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iPhone Tracking HOWTO

Please read the entire HOWTO before registering, especially the "Notes" section.


Step 1

Create a free InstaMapper account. Registration should only take a minute or two. After activating your account, log in and click on "add a tracking device".

Choose a name for your phone and select preferred units. Click "Add". You will be given a 13-digit device key. Write it down somewhere.


Step 2

Install the "GPS Tracker" application from App Store.

Start the application, tap "Continue" to dismiss the welcome screen, and enter the 13-digit device key from step 1. Other settings may be left at default values. Hit "Save".

If the app is stuck in "Locating..." mode for more than a minute or two, go back to settings and adjust the accuracy threshold as needed.


Step 3

Log in to your account to see the location of your phone on a map.


Notes

  • Apple does not allow third-party applications to run in the background. Hence, GPS Tracker will stop sending positions after you exit the application (by pressing the Home key).
  • Speed and heading values are not very reliable. We hope this will be corrected by Apple in the future.
  • To improve battery life, increase the update interval in settings. For intervals of 121 seconds and greater, the app will disable GPS in between updates. Otherwise, GPS is powered on continuously.
  • Older iPhones do not have GPS. They can still be located approximately via cell tower triangulation. Make sure the accuracy threshold is set to a non-GPS value (such as "2000 ft (any source)") in settings.
  • iPod Touch will work only if it is connected to a Wi-Fi access point and the location of the access point is known to Skyhook Wireless. About 70% of cities in the United States and Canada are covered. Be sure to set the accuracy threshold to "Any" in settings.


Troubleshooting

If anything does not work as expected, please consult our forums or see this troubleshooting guide.