GPS/Location Services on mobile devices can be a useful feature that can help us in everyday tasks such as navigation, maps, etc. but can feel frustrating when they do not work as we expect them to. Apps such as ExakTime Mobile do not create their own GPS/location data, so apps must rely on the GPS data provided by the device.
With ExakTime Mobile, there are instances where certain functions of ExakTime Mobile will not respond as expected. This can result in warnings such as Location Services Required or "Need Clear View of the Sky". We have a couple of things we suggest checking to see what could be affecting location service information and accuracy.
External Factors
Some factors can prevent location service information such as, but not limited to:
- Clocking in/out while the mobile device is trying to improve the accuracy of the location data.
- Environmental factors such as mountains or tall buildings can block satellite signals from reaching the mobile device.
- Satellite signals are reflected off nearby buildings/walls.
- Being indoors or underground.
- Radio interference.
It is best for the employee to make sure that they have a clear view of the sky to improve the accuracy of location service data.
Location Service Accuracy
To promote user privacy with apps, newer phone operating systems now offer the option to limit the accuracy of location services information with precision and approximate data. While we try to only allow precision GPS data to be used, operating systems can offer different options that we are not able to account for.
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy.
- Go to Location Services.
- Look for and tap ExakTime.
- Enable Precise Location.
The steps for Android may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer. The steps below are based on Samsung and may differ, but the overall idea is consistent.
- Open your App Drawer
- Press Settings
- Press Apps (May also be called Applications, App Manager, etc.)
- Press ExakTime
- Press Permissions
- Press Locations
- Enable Use precise location
Location Permissions
Certain warnings from ExakTime Mobile can appear due to ExakTime Mobile not having permission to access location services.
This can result in certain functions not working as expected such as and not limited to:
- GeoFence warnings and restrictions.
- Not being able to clock in if Location Services/GPS fix is required.
Location services is a service that allows apps permission to receive GPS information from the phone to help determine where the device is located.
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy.
- Go to Location Services.
- Look for and tap ExakTime.
- Select the appropriate location services option for GeoTrakker. We recommend selecting "Always".
- Enable the necessary permissions.
The steps for Android may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer. The steps below are based on Samsung and may differ, but the overall idea is consistent.
- Open your App Drawer
- Press Settings
- Press Apps (May also be called Applications, App Manager, etc.)
- Press ExakTime
- Press Permissions
- Enable the necessary permission
Location Services Enabled
While ExakTime Mobile may have permission to access GPS information, the location services may not be enabled for us to utilize.
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy.
- Go to Location Services.
- Turn on Location Services if it is not already turned on.
The steps for Android may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer. The steps below are based on Samsung and may differ, but the overall idea is consistent.
From Settings
- Open your App Drawer
- Press Settings
- Press Location
- Enable Location Services
From Notification Menu
- Swipe down from the top of the screen towards the bottom to open your notification drawer.
- Swipe through the options until you see the Location icon/button
.
- Tap or hold down the icon to turn on Location Services.
Battery Saver Modes
iOS offers a power saver mode that will limit certain device functions but should not affect location services.
Newer versions of Android and device manufacturers offer a variety of options to help increase the battery life of devices with options like battery saver. This can result in certain device features being disabled, such as Wi-Fi, cellular data, and/or location services. Some versions of Android will automatically enable battery saver mode
The steps for Android may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer. The steps below are based on Samsung and may differ, but the overall idea is consistent.
- Open your App Drawer
- Press Settings
- Press Battery and device care
- Press Battery
- Turn off Power saving if possible