If the app never shows Connected via Bluetooth when you're standing next to your pet, don't worry — it's nearly always one of four simple things.
What to check first
Work through these in order.
- Turn your phone's Bluetooth on. If the radio is off, the GPS tracker screen shows an alert — "Bluetooth is off" — "Turn on Bluetooth to connect to your tracker." Tap Open Settings and switch Bluetooth on.
- Check the app's permissions. What's needed depends on your phone — see the table below. If you declined the prompt earlier, the map screen shows a tappable banner: "Bluetooth permission needed" — "Allow Bluetooth so this phone can connect to {pet}'s tracker nearby. Tap to open Settings." Tap it, grant the permissions, then come back to the app.
- Get closer. Bluetooth is short range. If you're not sure how close you are, open Radar — it guides you in with "Searching…", "Almost there…" and finally "{Pet} is here!". If Radar can't run it will tell you why: "Bluetooth is off. Turn on Bluetooth to use Radar." or "Bluetooth permission is needed for Radar. Open Settings to allow it."
- Make sure no other phone is already connected.
Important: Only one phone can hold the Bluetooth link at a time. Once a phone connects, the tracker stops advertising itself, so no other phone or app can connect until the first one disconnects.
Permissions your phone needs
| Phone | What the app needs |
|---|---|
| Android 12 and newer | Bluetooth scan, Bluetooth connect and precise location |
| Android 11 and older | Only precise location |
| iPhone | iOS asks for Bluetooth automatically the first time it's needed, and no location permission is required for Bluetooth |
Keep the app open
Bluetooth work in the app happens while it's on screen. If you lock the phone or switch apps mid-action, the connection attempt may not complete.
Messages you might see
| Message | What it means |
|---|---|
| "We couldn't reach the tracker over Bluetooth. Move closer and try again." | The tracker didn't answer. Close the distance and retry. |
| "Could not connect via Bluetooth. Keep the tracker nearby and try again." | Shown during tracker setup for the same reason. |
If it still doesn't work
If Bluetooth is on, permissions are granted, the tracker is charged and in your hand, and it still never connects, email support@askavet.com with your phone model, your Tracker ID and hardware version from the Tracker info screen.
Related articles - I signed in on a second phone and the tracker never connects - What still works when your tracker has no mobile signal - When to contact Ask A Vet support about your tracker