How to Use a Pet GPS Tracker | PawBasis Guide
A pet GPS tracker can help you check where your pet is, receive location updates and respond more quickly when they leave a familiar area.
However, the tracker needs to be correctly charged, connected and attached before you can rely on it. It is also important to understand what the device lights mean, why a location may update slowly and which tracking features to use when your pet is missing.
This guide explains how to set up and use the PawBasis GPS Pet Tracker, from the first app connection to live location tracking.
Before You Start
Before attaching the tracker to your pet, prepare the following:
The PawBasis GPS Pet Tracker
A compatible smartphone
The charging cable and a suitable power adapter
Your pet’s collar
The QR code or IMEI number printed on the back of the device
Charge the tracker before completing the first setup. A full charge normally takes around two hours.
The tracker contains a built-in IoT card, so you do not need to purchase or insert a separate SIM card. Once the device is powered on, it connects to the available network automatically.
1. Download the Pet Tracking App
Start by downloading the companion app using the QR code supplied with the product.
After installing the app:
Open the app.
Create an account.
Sign in to your account.
Go to the device connection page.
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone if you plan to connect the tracker through Bluetooth.
The app will be used to manage the tracker, view your pet’s location, activate live tracking and control supported sound and light alerts.
2. Connect the PawBasis Tracker to the App
There are two ways to connect the device.
Method 1: Connect Through Bluetooth
Open the device page in the app and look for nearby unbound devices.
Select the IMEI number that matches the number printed on the back of your tracker. Unbound devices may appear with a plus symbol next to them.
Confirm the device to complete the connection.
Method 2: Scan the QR Code or Enter the IMEI
You can also add the tracker manually.
Tap the option to add a device, then either:
Scan the QR code on the back of the tracker, or
Enter the IMEI number manually
Check the number carefully before confirming. Connecting the wrong IMEI may prevent the correct tracker from appearing in your account.
Once pairing is complete, the app will take you to the pet information page.
3. Create and Link Your Pet’s Profile
A pet profile connects your pet’s information with the tracking device.
To create one:
Tap the profile icon at the bottom of the app.
Open Pet Profile.
Tap Add.
Enter your pet’s information.
Select Linked on the information page.
Choose the connected tracker.
Tap Save.
Enter your pet’s measurements as accurately as possible, including:
Weight
Height
Body length
Accurate measurements help improve the quality of exercise and health-related data shown in the app.
You may skip this step during the initial device connection and complete the pet profile later.
4. Turn the Tracker On
Press and hold the power button for approximately three seconds.
When the tracker turns on:
The green LED remains on for three seconds
The device plays a confirmation sound
The device also turns on automatically when it is connected to a charger.
To turn the tracker off, press and hold the power button for approximately five seconds. The red LED will remain on for five seconds, and a confirmation sound will play.
Before leaving home, check that the tracker is powered on and connected in the app.
5. Attach the Tracker to Your Pet’s Collar
The PawBasis tracker is designed to attach directly to a pet collar.
To install it:
Insert the collar through the attachment strap.
Secure the strap to the tracker.
Check that the strap is firmly connected.
Place the collar around your pet’s neck.
Confirm that the device cannot easily slide off or rotate excessively.
The collar should be secure without being uncomfortably tight. After your pet has worn the device for a short period, check for rubbing, redness or signs of discomfort.
The tracker is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for cats as well as small and medium-sized dogs. However, the collar and attachment should still be checked regularly, especially after running, scratching or outdoor play.
6. Start Real-Time Pet Tracking
To view your pet’s current location:
Open the app.
Select the connected pet tracker.
Tap Live.
The app will enter real-time tracking mode and display the location reported by the device.
During tracking, you can also control supported LED and sound alerts through the app. These features can be useful when your pet is nearby but difficult to see, such as at night, behind vegetation or in an unfamiliar outdoor area.
Real-time tracking may use more power and data than standard location updates, so it is most useful during walks, outdoor activities or situations where your pet may be missing.
7. Understand the Tracker’s LED Indicators
The LED provides basic information about the tracker’s status.
Normal operation
The LED remains off during normal use.
Powering on
The green light stays on for three seconds.
Powering off
The red light stays on for five seconds.
Search mode
The device displays colored flashing lights. The light settings can be adjusted through the app.
Device disconnected
The red and green lights flash alternately.
Battery check
Press the power button to check the approximate battery level:
Low battery: The red light flashes three times
Medium battery: The yellow light flashes once
High battery: The green light flashes once
If the red and green lights continue flashing alternately, open the app and check whether the device is online and connected.
8. Use the Tracker in Rain or Around Water
The PawBasis tracker has an IPX7 water-resistance rating.
It is designed to handle situations such as:
Rain
Bathing
Surface-level swimming
Accidental water exposure
However, IPX7 does not mean the device is suitable for deep-water diving.
