Everything You Should Know About GPS Tracking Battery Life

As GPS became ubiquitous in everyday life, the technology behind GPS trackers rapidly advanced, but one of the top concerns with GPS trackers has always been battery life. There have certainly been improvements in this area, with GPS devices on the market today typically having a battery life of anywhere from a few days to several months. That wide range indicates that not all GPS tracker batteries are made the same and that there may be some trade-offs between battery life and features.

A GPS tracker with a long battery life might lack features that are important to you, like real-time location tracking. If you rely on GPS trackers to secure valuable assets, for fleet management, or even for personal use, it’s important to learn about the factors that influence battery life. You can optimize GPS tracking battery life with proper usage, regardless of its advertised capacity. Here’s what you need to know.

What Affects GPS Tracking Battery Life?

Multiple factors impact how long a GPS tracker battery lasts. Here are some of the top things to consider:

Frequency of Location Updates

The battery life of a GPS tracker is directly related to its frequency of location updates. Devices with real-time tracking capabilities may transmit data continuously (such as a tracker in a moving vehicle), resulting in shorter battery life. Conversely, devices that update less frequently will have a longer battery life. Adjusting the tracking and reporting frequency can help you find a healthy balance that leads to longer battery life.

Signal Strength and GPS Reception

When a GPS device receives a strong signal from multiple satellites, it can quickly calculate its location. Minimizing the time spent searching for signals reduces power consumption and extends battery life. In areas with poor GPS reception, the device has to work harder to find a signal, which consumes more power and drains batteries faster.

Device Size and Battery Capacity

Larger GPS tracking devices offer more physical space to accommodate larger batteries, which translates to increased capacity and longer battery life. However, some larger devices have power-hungry components like fast processors or large screens, which can drain high-capacity batteries faster. Smaller trackers have equally small batteries, but many can overcome the battery size by implementing power-saving features.

Additional Features That Drain Battery Life

Extra features like geofencing, motion sensors, panic buttons, and real-time alerts require additional power and can reduce battery life. To combat this problem, enable only the features you truly need, which reduces power consumption and extends the device’s operating time.

Environmental Factors

Extreme hot and cold temperatures can cause a battery to lose capacity faster. High humidity can also negatively impact battery life, as it may cause the tracker’s components to work harder. If you need a GPS tracker to work in adverse weather conditions without draining battery life, look for a device designed to withstand harsh environments.

How Long Do Different Types of GPS Tracker Batteries Last?

Another important factor to consider is the type of battery your GPS tracker has. There are three main types, each with a different expected runtime.

Rechargeable Batteries

GPS trackers with rechargeable batteries can last several days to a week between charging cycles. However, battery life is heavily dependent on tracking frequency, network strength, and environmental conditions. The LandAirSea 54 is a popular tracker with a rechargeable battery, thanks to its compact form factor and convenient charging solution.

Long-Life Lithium Batteries

Long-life lithium batteries provide extended power for long-term deployment needs or remote asset tracking. Depending on the features you enable and usage patterns, they can last for several months or even years. LandAirSea offers a range of long-life GPS trackers that are frequently used for tracking remote assets, as they require minimal maintenance and last for extended periods.

Solar-Powered GPS Trackers

For outdoor use, solar-powered GPS trackers are an excellent choice since they use the sun’s energy instead of traditional batteries. Solar-powered GPS devices are typically built to withstand harsh environments while providing continuous tracking.

How to Extend Your GPS Tracker’s Battery Life

Regardless of the type of battery in your GPS tracker, there are several ways to maximize its runtime. Here are five ways to extend battery life in your GPS tracker:

Adjust the Tracking Update Frequency

One of the most common — and most effective — ways to conserve battery power on a GPS tracker is to reduce the frequency of location updates. Most GPS devices on the market today offer a setting to customize the update interval. Adjust the frequency to balance your tracking requirements and the need to maximize battery life. For example, if you’re tracking a static asset, setting the update frequency to every hour or day might be sufficient. With moving objects, like vehicles, reducing the update interval to every 15 minutes sacrifices real-time tracking, but greatly increases battery life.

