Having trouble connecting your Tractive to set up a Power Saving Zone? Here are some steps you can follow to get things working smoothly.
Make sure you have good network coverage
Your tracker communicates with satellites and the Tractive app using cell service. For best results, place your tracker close to a window, balcony, or another spot with fewer walls or obstacles. This helps your tracker get a stronger cellular signal to complete the setup.
What to do if you see an “unstable connection” message
If a message saying “unstable connection” appears during setup, it means your tracker’s cell signal is a bit weak. Try these steps:
- Quickly press the power button 10 times until the LED blinks blue (and then a different color).
- Once you see the blue flash, wait one minute for your tracker to fully reset and restart.
- Try the Power Saving Zone setup again near a window or where there’s good cellular coverage.
Check your Wi-Fi settings
Using a FRITZ!Box router? FRITZ!Box routers’ default settings often prevent Tractive from detecting your Wi-Fi. To fix this, check out Set up a Power Saving Zone with FRITZ!Box routers for things to try.
Tractive Power Saving Zone works with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi that uses the 802.11b standard.
- If your tracker can see other networks but not yours, your router may not be set to use 2.4 GHz or might not support the 802.11b standard.
- Look in your Wi-Fi router’s manual for how to switch to 2.4 GHz mode and enable 802.11b.
Tips for setting up your network for smart devices like Tractive
Here are some easy ways to keep your network fast while getting your tracker connected:
- If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, give each a different name (e.g., "HomeWiFi_2.4" and "HomeWiFi_5").
- In your router’s settings, set the 2.4 GHz band to allow 802.11b. You can leave the 5 GHz band set to newer, faster modes for everything else.
- Avoid enabling “legacy mode” for your whole network. Enable it just on the 2.4 GHz network if needed.
Check your Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
The Tractive tracker needs to see your Wi-Fi network to connect.
- Your Wi-Fi name (SSID) should be visible. This is the default setting for most home networks.
- If your Tractive can’t find your network, check your router settings to be sure the SSID is not hidden.
Try using your mobile hotspot
Still can’t set up your Power Saving Zone?
- On your phone, turn on the mobile hotspot and use it as your Wi-Fi during setup.
- See if the setup works with the hotspot. This helps figure out if your home Wi-Fi is the cause.
What to do if you still can't set up a Power Saving Zone
If you've tried all the steps but still can’t set up a Power Saving Zone, you have two main options:
Try a Tractive Base Station
Sometimes, your Wi-Fi setup can make it tricky to use a Power Saving Zone. The Tractive Base Station is designed to solve this problem. Learn how to set up one from our article How to use the Tractive Base Station.
Contact our support team
Click Contact Us below and include the following details to help us assist you faster:
- The SSID (Wi-Fi name) and model of your router (usually on a sticker on the router)
- Whether your Tractive detects any Wi-Fi networks nearby
- If the setup worked with your mobile hotspot
- A screenshot of any message you see when trying to set up the Power Saving Zone