Do not immerse the tracker:
Deeper than one metre
For longer than 30 minutes
After exposure to water, wipe the tracker with a clean cloth or rinse it with fresh water when necessary. Make sure the device and charging area are dry before connecting the charger.
9. What to Do When Your Pet Is Missing
When your pet leaves your sight, open the app as soon as possible.
Activate Live Tracking
Tap Live to request real-time location information from the tracker.
Check the location timestamp to understand whether the point shown on the map is current or an earlier position.
Use Navigation
Open the navigation function and travel toward the latest reported location.
Pay attention to the direction of movement rather than relying on a single map point. Your pet may continue moving after the first location appears.
Activate the Sound and Light Alarm
Use the app to turn on the tracker’s sound and flashing lights.
The sound may help you identify the pet’s position when they are nearby but hidden. The flashing light can also improve visibility in dark or low-light environments.
Ask Family Members to Help
The tracker supports location sharing with family members.
Add trusted people through the app so they can check the pet’s location at the same time. One person can continue monitoring the map while another searches the surrounding area.
Avoid sending everyone to the same point without checking whether the location has changed.
10. Why Is the Location Sometimes Slow or Inaccurate?
Location performance can change depending on the environment.
The tracker automatically selects different positioning methods based on signal strength. These may include GPS, mobile base station positioning and other supported location modes.
Different positioning methods provide different levels of speed and accuracy.
Location updates may be slower or less precise:
Inside buildings
Between tall buildings
In underground areas
Under heavy tree cover
When the mobile signal is weak
When the tracker is covered by dense material
When the device battery is low
For the best GPS performance, move to an outdoor area with a clearer view of the sky.
Before relying on the tracker during an emergency, test it during a normal walk. This will help you understand how quickly locations usually update in your neighborhood.
11. Common Setup and Tracking Problems
The tracker does not appear in the app
Check that:
The tracker is powered on
Bluetooth is enabled
The phone is close to the tracker
The IMEI number is correct
The QR code is clear and undamaged
Try entering the IMEI manually if the QR code cannot be scanned.
The device shows as disconnected
Alternating red and green LED lights indicate that the tracker is not connected.
Move the device to an area with better network reception and reopen the app. Confirm that the tracker still appears under your account.
The location has not changed
Check the time of the last update.
A stationary map point may mean that:
Your pet has stopped moving
The device is indoors
The network signal is temporarily weak
The tracker is switching between positioning modes
The app has not yet refreshed
Activate Live mode and wait for the next update.
The battery runs low before a trip
Check the battery before walks, travel or outdoor activities.
A full charge normally takes approximately two hours. Develop a regular charging routine rather than waiting until the battery is nearly empty.
12. Safety and Maintenance Tips
Use a reliable power adapter purchased from an authorized or trusted supplier. Low-quality or non-compliant adapters may create a fire or battery safety risk.
Do not:
Disassemble the tracker
Remove the built-in battery
Crush or puncture the device
Expose it to fire or extreme heat
Store it under high pressure
Use it around strong magnetic fields
Continue using it if it becomes swollen or deformed
Stop using the tracker immediately if you notice:
Unusual heat
Battery swelling
Liquid leakage
Physical deformation
A burning smell
Serious damage to the outer casing
Contact an authorized service provider rather than attempting to repair the device yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PawBasis GPS tracker need a SIM card?
No. The tracker contains a built-in IoT card. You do not need to purchase or install a separate SIM card.
How long does it take to charge?
A full charge normally takes approximately two hours.
Can it be used for cats?
Yes. The lightweight and compact design is suitable for cats as well as small and medium-sized dogs. Always make sure the collar fits safely and comfortably.
Can more than one person track the same pet?
Yes. Family members can be added through the app, allowing multiple trusted users to check the pet’s location.
Can the tracker be used while swimming?
The device has an IPX7 water-resistance rating and can handle swimming, bathing and rain under normal conditions. It should not be submerged deeper than one metre or kept underwater for more than 30 minutes.
Why does the tracker sometimes show a different location?
The tracker may switch between GPS, mobile base station positioning and other location methods depending on the available signal. These methods have different accuracy levels.
What is the fastest way to find a missing pet?
Open the app, activate Live tracking, use navigation and turn on the tracker’s sound and flashing light alarm. Ask another family member to monitor location updates while you search.
Make the Tracker Part of Your Daily Routine
A pet GPS tracker is most useful when it has already been tested before an emergency.
Before walks or outdoor activities, take a few seconds to confirm that:
The device is securely attached
The tracker is powered on
The battery level is sufficient
The app shows the device as connected
Location and notification permissions are enabled
PawBasis gives pet owners another way to stay connected with their cats and dogs. Correct setup, regular charging and a basic understanding of the app and LED indicators can help you use the tracker more effectively when it matters most.
Explore the PawBasis GPS Pet Tracker and learn how connected location technology can support safer everyday adventures with your pet.
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