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            FAQ: Check-in and out on Android Phone

            Created by Richard Booty, Modified on Tue, 13 Oct at 4:45 PM by Helen Robson

            GPS Check-In / Check-Out records the time and location when you or your sitters start and end a visit or walk.


            If check-in or check-out isn’t working, or the location looks wrong, please go through the steps below before you contact Support. Most issues are fixed this way.


            In the majority of cases, the issue will be resolved after following one or  more of these steps.


            TABLE OF CONTENTS


            ​Understanding how an Android device determines and provides your location to Pet Sitter Plus


            How your Android device finds your location

            ​

            Your phone’s browser gets your location from the device, using a mix of three sources. The one it uses at any moment affects how accurate the result is:

            • GPS (satellite): Very accurate, usually within a few meters. Works best outdoors with a clear view of the sky. It can take a few seconds to a few minutes to get a fix.
            • Cell network: Fast and works wherever you have signal. Accuracy varies a lot depending on signal strength, nearby buildings and how many cell towers are in range.
            • Wi-Fi: Fast, but needs a Wi-Fi connection and can be less accurate.


            Check your settings

            • Location is switched on for the device.
            • Your browser (e.g. Chrome) is allowed to use your location, with Use precise location switched on (Settings > Apps > Chrome > Permissions > Location).
            • Pet Sitter Plus is allowed to use your location in the browser. Tap the icon to the left of the web address, then check Permissions.
            • Google Location Accuracy is switched on (Settings > Location > Location services).


            Good to know:

            • Wi-Fi-only tablets can only find their location when connected to Wi-Fi.
            • GPS works without a data plan, but it finds your location faster with cell data or Wi-Fi switched on.


            Why locations are sometimes off

            ​

            GPS is usually accurate to within a few meters. Indoors, in built-up areas or on hilly ground, your phone may fall back on cell network or Wi-Fi data, which can place you up to about half a mile (1 km) away. If this only happens now and then, it’s normally down to your surroundings rather than a fault.


            Step 1:  Check that the Check-in Check-out function is switched on in Pet Sitter Plus

            Navigation: Admin > Settings > Staff Dashboard & Monitor settings


            • Check the option for "Use Check-in/check-out feature" is switched ON.
            • Click "Update".
            Switch on Check in/Out Function on your Pet Sitter Plus Software

            Step 2: Ensure you have an adequate network signal to connect your cell phone to

            Navigate to your phone's SETTINGS > MORE NETWORKS > MOBILE NETWORKS

            • Check the number of bars on the icon at the top of the phone screen.
            • If you are not sure your phone is connected to a  network, in the "Data Usage", check your "Mobile Data" is checked or switched on.
            • In "Mobile Networks" you can also check that you are  able to receive 4G and 5G signals. Anything before that will not work with Pet Sitter Plus.
            • If you are able to connect to WiFi, you should check this option is switched on.


            Step 3: Check that the phone's Location setting is switched to ON

            Navigate to your phone's SETTINGS > LOCATION

            Note: Your phone may have different menu options (Google Pixel settings are used in these examples) to find the "Location" option, eg. you may be directed to a different menu option.

            To check in and Check out, make sure your phone's location services is switched on in Pet Sitter Plus.


            When GPS tracking tries to find your phone and log its geographic location it won't be able to find it if this setting is not switched on. You will be able to see the "Check-in" button on Pet Sitter Plus, but when you click it you will see the spinning timer as it tries – and fails – to connect.

            • Check that the option for "Location" is switched ON.

            To use check-in/Out, switch on Location Service on the mobile device in Pet Sitter Plus


            You  will also need to ensure your phone's location accuracy is enabled to ensure that your phone can obtain the best GPS  location when you check-in or out.

