Troubleshooting Geofence in the Ring App
If you’re having problems with Geofence, this article can help you identify the cause and get you back on track.
Most issues with Geofence can be fixed by checking and adjusting your mobile device’s settings. To work properly, the feature needs a consistent, reliable network connection and the correct level of access to your iOS or Android device's Location Settings.
Poor network connectivity
If you physically cross your geofence boundary in an area where you have poor internet coverage, geofence-based events can be delayed despite you having successfully crossed a boundary.
In Geofence settings, adjust the position of your geofence to cover an area where you will have stronger internet coverage. If you have set up a geofence on a wifi only device, be aware that the range of your wifi network may not reach the edges of your geofence boundary.
Location sharing is disabled
Your Ring app is not being informed by your mobile device when you enter or exit a geofence. Check to see that the Ring app has the appropriate location permissions in your iOS or Android settings.
On Android:
- Go toSettings.
- TapPermissions.
- TapLocation.
- ChooseAllow all the timeorAlways(options may vary depending on your Android version).
On iOS:
- Go toSettings, then scroll down and tapRingapp in the app list.
- TapLocation.
- ChooseAlways.
- If your device is on iOS 14 or higher, ensure thatPrecise Locationis also enabled for the Ring app.
Airplane mode is on
When Airplane mode is enabled, cellular and wifi connections are disabled automatically. As a result, your device may not be able to detect that a geofence boundary has been crossed.
On iOS:
- Go toSettings.
- Check that theAirplane Modetoggleat the top of the list is set to theOffposition.
On Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Check that theAirplane Modetoggleis set to theOffposition.
Battery savers and power optimizers
iOS and Android offer functionality to help extend battery life. This can limit how often location changes are reported to apps by the mobile device, as well as how often apps are allowed to communicate in the background with the internet.
For the Geofence feature to work, the Ring app must both be informed of major location changes by your iOS or Android device and be able to promptly communicate with Ring servers to take action on your Geofence settings.
On iOS:
Check to make sure that low battery mode is disabled.
- Go toSettings.
- TapBattery.
- EnsureLow Power Modeis in the off (disabled) position.
Ensure that “Background App Refresh” and “Cellular Data” are both enabled for the Ring app.
- Go toSettings.
- Select theRingapp from the list at the bottom.
Check any third-party apps that could be limiting the Ring app’s functionality, such as VPNs.
On Android:
Please note that some device manufacturers introduce unique applications and settings to the Android operating system on their devices. The following list may not fully cover all areas where your device may be interfering with timely geofence activations. Depending on your device and version of the Android operating system, some settings may be in a different location than what is described, may not have an impact, or may not be available.
Check App info
- InAndroid system settings, go to the Ring app (either by searching for it or by tappingApps & Notifications,See all apps, thenRing).
- InMobile Data & Wi-Fi, ensure the Ring app hasBackground dataenabled.
- EnablingUnrestricted data usagemay also help with Geofence functionality when data saving features are enabled.
- InBattery, ensure the Ring app canuse battery in the background.
- ChangingBattery optimizationtoNot optimizedmay also help with Geofence functionality.
Check Low data mode
- Go toSettings.
- TapNetwork & Internet.
- TapData Saver.
- EitherdisableData Saver, or tapUnrestricted dataand enable for the Ring app.
Check Battery saver
- Go toSettings.
- TapBattery.
- TapBattery Saver.
- Check your current settings, such as whether you have the option toturn off Battery Saver, change the schedule, or change your settings forExtreme Battery Saver.
- In all cases, Geofence in the Ring app on Android will work most reliably when the Ring app isnot restrictedby Battery Saver settings.
Check Adaptive Battery
- Go to Android settings.
- TapBattery.
- TapAdaptive Battery.
- Make sure Adaptive Battery is turnedOff.
Check Battery optimizer
- Go toSettings.
- TapApps & notifications.
- TapAdvanced(if necessary).
- TapSpecial app access.
- TapBattery optimization.
- TapNot Optimizedat the top, and selectAll apps.
- Scroll to and tap the Ring app.
- Make sureDon’t optimizeis selected.
Check if the Ring app has not been recently launched
- Some phones and operating systems may limit functionality of an app that has not been used recently. If modifying battery and data settings do not appear to help, also ensure that the Ring app is being launched once every 2-3 days.
Check any third-party apps that could be limiting the Ring app’s functionality, such as VPNs or task killers
Check "Doze” settings (on Huawei Phones)
- Open your Huawei devices phone settings.
- SelectBattery.
- SelectApp Launch.
- Find the Ring app and toggle itOff. Also ensure thatAuto-launch,Secondary launch, andRun in the backgroundareenabledfor the Ring app.