Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker User Manual
About the GPS tracker
The Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker is a small, standalone device designed to be easily hidden in vehicles or with valuable goods to protect them from theft or loss. When the tracker is moving, it regularly sends its position, which can be visualized in the Invoxia GPS app, available for iOS and Android. The app allows users to view movement history and set up various alerts.
Alerts you can be notified of:
- Anti-theft alerts: Notifies you of suspicious movement or if your vehicle is tipped over.
- Geofencing alerts: Alerts you when your tracker enters or leaves a predefined zone.
- Significant movement alerts: Notifies you if your tracker has moved a significant distance.
The tracker uses a combination of technologies for location: Bluetooth when your smartphone is nearby, Wi-Fi positioning in urban areas, and GPS as a last resort. It transmits its position via the cellular LTE-M network. An internet connection on your smartphone is required to view the tracker's latest positions.
Subscription Details:
The tracker comes with a 1 or 2-year data plan, depending on the purchase option. After the plan expires, you will be notified to renew your subscription, which costs $39.90 per year. A multi-year plan option is also available. The tracker has a built-in SIM card and cannot be opened to change it.
Coverage:
The Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker utilizes the LTE-M (or LTE Cat M1) network, supported by AT&T in the USA. It works anywhere with AT&T 4G coverage, excluding certain territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Coverage may be limited in areas with poor cellphone reception, such as mountains or underground parking lots. Unlike Bluetooth-only trackers, the Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker is standalone and does not require a smartphone to be nearby to function.
Using the GPS tracker
Installing the GPS Tracker
Follow these simple steps to install your GPS Tracker:
- Charge the tracker: Use the provided USB cable. It's recommended to fully charge the device for about 80 minutes on the first use.
- Download the Invoxia GPS App: Available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
- Launch the Invoxia GPS App: Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account and pair your tracker. The manual provides additional information on settings for optimal use.
- Start tracking: Place the tracker on the item you wish to track, following placement tips in the manual for good reception.
Understanding the different alert types
There are three main types of alerts:
- The anti-theft alert (or alert for suspicious movement while stationary): This alert activates after a period of immobility if the tracker is tilted or shaken, indicating potential theft or vandalism. The tracker must have been stationary for over 5 minutes for this alert to work. It can also alert if a stationary motorcycle accidentally falls.
- Geofencing alerts: Triggered when the tracker enters or leaves a user-defined area. Useful for security, like being notified if your vehicle is stolen or your children arrive home safely.
- The "significant journey" alert: Activated when the tracker has been stationary for at least 5 minutes and a new location is detected. For example, if your vehicle has been at home for 4 hours and then moves 600 meters away, you'll receive this alert.
Understanding the Tracker's battery life
Battery life ranges from 15 days to 4 months, depending on usage conditions. This is significantly longer than many competitor products. You will be notified when the battery is low. Factors affecting battery life include:
- Smart energy management: If the app has constant location access, battery life can extend up to 4 months. Otherwise, it lasts up to 15 days.
- Movement frequency: Stationary trackers send one position per day. Moving trackers can have their position frequency adjusted in the app settings, with more frequent updates reducing battery life.
- Movement duration: Longer periods of movement consume more battery. Estimates are based on 2 hours of movement per day.
- Location technology: Using Wi-Fi hotspots in urban areas conserves battery compared to relying solely on GPS in rural areas.
Change the frequency of positions
You can choose between three modes (high, standard, or low) in the mobile app. To change the frequency:
- Ensure Bluetooth is on and your tracker is nearby.
- Open the Invoxia GPS app.
- Select your tracker and go to settings.
- Click on "update rate" and choose your desired frequency.
Estimated battery life based on frequency (LTE-M network):
- Low (Every 30-32 minutes): 3 to 7 weeks
- Standard (Every 10-12 minutes): 9 days to 3 weeks
- High (Every 5-7 minutes): 4 days to 2 weeks
These are estimates for 1-5 hours of use per day under standard reception conditions.
Parameters affecting battery life:
- Proximity of your phone with Bluetooth enabled.
- Daily travel time.
- Geographical area (availability of Wi-Fi networks).
- Areas with difficult GPS reception (basements, garages).
How to set up the anti-theft alert, to be warned of suspicious movement while stationary?
The Invoxia GPS Tracker can alert you to suspicious movement when stationary. If movement is detected after more than 5 minutes of immobility, you'll receive a push notification. It also alerts to changes in inclination, indicating if the vehicle has tipped over. This real-time alert helps notify you of potential theft.