Use Power-Saving Modes

Many modern GPS trackers come equipped with a power-saving or sleep mode. In most cases, this means the device will only update when it detects motion, although some devices allow you to set a “sleep schedule” for conserving power at specific times of the day.

Place The Device in Areas with Good Signal

Trackers require strong GPS or cellular signals to function properly. Interference can cause the device to continuously search for a clear signal, quickly draining battery life. Place your device near windows or doors, areas that typically receive stronger signals. Keep in mind that obstructions like tall buildings or dense trees can block signals.

Disable Unnecessary Features

Remember that every feature on your GPS device consumes power. If you don’t need some of those features—geofencing, alerts, or motion detection, for example—turn them off. You can also try disabling certain features to see how they affect battery life to strike the right balance of battery life and functionality.

Monitor Battery Levels Regularly

Once a battery gets critically low, replacing it or recharging it as soon as possible is critical. Monitor battery levels periodically to ensure a GPS tracker doesn’t die when you need it. Some devices offer low battery alerts, which can help your monitoring routine.

Choosing the Best GPS Tracker for Long Battery Life

Ultimately, no one GPS device or battery type will meet every use case. Selecting the best GPS tracker for long battery life is a matter of understanding your requirements and matching them to the devices that can meet your needs. Follow these steps for help in choosing:

Consider Battery Life Based on Your Use Case

Your GPS use case may be for commercial property, like tracking vehicles or valuable equipment. Or it might be for personal reasons, which requires less frequent tracking. Define your use case and the tracking frequency you need to arrive at an ideal battery life.

Compare Battery Life Across Popular GPS Trackers

Take your use case and compare it to the battery life available on the most popular GPS trackers on the market. For example, the LandAirSea 54 is a compact unit but with a larger battery than other compact devices, making it a good choice for higher tracking frequencies. If you need an extended runtime, the LandAirSea Overdrive has a battery that lasts three to four times longer than the 54.

Pros and Cons of Long-Battery-Life GPS Trackers

Long battery life is a good thing, but it may mean you have to go with a larger-sized device that won’t fit your use case. Extended battery runtime may also increase the cost, which might not fit your budget in a large-scale commercial deployment. Consider the pros and cons of the most popular models to find the best fit for your use case.

Frequently Asked Questions About GPS Tracking Battery Life

Which GPS Tracker Has the Longest Battery Life?

Given the wide range of devices available today, the GPS tracker with the longest battery life depends on the use case and the specific model. For asset tracking and long-term deployments, trackers like the LandAirSea 54 and Overdrive can last several months to a year, depending on the update frequency.

How Long Can a GPS Tracker Last on a Single Charge?

Depending on the usage patterns, frequency of use, and device type, some GPS trackers can run from hours to years on a single charge.

How Often Should I Recharge My GPS Tracker?

It’s best to monitor your tracker’s battery until you get a feel for how long it lasts on a single charge. Customize the update frequency and other settings to maximize the time between charging cycles.

What Happens if a GPS Tracker Battery Dies?

A dead battery can mean a GPS device can lose tracking data and your customized settings. Set up low-battery alerts to avoid unexpected shutdowns.

Maximize Battery Life and Get the Most From Your GPS Tracker

Maximizing GPS tracker battery life requires some thought. By understanding your use case, the abilities of your tracker, and its battery type, you can optimize its settings for longer battery life. Although it takes some work, well-managed battery life is worth it, as it ensures your personal safety or meets your business needs. For GPS tracking devices with extended battery life and advanced power-saving features, explore the products from LandAirSea and get the most out of your tracking solution.

There are a lot of options when exploring portable battery-powered GPS trackers. If you ever feel uncertain, reach out to LandAirSea for expert advice.