Radar depends entirely on a Bluetooth link between your phone and your pet's tracker, so nearly every Radar problem comes down to Bluetooth. Don't worry — these are quick to fix.
Jump to:
- "Bluetooth is off"
- "Bluetooth permission is needed for Radar"
- It just says "Looking for {Pet}'s tracker…"
- Light and Sound are greyed out
- If it still doesn't work
"Bluetooth is off"
The full message reads "Bluetooth is off. Turn on Bluetooth to use Radar." Your phone's Bluetooth radio is switched off. Turn it on in your phone's control centre or settings and reopen Radar.
Please note: this message always takes priority over any other Radar message. Even if permissions are fine, Radar can't do anything with the radio switched off.
"Bluetooth permission is needed for Radar"
The full message reads "Bluetooth permission is needed for Radar. Open Settings to allow it." The app doesn't have permission to use Bluetooth on this phone. Tap Open Settings and allow it.
Which permissions are needed depends on your phone:
| Phone | Permissions needed |
|---|---|
| Android 12 and newer | Bluetooth Scan, Bluetooth Connect and Precise Location |
| Android 11 and older | Precise Location |
| iPhone | The system asks for Bluetooth the first time the app uses it; no location permission is required for Bluetooth itself |
Tip: if you've signed in on a second phone that never went through the tracker pairing flow, that phone was never asked for Bluetooth permission. Look for the tappable Bluetooth permission needed banner on the GPS Tracker map — "Allow Bluetooth so this phone can connect to {pet}'s tracker nearby. Tap to open Settings."
It just says "Looking for {Pet}'s tracker…"
Radar hasn't found the tracker yet. That usually means one of:
- You're out of Bluetooth range. Use the map to get closer first, then reopen Radar.
- The tracker is asleep. Its Bluetooth module rests between reports and may take a moment to answer.
- Something is in the way. Walls, cars and thick furniture all cut Bluetooth range — walk around and change your angle.
Radar only locks on to your pet's own paired tracker, so it will never latch onto someone else's device by mistake.
Light and Sound are greyed out
Those buttons need a live Bluetooth link. They become available the moment Radar locks on. If a command fails once with "Couldn't reach the tracker. Try again.", just tap it again — the first attempt is often lost while the tracker wakes up.
If it still doesn't work
If your phone's Bluetooth is on, permission is granted, and Radar still never locks on with the tracker in the same room, get in touch with support [CONFIRM: support contact channel and address].
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