The Fi collar will always try to use the least amount of battery possible. Whenever it's in range of your WiFi or a smartphone belonging to a designated owner with the Fi mobile app installed, and running, the collar will use those connections (via Bluetooth) to locate your pup and display their activity. See: How to improve Fi App Mobile Connectivity
Once the collar is out of range of either your base, Fi app (bluetooth signal), or WiFI (Series 2 customers can also connect to WiFi), the collar will use GPS to acquire your pup's location. It is extremely important that the Fi Collar only connect to LTE/GPS outdoors, as GPS it not reliable indoors. In order to achieve the longest battery life, it is also essential GPS is only used when needed (when you are apart from your dog, and they are outdoors.)
To access GPS, you will need a Fi GPS/LTE Subscription, which gives you access to the full capabilities of your dog's Fi collar - allowing Fi for remote access to your dog's location and activity.
If your pup is lost, Lost Dog Mode will rely on GPS/LTE and we recommend becoming familiar with the different connection states of your pup's Fi collar, and coverage in your area.
Testing Fi Collar LTE/GPS Reports In App
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! To test GPS:
- Go outside, GPS/LTE will not be accurate indoors.
- Open your Fi App
- Tap 'Live'
- Tap your pup's pet card
- Tap your pup's photo
- Ensure your pup's Fi collar is connected to your mobile device. In the Live menu, you will see:
Blue circle with your initial with your dog's location: This means your pup is connected to your mobile device - For trouble shooting mobile connectivity see: How to improve Fi App Mobile Connectivity
- Exit the full map screen by tapping the back button on the bottom left
- Exit the map by taping the arrow on the bottom left
- Tap your pup's name in the lower right hand corner
- Tap Menu (three stacked lines on the upper right hand corner)
- Tap "System Diagnostics"
- Choose the collar you want to test, and tap the pet's image to enter "Diagnostic Mode"
- Scroll to the bottom of the Diagnostic Report to find, and tap "Test GPS & LTE"
- Tap "Start Test"
- If your test is successful, you will see a result in "Latest GPS/LTE Report" with the location of your pup's collar during the test. If your pup were lost, this is where we'd report their location. If your test is unsuccessful, see: Infrequent & Inaccurate LTE/GPS Location Reports
Repeat this test around your neighborhood, or areas you know your pup escapes to often.
Testing Fi Collar LTE/GPS Reports/Notifications in Lost Dog Mode
While we hope this never happens, there may be a time your pup is away from you and you'll need to rely on the Fi app to locate them. This test is meant to mimic this a Lost Dog Mode scenario. We recommend testing with a friend if possible.
- Arrange for a friend/walker to take your pup on a 30 minute walk with out you, and ensure the Fi app is closed (so the collar will not be able to connect to their mobile)
- Once your pup has left, turn on lost dog mode. Please note the switch from normal mode to lost dog mode will take the longest amount of time to toggle on the first time- do not toggle lost dog mode on and off.
- Once lost dog mode is toggled on, you can let your phone go to sleep/ resume typical activities- as soon as we have an update we'll send you a push notification/ text message (depending on your Alert Settings & Notifications)
- Once your pup returns home, toggle lost dog mode off, you'll need to verify your pup is found.
To simulate an escape on your own, you can take your dog on a walk and leave your phone home (so the Fi collar does not detect proximity to it). Please ensure to toggle Lost Dog Mode "on" before you leave. Note the time you leave, and when you come back home you will return to the notifications locating your pup.