            • Click Location Services
            • Then select "Location Accuracy"

            Switch on Location Accuracy on a mobile device to improve GPS accuracy whilst using Pet Sitter Plus

            • Switch on "Improve accuracy"

            Switch on Location Accuracy on a mobile device to improve GPS accuracy whilst using Pet Sitter Plus


            • Make sure you have the options for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning switched "ON"

            Switch on Wifi and Bluetooth scanning on a mobile device to improve GPS accuracy whilst using Pet Sitter Plus


            Step 4: Check that the Browser App's Location setting is switched to ON

            Navigate to your phone's SETTINGS > LOCATION

            After Steps 1- 3, there is another "Location" setting that must be checked to ensure your check-in will work.
            • Firstly, check which browser you are using to access  PSP. Our top recommended browser is Chrome, as we rarely have any issues  with accessing PSP using this browser, both on the mobile and desktop  interfaces.


            Note: If you are experiencing browser issues, change to Chrome before carrying out any further testing.


            • Select Location
            • Click "App Location permissions"


            Select App Permissions to use Location Services with Pet Sitter Plus


            • Locate and select Chrome from the App List

            Select Chrome to set Location Services on your device and allow Pet Sitter Plus access

            • Select "Allow only while using the app"

            Allow Chrome to access location services to allow Pet Sitter Plus access location services on a mobile device


            Step 5: Check your GPS Location in Google Maps


            Checking your position on Google Maps is a good way of assessing if your phone is able to give accurate co-ordinates of your  geographic location.
            • Tap Google Maps
            • Check that Maps has an accurate location for you

            Step 6: Refresh Location Services


            If you have tried the above options and you are still experiencing issues, try the following:
            • Open your device's Settings.
            • Tap Location.
            • Tap the On/Off switch to turn location Off
            • Restart your device (power off and on)
            • Open your device's Settings again.
            • Tap Location.
            • Tap the On/Off switch to turn location On

            Step 7: If none of the above fixes the issue for you...


            If you have tried the above options and you are still experiencing issues, try the following:
            • Re-boot your phone
            • Check your operating system is the latest available version
            • Check your Chrome App is the latest available version
            • Clear your browsing history from Chrome
            • Delete the Chrome App and re-download it from the store

            Step 8: If all else fails...


            In some cases of Android cell phones – and in particular "Windows" Phones – it may be necessary to reset your phone to factory settings.


            Note: A full factory reset is very rarely needed. In almost every case reported to us, the steps above have fixed the issue.


            Frequently asked questions


            Why does check-in keep spinning on my Android phone?

            The spinning timer usually means your phone or browser isn't allowed to share your location. Check that Location is switched on and that Chrome is set to Allow only while using the app, with Use precise location switched on.


            Do I need an app to check in on my Android phone?

            No. Pet Sitter Plus works in your phone's web browser, so there's nothing to download. Just log in through Chrome.


            Why is my check-in location in the wrong place?

            Indoors, in built-up areas or on hilly ground, your phone may use cell or Wi-Fi data instead of GPS, which is less accurate. Switch on Google Location Accuracy and Use precise location for Chrome and, where possible, check in outdoors.


            Which browser works best for check-in on Android?

            We recommend Chrome, as we rarely see issues with it on mobile or desktop. If you use another browser and check-in isn't working, switch to Chrome before trying anything else.


            Why do my phone's settings look different from the screenshots?

            Android menus vary between makes and versions; our screenshots use a Google Pixel. If you can't find a setting, open Settings and type "Location" in the search bar at the top.



            Info: Related articles


            In summary

            With the right phone and browser settings, GPS Check-In / Check-Out gives you an accurate record of when and where every visit and walk starts and ends.


            Not a Pet Sitter Plus client yet? Pet Sitter Plus is all-in-one business software for every kind of pet care provider, from dog walkers, pet sitters and cat sitters to dog boarders, dog day cares, trainers and groomers. It suits everyone from solo business owners to large, multi-service teams. Every subscription includes the full software with no locked features. Your plan (Solo, Team or Enterprise) is based simply on your location and the number of staff with services assigned to them. See our pricing page and Start your 30-day free trial with full access, no credit card required, and unlimited coaching and support.


            Last reviewed: October 2026


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