How Does a GPS Tracker Work With a SIM Card

GPS Trackers Without SIM Cards

A GPS tracker works by capturing information from your vehicle or piece of equipment and transmitting that data to a server. This allows you to monitor the location of your car or equipment from anywhere in the world through a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Most GPS trackers are able to record location data without cell service, just like with a GPS logger or navigation system. However, to send that data in real-time and give you a live view of your location, a GPS tracker needs a SIM card with active cell service.

Assisted GPS

A-GPS is a technology that adds Wi-Fi and cellular network signals to the data from satellites for more accurate positioning. It’s especially useful when there’s not a direct line of sight between your device and the GPS satellites, which can make their position data less accurate.

Battery-Operated GPS Trackers

A battery-operated GPS tracker will work without a SIM card for weeks or months at a time. However, they will send out location data less frequently in order to save on battery power, which can be a disadvantage. These trackers can be particularly helpful for businesses or families who have pets or belongings that need to be monitored. Panic Button Some devices even feature geofences, which are virtual fences that set boundaries on the smartphone application that send you a text or push notification when your device crosses them.