Imou Geofencing Not Working? Fix It With This Guide

Solving Imou Geofencing Not Working: A Complete Guide

Geofencing is a powerful feature in the Imou Life app that automatically changes your security cameras' mode based on your location. It should arm the system when you leave home and disarm it when you return, providing effortless security. However, when it doesn't work, it can be frustrating and leave your home unprotected. This guide will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix Imou geofencing issues.

The feature relies on your smartphone's GPS and location services to function. Therefore, most problems are related to app permissions, phone settings, or the configuration of the geofence itself.

Step 1: Grant Correct App Permissions

This is the most critical step and the cause of most geofencing failures. The Imou Life app needs constant, precise access to your location to know when you enter or leave the designated zone.

• For iOS (iPhone):

  1. Go to your iPhone's Settings.
  2. Scroll down and tap on the Imou Life app.
  3. Tap on Location.
  4. You must select "Always". If you select "While Using the App," geofencing will not work when the app is in the background.
  5. Ensure the "Precise Location" toggle is turned ON.

• For Android:

  1. Go to your phone's Settings.
  2. Tap on Apps > Imou Life > Permissions.
  3. Tap on Location.
  4. Select "Allow all the time".
  5. Make sure "Use precise location" is enabled.

Step 2: Check Your Phone's System Settings

Beyond app-specific permissions, certain phone settings can interfere with background location tracking.

• Disable Battery Optimisation: Aggressive battery-saving modes can prevent the Imou Life app from running in the background, which is essential for geofencing.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Imou Life > Battery. Select "Unrestricted" or "No restrictions". The wording may vary by phone manufacturer.
  • iOS: Check that Low Power Mode is turned off. Go to Settings > Battery and ensure the toggle is off.
• Enable Background App Refresh (iOS): Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and make sure it is enabled for the Imou Life app.
• Ensure Wi-Fi and Mobile Data are On: Your phone uses Wi-Fi signals and mobile towers, in addition to GPS, to get a fast and accurate location fix.

Step 3: Configure the Geofence Correctly in the App

An incorrectly configured geofence can also be the source of the problem.

1. Open the Imou Life App: Go to the 'Me' tab.
2. Select 'Geofencing': Ensure it is enabled.
3. Check the Location: Verify that the pin on the map is correctly placed at your home address. If it's slightly off, the system may not trigger correctly.
4. Adjust the Radius: The radius defines the boundary of your geofence. A very small radius (e.g., 50 metres) can be unreliable due to "GPS drift," where your phone's reported location fluctuates slightly. Start with a larger radius, such as 200 or 300 metres, for better reliability.
5. Assign Devices: Make sure your Imou cameras are correctly assigned to the geofencing rule, so they know to arm or disarm.

Step 4: Considerations for Multiple Users

If multiple people live in your home, geofencing requires proper setup for everyone.

• Shared Account: All users should be logged into the same Imou account on their respective devices.
• App on Every Device: Every person who should influence the geofencing status must have the Imou Life app installed on their phone.
• Permissions for All: Each person must follow Step 1 and Step 2 on their own phone to grant the necessary permissions.

The system is designed to arm only when the last registered device leaves the geofence area and to disarm when the first registered device re-enters it. If one person's phone is not configured correctly, the entire system may fail to arm or disarm as expected. By systematically checking these settings, you can resolve the issues and enjoy the convenience of automated security with your Imou cameras.