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How to charge your tracker

Your tracker needs regular charging to keep tracking your pet. Here's how to charge it based on your tracker model.

 

Before you start

Make sure you have:

  • Your tracker
  • The charging cable that came with your tracker
  • A power source (USB port or 5V adapter)

Only use 5V adapters to charge your tracker. Higher voltage chargers can damage your tracker's battery.

 

 

Charge your tracker

Choose your tracker model below and follow the steps.

 

DOG 6, DOG 6 XL

The DOG 6 and DOG 6 XL use a USB-C cable to charge.

Tractive DOG 6 being connected to a USB-C charging cable, with the bottom LED strip lighting up white to indicate charging
  1. Open the protective charging port cover.
  2. Plug the USB-C cable into the charging port.
  3. Connect the other end of the cable to a power source.

The bottom LED will light up as it charges. If this doesn’t happen, unplug the USB-C cable, flip it 180°, and plug it back in.

The tracker is fully charged when the whole LED bar is lit. A full charge takes about 2 hours.

 

CAT 6 Mini

The CAT 6 Mini uses a magnetic charger. You don't need to remove the tracker from the collar to charge it.

CAT 6 Mini tracker charging with magnetic charger while still attached to cat collar, showing magnetic connection points aligned
  1. Align the charger with the back of the tracker. The magnetic charging points on the charger will snap into place on the tracker.
  2. Plug the USB end of the charger into a USB port or 5V adapter.

 

CAT Mini

The CAT Mini uses a clip charger that attaches to the tracker.

Animation showing how to press the Tractive CAT Mini tracker into the charging dock until it clicks, with the LED turning red while charging and green when fully charged
  1. Press the tracker firmly into the charger, aligning the gold dots.
  2. You should hear a click when it’s connected.
  3. A red light shows while charging; it turns green when done. Charging takes about 1 hour.
  4. To remove, press through the gap on the back of the charger.

 

DOG XL Adventure

The DOG XL Adventure uses a magnetic charger.

Attaching the magnetic charger to the DOG XL Adventure Edition, making sure the gold contacts are aligned
  1. Firmly clip the charger onto the back of the tracker with the magnetic, gold charging points. The tracker will turn on when you charge it.
  2. Connect the charger to a power source. The approximate charging time is 4.5 hours.
  3. Pull slightly to disconnect the tracker from the charging cable.

 

GPS DOG 4 and DOG LTE, GPS CAT 4 and CAT LTE

The GPS DOG 4/DOG LTE and GPS CAT 4/CAT LTE can be charged either wih a clip or magnetic charger.

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This tracker can use either a clip charger or a magnetic charger. See the right instructions for your charger.


Before first using the device, be sure to charge the tracker for at least two hours.

Clip charger

This is not a tracker case. Only use the clip when charging the tracker.

TRNJA_clip-on-charger.gif
  1. To attach the clip to the tracker, hold the clip so that its hole lines up with the tracker light.
  2. Before firmly attaching the clip, align the two gold points on both the tracker and the clip.
  3. Attach the provided USB cable to the clip. Only use the cable that came with your tracker.
  4. Connect the cable to a power source. Charging takes about three hours.
  5. Remove the tracker from the clip once charging is complete.

Magnetic charger

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  1. Clip the charger onto the end of the tracker with the gold charging points. You should hear a click. See how in this magnetic charger video.
  2. Connect to a power source. Charging takes about three hours.
  3. Pull gently to disconnect after charging.

 

Frequently asked questions

How often should I charge my tracker?

It depends on how you use it. If you use LIVE Tracking often, you'll need to charge more frequently. The Tractive app will notify you when the battery is running low.

See our article How long does my tracker's battery last? for information on battery life and what affects it.

Can I charge my tracker overnight?

Yes. The tracker stops charging automatically when the battery is full, so it's safe to leave it plugged in overnight.

My tracker isn't charging. What should I do?

First, make sure you're using a 5V adapter (not a higher voltage charger). Then try these steps:

  • For DOG 6: Try flipping the USB-C cable and plugging it in the other way.
  • For CAT Mini: Make sure the tracker clicked into the charger properly. Press firmly until you hear a click.
  • For CAT 6 Mini and DOG XL Adventure: Make sure the magnetic charger is aligned correctly. Try flipping it to the other side.
  • For all models: Try a different USB port or adapter.

If your tracker still won't charge, check out My tracker won’t charge for things to try.

Can I use my phone charger to charge my tracker?

Only if it's a 5V adapter. Check the adapter for the voltage rating. Using higher voltage chargers (like fast chargers) can damage your tracker's battery.

Where can I buy a replacement charging cable?

You can order replacement charging cables from tractive.com. Make sure to select the right cable for your tracker model.

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