How to activate it?
The anti-theft alert can be activated during installation or later:
- Open the Invoxia GPS app and go to the tracker's settings with Bluetooth enabled and the tracker nearby.
- Wait for the app to connect to the tracker.
- Activate or deactivate the "movement detected" option.
How do I know if my Cellular GPS Tracker is charging?
The white LED on the tracker indicates its charging status:
- Flashing LED: The tracker is charging.
- Solid LED: The tracker is fully charged and remains lit until unplugged.
Important: how and where to place your Cellular GPS Tracker, especially on a bike
Proper placement is crucial for optimal performance:
- Metal is not your friend: The tracker is sensitive to metal and magnets. Avoid placing it in all-metal compartments to prevent creating a Faraday cage effect.
- On a bike: Avoid placing the tracker in the bike frame, handlebars, or seat tube unless the bike is entirely carbon fiber. The best option is under the saddle, placed in a plastic bag or with the connector protected. It can also be placed in a saddlebag or the plastic cover of the bike's engine.
- In a car: Keep the tracker a few inches away from metallic parts. Ideally, place it flat with the Invoxia logo facing upwards. After placement, test it by driving with your smartphone's Bluetooth turned off.
Water is your worst enemy
The GPS Tracker is not waterproof. Protect it from liquids and high humidity. Use a watertight plastic bag or a waterproof pouch accessory for outdoor use.
Important: which App authorizations should you activate
For optimal experience, ensure the following authorizations are enabled:
On iOS:
- Bluetooth: Essential for setup, updates, and smart alerts. Keep it activated at all times.
- Location: Set to "always" for maximum battery life, especially when tracking your own vehicle.
- Notifications: Allow push notifications for alerts (anti-theft, geofencing, etc.).
- Face ID: Optional, for removing a tracker without a password.
- Camera and Photo Library: Optional, for customizing the tracker's picture in the app.
On Android:
- Location (including background): Necessary for the tracker to use your smartphone's location for battery saving and for Bluetooth to function correctly.
- Bluetooth: Should always be activated.
- Location: Should be activated at all times.
How to update the tracker's firmware
Firmware updates improve stability, reliability, and add new features. The update process takes only a few minutes:
- Ensure the tracker is charged and close to your phone.
- Open the Invoxia GPS App.
- Select your tracker from the list. A small red badge may indicate an available update. Click on it to proceed with the firmware update.
Specific issues with your GPS Tracker
My GPS Tracker only seems to work in Bluetooth / when near my phone
The Invoxia GPS Tracker is standalone and does not solely rely on your smartphone's proximity, unlike Bluetooth-only trackers. If you suspect it only works when near your phone:
- Check placement: Ensure the tracker is not in a location with poor cellular signal, such as a metal tube on a bike, which can hinder cellular communication but still allow it to reach your smartphone. Avoid surrounding the tracker with metal.
- Test Bluetooth: Try taking the tracker for a ride with your smartphone's Bluetooth turned off to verify its functionality. If issues persist, try rebooting the tracker (press the button for 5 seconds) and check your local AT&T 4G coverage.
My GPS Tracker is no longer sending any positions
Possible reasons include:
- Low battery: The battery may have depleted quickly. Press the tracker's button to check if the LED blinks, indicating it's still active. If not, charge it.
- No signal: The tracker may be unable to locate itself (e.g., underground, no Wi-Fi) or send its position due to lack of cellular signal (e.g., inside a metal tube). Try removing it from such a location or rebooting it.
If the tracker is charged and in an area with good signal but still not working, try restarting it by holding the button for 5 seconds. If it doesn't turn on at all, the tracker might be broken, especially if it has been exposed to water. Contact Invoxia support.
My GPS Tracker is skipping some positions, some locations are missing
The tracker sends positions based on your chosen frequency in the app settings. For a position to be sent, the tracker needs:
- To be moving: It sends positions at the set frequency when moving. When stationary, it sends a position every 4 hours.
- To be moving outside of a fixed place: If within range of the same Wi-Fi hotspot, it sends the same position every 4 hours, even if moving, as it's considered stationary. It resumes normal frequency when movement starts again.
- Sufficient precision: It needs to detect your smartphone, Wi-Fi hotspots, or have clear sky view for GPS. If location detection is poor, positions may be filtered out.
- Network signal: Position transmission depends on network quality. Poor signal in underground areas, rural locations, or near metal elements can cause issues. Check network coverage and be aware of potential network downtime.
