Things to Note When Deploying Senturo to iOS Devices
Follow these best practices to ensure smooth operation and accurate location tracking on iPhones and iPads across your device fleet.1. Granting Location Tracking Permissions
Due to iOS limitations, each iOS device requires manual interaction after the Senturo app installation to grant critical permissions, especially the "Always" location tracking setting.
- After installing Senturo on an iOS device, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and select Always Allow for Senturo. However, this needs to be done only once per device, and further pop-ups can be prevented by setting up Screen Time Passcode:
- Preventing Future Pop-ups: iOS may prompt for location permissions again (often after three days). Setting a Screen Time passcode can prevent these prompts from reoccurring, as well as restrict end-user access to change location settings.
For a step-by-step guide on setting up a Screen Time passcode, please see our knowledge base guide here.
2. Optimizing Cellular Settings
For any cellular devices in your mobile device fleet, set network preferences to 4G/LTE rather than 5G. This can optimize battery life, as 5G connections tend to drain the battery more.
3. Ensuring Persistent Location Tracking
If the app is accidentally closed, location tracking will temporarily pause on the device. However, Senturo uses several methods to ensure a consistent connection and the automatic resumption of tracking:
- Automatic Reopen Based on Movement: If the device moves more than 500 meters (1/3 mile), the app automatically reopens, restoring location tracking.
- In-App Notifications: When the app closes, an immediate in-app notification is sent to the user. Tapping this notification will reopen the app and resume tracking.
- Background Task Reopen: A system-controlled background task is randomly launched approximately once per hour. This task can automatically reopen the Senturo app to resume tracking.
- Broadcast Messages: You can prompt users to reopen the app by sending an in-app message through your Senturo dashboard. Once the user clicks on the message, the app reopens, reactivating location tracking. For example, you can send a message like "Please click on this message ASAP!" prompting the user to interact and reopen the app.
Conclusion
By following these best practices, you can help ensure continuous tracking on iOS devices using Senturo.