Battery life varies from 2 to 30 days depending on your tracker model and how you use it. The better your cellular coverage and the more you use Power Saving Zones, the longer your battery lasts.
Battery life by tracker model
Here's how long each tracker typically lasts between charges:
| Tracker model | Battery Capacity |
With Power Saving Zone |
Without Power Saving Zone |
|
DOG 6 Mini, CAT 6 Mini |
450 mAh | up to 7 days | up to 4 days |
|
DOG 6 |
930 mAh | up to 14 days | up to 6 days |
|
DOG 6 XL DOG 6 XL Adventure |
2150 mAh | up to 6 weeks | up to 20 days |
|
CAT Mini |
450 mAh | up to 5 days | 2 days |
|
DOG XL XL Adventure |
3000 mAh | 8-30 days | 5-15 days |
|
GPS DOG 4 CAT 4 |
810 mAh | up to 10 days | 2-5 days |
| Older models | depends on model | Power Saving Zones not available |
2-5 days |
These are estimates based on typical use. Your actual battery life may be shorter or longer depending on cellular coverage, GPS signal, and how often you use features like LIVE Tracking.
What affects battery life
Cellular coverage quality
Better cellular signal = longer battery life. When your tracker has strong cellular coverage, it uses less power to send location data. In areas with weak signals, your tracker works harder to stay connected, which drains the battery faster.
GPS signal strength
Your tracker needs GPS satellites to determine location. In areas with limited GPS access (dense forests, urban canyons, indoors), your tracker uses more power trying to get a GPS fix.
How you use your tracker
Uses more battery:
- LIVE Tracking (updates every 2-3 seconds)
- Tracking in areas with poor cellular coverage
- Tracking in areas with weak GPS signal
- No Power Saving Zones set up
Saves battery:
- Regular tracking mode (vs. LIVE Tracking)
- Power Saving Zones at home
- Low Power Mode
- Automatic battery saving (when the tracker isn’t in use, for dogs only)
- Areas with good cellular and GPS coverage
How to make your battery last longer
Set up Power Saving Zones (biggest impact)
Power Saving Zones can double or even triple your battery life. When your tracker detects your home WiFi, it pauses GPS tracking to save power.
Learn how to set up a Power Saving Zone
Don't have WiFi? Use a Tractive Base Station instead.
Enable Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode reduces how often your tracker updates location (every 30-60 minutes). This saves battery while you still get regular updates. You’ll see a less detailed path on the app, but location accuracy remains the same.
Good for: Situations where you want to conserve battery but still track your pet, like during long outdoor adventures or when battery is running low.
Learn how to enable Low Power Mode
Use LIVE Tracking only when needed
Regular tracking mode provides location updates every few minutes, which is enough for everyday monitoring. Save LIVE Tracking (2-3 second updates) for when your pet is actually on the move or lost.
For dogs: Automatic battery saving
If your dog doesn't wear their tracker 24/7, it automatically enters battery-saving mode when not being worn. No setup needed.
Learn more about automatic battery saving
Keep the tracker firmware updated
Software updates sometimes include battery optimizations. Keep your tracker updated for the best performance.
Understanding Power Saving Zones
A Power Saving Zone is a WiFi-based area where your tracker pauses GPS tracking to save battery. This is typically set up at home, where you don't need constant location updates.
How it works:
- Your tracker detects your home WiFi
- GPS tracking pauses automatically
- When your pet leaves (WiFi out of range), tracking resumes
What this means: You might need to charge more often if your pet is on the go a lot, since the battery-saving happens mainly at home.
Learn more about Power Saving Zones
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my tracker's battery level?
Open the Tractive app and look at the battery icon next to your pet's name. It shows the current battery percentage. You'll also get a notification when the battery is low.
How long does it take to fully charge?
Most trackers fully charge in 2-3 hours. The app will show when charging is complete.
Why does my battery drain faster than the estimates?
Common reasons include poor cellular coverage, frequent LIVE Tracking use, weak GPS signal, or not using Power Saving Zones. Check your cellular coverage and consider setting up Power Saving Zones.
Is it bad to let the battery die completely?
For best battery health, charge your tracker when you get the low battery notification rather than waiting until it's completely dead.
Does LIVE Tracking drain the battery much faster?
Yes. LIVE Tracking updates every 2-3 seconds, which uses significantly more power than regular tracking mode. Use it when you need real-time updates, but switch back to regular mode afterward.
Will my battery life get worse over time?
Yes. Lithium batteries perform less well in extreme cold, which can temporarily reduce battery life. This is normal and battery performance returns when temperatures normalize.
Does cold weather affect battery life?
Yes. Lithium batteries perform less well in extreme cold, which can temporarily reduce battery life. This is normal and battery performance returns when temperatures normalize.
Can I use a different charging cable?
Use only the official Tractive charging cable. Other cables may not fit properly or could damage your tracker.
Important to know
Battery life varies significantly based on usage and coverage. The estimates in the table assume typical use with good cellular coverage. Your experience may differ.
Power Saving Zones make the biggest difference. Setting up a zone at home can double or triple your battery life.
Charge regularly. Don't wait for your tracker to die completely. Charge when you get the low battery notification for optimal battery health.