Mobotix Geofencing Not Working? Let's Fix It Now

Troubleshooting Mobotix Geofencing Issues

The geofencing feature in the Mobotix ecosystem is a sophisticated tool that links the physical location of your mobile device to the behaviour of your camera system. When working correctly, it can automatically arm or disarm alarm functions as you come and go, providing a seamless layer of smart automation. However, when it fails, it can disrupt your security workflow.

This guide provides a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving issues with Mobotix geofencing, focusing on the critical link between your smartphone, the Mobotix Live app, and the camera itself.

Core Configuration Checks

The majority of geofencing problems originate from the mobile device's settings, not the Mobotix camera. Let's ensure everything is configured correctly on your phone.

1. Verify Mobile App Permissions

For geofencing to function, the Mobotix Live app requires persistent access to your device's location.

• iOS (iPhone):

  1. Navigate to Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and select the Mobotix Live app.
  3. Tap Location.
  4. Ensure the setting is 'Always'. This is crucial for background location tracking.

• Android:

  1. Open Settings on your Android device.
  2. Go to Apps > Mobotix Live > Permissions.
  3. Tap on Location and select 'Allow all the time'.

2. Adjust Battery Optimisation Settings

Aggressive power-saving modes can prevent the Mobotix Live app from running in the background, which is essential for geofencing.

• iOS (iPhone): Ensure Low Power Mode is turned off, as it can limit background activities. Also, check that Background App Refresh is enabled for Mobotix Live under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

• Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Mobotix Live.
  2. Tap on Battery.
  3. Set the configuration to 'Unrestricted'. This will prevent the Android OS from putting the app to sleep to save power.

Advanced Troubleshooting and System Checks

If the mobile device settings are correct, the next step is to investigate the geofence zone setup and the camera's configuration.

3. Review the Geofence Zone in the Mobotix Live App

An improperly defined zone is a common source of error.

• Check Zone Placement: Open the Mobotix Live app and go to the geofencing settings. Verify that the pin marking your location is accurate. If it's slightly off, it could cause unreliable triggering.
• Adjust the Radius: A very small radius can lead to false triggers due to normal GPS fluctuations. A very large radius might not trigger the event until you are too far away. Experiment by increasing the zone's radius to see if it improves reliability.

4. Ensure Accurate Location Services on Your Phone

The app relies on your phone's location data, so its accuracy is paramount.

• Enable High Accuracy: In your phone's main location settings, ensure you are using a 'High Accuracy' mode, which typically uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile network data.
• Keep Wi-Fi On: Keeping your phone's Wi-Fi enabled, even when not connected to a network, allows it to scan for nearby networks, which significantly improves location accuracy in urban areas.

5. Check Camera Firmware and Configuration

Finally, ensure the camera system itself is up to date and configured to respond to geofencing events.

• Update Firmware: Log in to your Mobotix camera's web interface and check for any available firmware updates. New releases often contain bug fixes and performance improvements that could affect this feature.
• Verify Event Logic: In the camera's administrative settings, double-check that the geofencing event source is correctly linked to the desired action group or recording trigger. Ensure there are no conflicting event logic rules that could override the geofencing command.

By systematically working through these phone and camera settings, you can pinpoint the cause of the issue and restore the powerful automation of Mobotix geofencing.