Anran Geofencing Not Working? Location-Based Fixes
The geofencing feature in the Anran security system is a powerful tool for effortless automation. It's designed to automatically switch your system's mode between 'Home' and 'Away' based on your smartphone's location, so you don't have to remember to arm or disarm your cameras manually. When this feature fails, however, it can leave your system in the wrong mode, either bombarding you with unnecessary notifications or failing to record when it should.
If you're struggling with Anran geofencing not working, this guide will walk you through the essential troubleshooting steps to get it running smoothly.
### How Does Anran Geofencing Work?
Geofencing creates a virtual perimeter around a location of your choice (your home). When your smartphone, with the Anran app installed, enters or exits this perimeter, the app sends a signal to your Anran base station via the internet, telling it to change the system's mode. The process depends heavily on your phone's settings and permissions.
Step 1: Crucial Smartphone Permission Settings
The vast majority of geofencing issues originate from incorrect settings on your smartphone. The Anran app needs constant, accurate access to your location to work correctly.
### Set Location Permissions to 'Always Allow'
This is the most critical step. The app needs to be able to check your location even when it is not open on your screen.
- On your iPhone or Android phone, go to Settings.
- Find the list of your apps and select the Anran app.
- Go to 'Location' permissions.
- You must change this setting to 'Always Allow' or 'Allow all the time'. The 'Allow only while using the app' option will not work for geofencing.
- On iOS, also ensure the 'Precise Location' toggle is turned on.
### Disable Battery Optimisation for the Anran App
To conserve power, smartphones often 'put to sleep' apps that are running in the background. This will prevent geofencing from working.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Anran > Battery. Select the 'Unrestricted' or 'Don't optimise' option. The exact wording may vary depending on your phone's manufacturer.
- On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and ensure it is turned on for the Anran app.
Step 2: Configure Settings Within the Anran App
Once your phone's permissions are correct, you need to ensure the geofence is set up properly inside the Anran app.
### Check the Geofence Radius and Location
- Open the Anran app and navigate to the Geofencing or Smart Scenarios section.
- Verify that the pin on the map is accurately placed on your home's location. If it's slightly off, the triggers will be incorrect.
- Consider the Radius: The radius creates the virtual circle around your home. If this circle is too small, minor GPS inaccuracies (known as 'GPS drift') can make your phone appear to be entering and leaving the zone randomly. Try increasing the radius of the geofence to create a more stable boundary.
### Ensure Geofencing is Enabled
It may seem simple, but it's worth double-checking that the main geofencing toggle switch is enabled within the app's settings for your security system.
Step 3: Verify Your Internet Connection
Geofencing is a cloud-based feature, which means it relies on a constant internet connection in two places.
- Your Anran Base Station: The hub for your cameras must be powered on and connected to your home internet to receive the command to switch modes.
- Your Smartphone: Your phone needs a mobile data or Wi-Fi connection to report its location to the Anran servers. If you are in an area with poor mobile reception as you leave home, the 'Away' command might be delayed.
By systematically working through your phone's permissions, the app's configuration, and your connectivity, you can resolve the underlying issues and restore the convenience of automated, location-based security with your Anran system.