loss and decreased functionality. Additionally, exiting the app will completely kill the tracking service.
For fleet administrators
Detrack logs charging status and screen state alongside location data. If a location gap appears in a route, these logs can help confirm whether a device went to sleep or entered power saving mode — useful context for resolving delivery disputes.
For fleets that require high-accuracy or compliance-grade tracking, a dedicated vehicle telematics device (such as Motive) may be worth considering. These run independently of the driver's phone and aren't affected by OS battery management.
Still having issues?
If you've followed the steps above and location is still not tracking reliably, contact Detrack Support with the affected job IDs and the approximate time window. Our team can review the route logs and help diagnose the problem.