Skipped positions indicate the tracker couldn't locate itself or send data at that time. You can wait for the next attempt or increase the position frequency in the app settings (this will impact battery life). Opening the Invoxia app infrequently might delay the display of past positions.
Invoxia's GPS Trackers are not real-time. While some positions might be missing or imprecise, the monitoring and battery life are designed to help locate your belongings in case of theft or loss, using the tracker's position and the "proximity radar" functionality.
I cannot install my Cellular GPS Tracker
If you encounter installation issues, try the following:
- Smartphone compatibility: Check the list of incompatible smartphones at support.invoxia.com.
- Bluetooth: Ensure your smartphone's Bluetooth is on and try toggling it off and on again. Keep the tracker close to your phone. Avoid installing multiple trackers in the same room or having multiple devices with the Invoxia GPS app nearby.
- Power: Make sure the tracker has sufficient battery and is plugged in. The tracker light should be on; if not, check the USB cable.
- Restart: As a last resort, restart the GPS tracker (long press the button for 5 seconds) and your smartphone.
If the tracker was refurbished or previously installed by someone else, contact support for assistance. For security, trackers generally cannot be uninstalled and reused by a new owner without primary owner verification. If the problem persists, contact support via the help center.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get support from Invoxia?
For installation or usage issues, contact Invoxia support through the application for the best assistance, as it allows the support team to receive diagnostic information. You can also visit the help center at support.invoxia.com or contact them at https://labs.invoxia.io/contact_us/. The support team is always available to help resolve any questions or issues.
Can I share my Tracker with another person / How to install the Tracker on 2 different accounts?
To share your tracker, the other person must install the Invoxia GPS app on their smartphone and log in using your account credentials. It is not possible to install a tracker on two separate accounts.
What should I do in case of theft?
In case of theft, immediately notify the police and inform them that your belonging is equipped with a GPS Tracker, which significantly increases recovery chances. You can share your account with the police to provide access to the tracker's latest positions and history, ensuring sufficient battery life remains for monitoring. Contact Invoxia customer support, stating that your vehicle was stolen, for assistance in retrieving it. Prompt action increases recovery chances. Do not attempt to retrieve stolen property yourself, as it can be dangerous.
Can I make a permanent connection to my vehicle's power?
Warning: Do not connect the GPS Tracker directly to the vehicle's electrical system; an appropriate adapter is required.
- For frequently used vehicles, use a Cigarette Lighter Power to micro-USB adapter.
- For seldom-used vehicles (once every 3 months), use a car battery to micro-USB adapter.
- If a USB plug is available, use a USB to micro-USB adapter.
Specifications:
- Input voltage: 12, 24, or 48V (depending on vehicle type)
- Output voltage: 5V
- Output current: minimum 500mA
- Output connector: micro-USB
How to place the Tracker:
For optimal performance, keep the tracker a few inches away from metallic elements in the vehicle. Ideally, place it flat with the Invoxia logo facing upwards.
Why does Invoxia GPS App need to locate me in background (even when I'm not actively using the App)?
Invoxia uses location data solely to provide the best user experience with your GPS Tracker. When your tracker is moving and within range of your smartphone, the app uses your phone's location to save the tracker's battery life. Authorizing "always locate you" in the background ensures efficient battery management for both the tracker and your smartphone.
Can I track my valuables in real time?
Sending real-time locations consumes significant battery. The Invoxia GPS Tracker sends locations based on a frequency set in the app settings. Higher frequency provides more precise history but reduces battery life. The goal is to ensure sufficient battery remains for tracking in case of theft or loss, combining the tracker's position with the "proximity radar" functionality.
How to remove a GPS Tracker from my account
To remove a tracker:
- Place the GPS Tracker near your smartphone with Bluetooth enabled and ensure it's charged.
- Go to the advanced settings in the Invoxia GPS app and select "remove from account".
This process protects your valuables by preventing unauthorized removal and reuse. Ensure the tracker is properly removed from your account before handing it over to someone else. If you no longer have access to the tracker, contact support.
How do I deactivate my GPS Tracker?
To temporarily disable your GPS Tracker:
- Keep the tracker near your smartphone with Bluetooth enabled and ensure it is sufficiently charged.
- In the tracker's settings within the Invoxia app, activate the "standby" toggle.
Note: The tracker will stop sending positions in standby mode and can only be reactivated when nearby. Ensure you deactivate the standby mode when you wish to use the tracker again.