The Fi Collar will always try to use the least amount of battery possible.
Whenever it's in range of your Fi Base, Wi-Fi, or smartphone with the Fi App installed and running, the collar will use those connections to locate your dog and display their activity. Click here to learn about improving your app's mobile connectivity.
Once the collar is out of range of those options (Fi Base, Wi-Fi, or smartphone with the Fi App installed and running), the Fi Collar will use GPS/LTE-M to acquire your dog's location.
It's important that the Fi Collar only connects to GPS/LTE-M outdoors, as GPS/LTE-M is not reliable indoors.
To access GPS, you will need a Fi Membership, which gives you access to the full capabilities of your dog's Fi Collar. To achieve the longest battery life, it is also essential that GPS/LTE-M is only used when needed (when you are apart from your dog, and they are outdoors).
If your dog is lost, Lost Dog Mode relies on GPS/LTE-M. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the different connection states of your dog's Fi Collar and coverage in your area.
How to Test Live Tracking Reports
The best way to truly understand GPS coverage in your area is to do some testing, and we've built a function just for that! Please complete this test outside as live tracking will not be accurate indoors.
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To start, open the Fi App. Tap the Live Tab in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen:
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Tap the Live Map Card:
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Your dog's location map will open. For this test, you need to be connected to your mobile device.
- If you see a blue circle with your initial (or blue circle with a different owner's initial), then your dog is with you or the other owner.
- If not, you may still be in range of your Fi Base or Wi-Fi. Walk until out of range.
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Tap your dog's picture to see what the collar is connected to:
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Tap the arrow in the upper right-hand corner to return to the Live Tab:
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Tap your dog's avatar in the lower-right corner. In the dog profile, tap the 3 stacked lines to open the Menu:
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Tap System Diagnostics:
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Tap the collar to test, then tap the dog image to enter Diagnostic Mode:
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Scroll to the bottom and tap Test GPS & LTE:
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Tap Start Test:
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If the test is successful, results will appear under Latest GPS/LTE Report.
- This shows the reported location during the test.
- Repeat the test in other areas your dog may frequent.
Possible errors during the test include:
- Could not get a proper GPS signal: Ensure you're outdoors with a clear view of the sky and try different locations.
- Could not get a proper LTE-M signal: Try other spots in your neighborhood as some areas may have poor coverage.