Your tracker uses Bluetooth to improve tracking accuracy, deliver software updates, and enable features like Radar and Health Monitoring. All you need to do is keep Bluetooth turned on in your phone's settings.
What you need to do
Turn on Bluetooth in your phone's settings
Refer to your device’s documentation and to turn on Bluetooth.
That's it. You don't need to manually pair your tracker with your phone in your device's Bluetooth settings. The Tractive mobile app handles the connection automatically.
Don't pair the tracker via your phone's Bluetooth settings to avoid sync issues.
Enhanced accuracy on Android
If you’re on an Android device, you might see a red exclamation icon in the app on Account > Enhance Accuracy. If you do:
- Make sure your tracker is near your mobile device and turned on.
- On the app, go to Enhance Accuracy.
- Under Device Pairing, select Allow.
- The app will then look for nearby trackers.
- Select the tracker that you’d like to allow.
Pairing is optional, but we recommend it for the best experience. It keeps you connected to your tracker even when the app is closed, makes Bluetooth features like Radar respond faster, and helps the app start up more quickly.
This is different from manual pairing. The app manages this connection for you. You don't need to go into your phone's Bluetooth settings.
Benefits of keeping Bluetooth on
🛰️ Enhanced tracking accuracy
Bluetooth improves your tracker's position accuracy by using your phone's built-in GPS receiver. This is especially helpful in areas with poor cellular coverage, as your tracker can still update its position as long as your phone is nearby, giving you more precise location data.
📱 Faster software updates
Your tracker receives regular software updates to improve performance and add new features. With Bluetooth on, these updates are delivered via pop-up notifications in the app, so you can quickly and easily update your tracker.
Learn how to update your tracker
🛜 Background connectivity
When you pair your device through the app (if prompted), your tracker can send updates even when the app is closed. This means you'll get notifications faster and maintain better connectivity with your tracker throughout the day.
🔎 Radar mode
Radar mode uses your phone's Bluetooth to detect if you're getting closer to or moving farther from your pet when both devices are within Bluetooth range. This helps you locate your pet indoors or in areas where GPS accuracy may be reduced due to tall buildings, forests, or weather.
💤 Health Monitoring
Bluetooth syncs your pet's activity and sleep data from the tracker to your phone, so you can monitor their movement and sleep patterns in the app.
Learn more about Health Monitoring
Important to know
Just turn Bluetooth on, don't manually pair. You only need to enable Bluetooth in your device settings. The Tractive app automatically connects to your tracker. Don't manually pair the tracker in your device’s Bluetooth settings, as this can interfere with the app's connection.
App pairing prompts are safe to accept. If the app asks to pair your device with your tracker, this is managed entirely by the app and enables background updates. This is different from manual pairing in your phone's settings.
Bluetooth needs to stay on. For the best tracking experience and to use all tracker features, keep Bluetooth enabled at all times.
Battery impact is minimal. Modern Bluetooth (Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE) uses very little battery power, so you can keep it on without significantly affecting your phone's battery life.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pair my tracker in my phone's Bluetooth settings?
No. Just turn Bluetooth on in your settings. The Tractive app connects to your tracker automatically. Don't manually pair the tracker in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
What if I see a pairing request in the Tractive app?
You can select Allow to enable background connectivity. This lets your tracker send updates even when the app is closed. The app manages this pairing for you automatically.
Will having Bluetooth on drain my phone's battery?
No. Bluetooth Low Energy uses minimal battery power. The benefits of having Bluetooth on for your tracker far outweigh the small battery impact.
Can I use my tracker without Bluetooth?
Yes, your tracker will still work. However, you'll miss out on enhanced accuracy, Radar, Health Wellness Monitoring sync, and faster software updates.
What's the difference between turning Bluetooth on and the pairing prompt in the app?
Turning Bluetooth on enables the basic connection between your phone and tracker. The app pairing prompt (if you see one) adds the ability to receive updates when the app is closed in the background. Both are managed by the Tractive app, not your phone's settings.
What if I don't see a pairing prompt?
The enhanced accuracy prompt is only available on Android. If you’re on an iOS device, just keep Bluetooth turned on and your tracker will work normally.