You can check your tracker's battery level anytime in the Tractive app. The battery icon next to your pet's name shows how much charge is left.
Where to see battery level
In the Tractive app
- Open the Tractive mobile app.
- Select your pet (if you have multiple).
- Look at the top of the screen next to your pet's name.
- The battery icon shows the current battery percentage.
Example: If the battery icon shows 45%, your tracker has 45% battery remaining.
On the tracker
If you have one of these tracker models, you can also check battery status using the LED lights on your device:
- DOG 6
- DOG 6 Mini
- DOG 6 XL
- DOG 6 XL Adventure
- CAT 6 Mini
A short press on the power button will light up the bottom LED bar white. How far along the strip lights up indicates how much battery is left.
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Press the power button briefly to check your tracker's battery status.
When battery level might not be current
The battery level you see in the app is the last reported level from your tracker. If your tracker doesn't have network coverage or has already died, the app shows the battery level from the last time it connected.
What this means
Your tracker might show 15% battery in the app. But in reality, the battery has drained to 0% since it last communicated with the app.
This can happen if the tracker is in an area with no cellular coverage or if the battery died before it could send an update.
How to update the battery level
- Get your mobile device near the tracker so the battery level updates via Bluetooth range.
- Make sure your tracker has cellular coverage. Once it reconnects, the battery level will update to show the actual charge.
Low battery notifications
You'll get notified when your tracker's battery is running low, so you know when it's time to charge.
Notification thresholds by tracker model
| Tracker model | Low battery warning | Critical battery warning |
|
DOG 6 Mini, CAT 6 Mini |
20% | 10% |
|
DOG 6 |
10% | 5% |
|
DOG 6 XL DOG 6 XL Adventure |
10% | 5% |
|
CAT Mini |
20% | 10% |
|
DOG XL XL Adventure |
5% | 3% |
| Older models | 10% | 5% |
Make sure push notifications are enabled in your phone settings to receive these alerts.
Learn how to enable notifications
What to do when battery is low
When you get a low battery notification:
- Charge as soon as possible to avoid your tracker dying.
- Don't wait for a critical battery level. Charge at the first low battery warning.
- Fully charge before use. A full charge ensures optimal battery performance.
If you can't charge right away: Your tracker will continue working until the battery is completely drained. Avoid using LIVE Tracking to conserve remaining battery.
Tip: Charge your tracker overnight or while your pet is resting at home, so it's ready for the next day.
Charging indicators
While your tracker is charging, you'll see:
- A lightning bolt icon going through the battery icon in the app
- The battery percentage increasing in the app
- A red blinking LED light on the tracker
Once the battery is full, you’ll see:
- Battery showing 100% in the app
- Lightning bolt icon disappears in the app
- App notification that the battery is full
- A green steady LED light on the tracker (or light turns off for older models)
Frequently asked questions
Why does my battery drain faster some days?
Battery life depends on cellular coverage and how often you use LIVE Tracking. Poor cellular signal or frequent LIVE Tracking sessions drain the battery faster.
How can I make my battery last longer?
Set up Power Saving Zones at home, use LIVE Tracking only when needed, and ensure your tracker has good cellular coverage.
Do Power Saving Zones work with all trackers?
Most trackers support Power Saving Zones. Check your tracker model's features to confirm.
What if I don't have WiFi at home?
You can use a Tractive Base Station instead of WiFi to create Power Saving Zones. Learn about Tractive Base Station.
Does cold weather affect battery life?
Yes. Extreme cold can temporarily reduce battery performance. This is normal for all lithium batteries.
How do I know when to charge my tracker?
You'll get a low battery notification in the app when your tracker needs charging. The battery icon in the app also shows the current battery level.
Can I use a different charger?
Use only the official Tractive charging cable that came with your tracker. Other cables may not work or could damage your tracker.
Does using health features drain the battery faster?
Health monitoring features have minimal impact on battery life. The biggest factors are cellular coverage and GPS tracking frequency.
Important to know
Battery life estimates are based on typical usage. Your actual battery life may vary depending on cellular coverage, how often you use LIVE Tracking, and whether you have Power Saving Zones set up.
Better cellular signal = longer battery life. Your tracker uses less power when it has a strong cellular connection.
Power Saving Zones make the biggest difference. Setting up a Power Saving Zone at home can more than double your battery life.
Charge before it dies completely. For optimal battery health, charge your tracker when you get the low battery notification rather than waiting until it's completely dead.