Step-by-Step Checks
1
Confirm the device is powered on
Make sure your tracker is switched on and showing an active LED indicator. Refer to the quick-start guide included with your device for the exact LED colour and flash pattern that confirms the unit is powered and initialising.
2
Move to an open-sky location
Take the device outside or position it near a window with an unobstructed view of the sky. GPS signals cannot pass through concrete, metal, or dense building materials, so the tracker must have a clear line of sight to satellites to obtain its first fix.
3
Wait 3–5 minutes for the initial GPS fix
Brand-new devices or trackers that have been powered off for a long period need a few minutes to acquire a GPS signal for the first time. This is completely normal. Leave the device in an open-sky location and wait before checking the app again.
4
Refresh the app's map view
Pull down on the map screen to trigger a manual refresh, or close the app fully and reopen it. This forces the app to fetch the latest position from the server rather than displaying a cached state.
5
Confirm your subscription is active
A tracker without an active subscription cannot transmit location data. If you are unsure whether your plan is active, email support@shieldgps.co and the team will check for you.
6
Check you are logged into the correct account
Ensure you are signed in to the same ShieldGPS account you used when activating the device at shieldgps.co/activate. Logging in with a different email address will show an empty device list even if the tracker is working correctly.
Underground car parks, metal-roofed buildings, and dense urban canyons can block GPS signals temporarily. If your tracker is in one of these environments, move it to an open area and allow a few minutes for the position to update.