Background Tracking

Background location tracking keeps your position updated even when you're not looking at the RouteBot app. This guide explains how it works and why it's essential for drivers.

What is Background Tracking?

Background tracking means:

  • Your GPS location is sent continuously
  • Works when app is minimized
  • Works when screen is locked
  • Works while using other apps (like navigation)

Why It's Important

Without background tracking:

Scenario Without Background With Background
Using Google Maps Location stops updating Location keeps updating
Phone call Tracking pauses Tracking continues
Screen locked No updates Updates continue
Using other apps Parents can't track Parents see real-time position

How It Works

When Route is Active

  1. You start a route
  2. Background location task begins
  3. GPS position is captured every 5-10 seconds
  4. Position is sent to RouteBot servers
  5. Parents/passengers see updates on their maps

Automatic Start and Stop

  • Starts: When you start a pickup route or leave school for drop-off
  • Stops: When you complete the route
  • No manual action needed: It's automatic

Two Tracking Methods

RouteBot uses two methods for reliability:

Method When Active Description
Foreground Tracking App is visible Primary tracking, most reliable
Background Task App is minimized Continues tracking in background

What You'll See

App Indicator (Some Devices)

When background tracking is active:

iOS:

  • Blue bar may appear at top: "RouteBot is using your location"
  • Location icon in status bar

Android:

  • Persistent notification may appear
  • Location icon in status bar

These Indicators Are Normal

They confirm tracking is working. Don't dismiss them during active routes.

Screen Keep-Awake

When a route is active:

  • Screen stays on while viewing RouteBot
  • Prevents accidental lock
  • Ensures best tracking reliability
  • Uses more battery but is recommended

Battery Considerations

Background tracking uses battery:

Expected Battery Use

  • Moderate battery consumption during routes
  • More than idle, less than continuous gaming
  • Plan for full day with charging

Recommendations

  1. Start with full charge before shifts
  2. Use car charger during routes
  3. Keep screen at moderate brightness
  4. Disable unnecessary background apps

Optimizing Background Tracking

Android: Disable Battery Optimization

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot
  2. Tap Battery
  3. Select Unrestricted

This prevents Android from killing the app in background.

iOS: Ensure "Always" Location

  1. Go to Settings > RouteBot > Location
  2. Select Always
  3. Keep "Precise Location" enabled

Both Platforms

  • Keep GPS enabled
  • Maintain internet connection
  • Don't force-close the app during routes

What Happens During Routes

Normal Operation

  1. Position sent every 5-10 seconds
  2. Parents see smooth movement on map
  3. Approach notifications trigger correctly
  4. System tracks your progress

If Connection Lost

  • App buffers location data
  • Resends when connection restored
  • Parents may see delayed updates
  • Normal updates resume automatically

If GPS Lost

  • May happen in tunnels, parking garages
  • Last known location is used
  • Updates when GPS signal returns
  • Brief gaps are normal

Active Route Warning

If you try to leave the app during an active route:

  1. Warning dialog appears
  2. "Route is active. Location tracking may stop if you exit."
  3. Options: Stay or Leave
  4. If you leave, background tracking continues (if properly configured)

Keeping the App Active

For most reliable tracking:

Best Practice

  • Keep RouteBot visible on screen
  • Use split screen if you need navigation
  • Return to app after phone calls

Acceptable

  • Minimize app briefly
  • Use other apps for short periods
  • Background tracking covers these cases

Avoid

  • Force-closing the app
  • Clearing it from recent apps
  • Turning off location services

Troubleshooting Background Tracking

"Parents report location not updating"

  1. Verify route is active
  2. Check location permission is "Always"
  3. Check battery optimization is disabled (Android)
  4. Check internet connection
  5. Look for tracking indicator

"Location jumping around"

  • GPS accuracy varies
  • Urban canyons cause reflections
  • Signal improves in open areas
  • Brief inaccuracies are normal

"Tracking stopped"

Possible causes:

  • Route was completed
  • App was force-closed
  • Permission was revoked
  • Device ran out of battery

Resolution:

  • Check route status
  • Verify app is running
  • Check permissions
  • Restart route if needed

"No location indicator"

  • May vary by device/OS version
  • Doesn't mean tracking isn't working
  • Check parent's view to verify
  • Look for status bar icons

Privacy and Data

What's Tracked

  • GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude)
  • Timestamp
  • Route association

What's NOT Tracked

  • Location outside of active routes
  • Personal app usage
  • Any data when logged out
  • Location when route is completed

Data Retention

  • Location data used for real-time tracking
  • May be kept for route history
  • Handled according to privacy policy

Summary: Best Practices

For reliable background tracking:

  1. Grant "Always" location permission
  2. Disable battery optimization (Android)
  3. Start with full battery
  4. Use car charger
  5. Keep app running (don't force-close)
  6. Maintain internet connection
  7. Keep GPS enabled
  8. Don't revoke permissions mid-route

Next Steps:

Last updated: March 23, 2026