When you see "Your pet isn't wearing the tracker" in the app, it means your tracker has automatically entered a battery-saving mode because it hasn't moved for a while. This helps extend battery life when your tracker is sitting unused, like on a table or hanging with your dog's collar.
This feature is currently available only to dogs.
How automatic battery saving works
When it activates
Your tracker automatically enters this battery-saving mode when it's been stationary and detects it's not being worn. This typically happens when:
- Your dog's collar is hanging with the tracker on it
- The tracker is sitting on a table or cabinet
- The tracker is in a closet with your dog's vest or gear
Your tracker is smart enough to tell the difference. If your dog is wearing the tracker but just resting or sleeping, the tracker won't enter battery-saving mode. It only activates when the tracker truly isn't being worn.
You don't need to set anything up. Your tracker detects when it's off your pet and not moving, then saves battery automatically.
When it turns off
As soon as your tracker detects movement, it exits battery-saving mode automatically. Just pick up the tracker or put it back on your dog and it will resume normal tracking within moments.
What happens during battery-saving mode
To maximize battery savings, these happen when your tracker is in this mode:
- Location tracking is paused
- It can’t receive commands for LIVE, light, or sound
- The Tractive app shows "Your pet isn't wearing the tracker" on the Map
This is similar to how your tracker behaves in a Power Saving Zone, but it happens automatically based on movement instead of detecting your WiFi.
Your tracker uses whichever activates first. If your tracker detects the WiFi connections that you set up in your Power Saving Zones, it enters a battery-saving zone in Power Saving Zone. If it's stationary somewhere else, it enters automatic battery-saving mode. Both can't be active at the same time.
How to find your tracker in battery-saving mode
If for any reason you need to locate your tracker while it's in this mode, use Radar:
- From the Tractive mobile app, go to
Map.
- Select
Radar.
- Walk around your home looking for the tracker.
How Radar works: As you get closer to your tracker, more rings turn blue. As you move away, the rings turn white again. This helps you locate your tracker even when it's not actively tracking.
Why this helps you
Longer battery life without setup. Your tracker automatically saves battery when not in use, without needing to set up Power Saving Zones.
Perfect for part-time wear. If your dog only wears their tracker during walks or outdoor time (not 24/7), this feature optimizes battery life for all the hours the tracker sits unused.
Works anywhere. Unlike Power Saving Zones that require setup, automatic battery saving works anywhere your tracker is stationary, whether at home, in your car, or somewhere else.
Important to know
Available for dogs only. This feature is currently available only for trackers linked to dogs, not cats.
Your tracker automatically resumes tracking when moved. Just pick it up or put it back on your dog. No manual action needed.
Can't send updates while in this mode. To save maximum battery, your tracker pauses all communication while stationary. It will update as soon as it detects movement.
Use Radar to locate it. If you can't remember where you left your tracker, Radar mode helps you find it even while it's in power-saving mode.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my tracker show "Your pet isn't wearing the tracker"?
Your tracker has detected it's not being worn and has been stationary for a while, so it automatically entered power-saving mode to extend battery life. This is normal and helps your battery last longer when the tracker isn't in use.
Will this mode activate if my dog is just sleeping or resting?
No. Your tracker can tell the difference between being off your pet and being worn by a sleeping or resting dog. Battery saving only activates when the tracker truly isn't being worn.
How do I turn this off?
Just move the tracker or put it back on your dog. It will automatically exit power-saving mode and resume tracking.
Will my tracker still track my dog while in battery-saving mode?
No, the tracker pauses tracking while in this mode to save battery. As soon as you put it back on your dog and it detects movement, it will resume tracking automatically.
Why don't I see this feature for my cat's tracker?
This feature is currently only available for dogs. You can set up a Power Saving Zone instead.
Can my tracker use both Tracker Off Pet and Power Saving Zones?
Your tracker will use whichever activates first. If it's where you set up Power Saving Zones and it detects the WiFi, it enters a Power Saving Zone. If it's stationary somewhere else (or if Power Saving Zones aren't set up), it enters automatic battery-saving mode.
Need help?
How long does the tracker battery last? → What is the expected battery life?
Reduce location updates to extend battery? → Enable Low Power Mode
Questions about battery life? → How to prolong battery life