FAQ: Check-in and out on iPhone

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Understanding how an iPhone device determines and provides your location to Pet Sitter Plus
• Step 1: Check that Check-In / Check-Out is switched on in Pet Sitter Plus
• Step 2: Make sure your iPhone has a good network signal
• Step 3: Check that Location Services is switched on
• Step 4: Check that your browser can use your location
• Step 5: Check your location in Google Maps or Apple Maps
• Step 6: Refresh Location Services
• Step 7: If none of the above fixes the issue
• Step 8: If all else fails
• Frequently asked questions
  • Why does check-in keep spinning on my iPhone?
  • Do I need an app to check in on my iPhone?
  • Why is my check-in location in the wrong place?
  • Which browser works best for check-in on iPhone?
  • Will resetting location and privacy delete my data?
• In summary

Step 1: Check that Check-In / Check-Out is switched on in Pet Sitter Plus

Navigation: Admin > Settings > Staff Dashboard & Monitor settings

• Switch ON "Use Check-in/Check-out feature"
• Click "Update"

Step 2: Make sure your iPhone has a good network signal

Navigation: Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Service in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand)

• Check the signal bars at the top of the screen
• Check that Cellular Data (or Mobile Data) is switched ON

• Tap Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data to check your iPhone can use 4G or 5G. Older networks won't work with Pet Sitter Plus

• If Wi-Fi is available, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and check it's switched on

Step 3: Check that Location Services is switched on

Navigation: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

Note: If Location Services is off, your iPhone can't share its location. You'll still see the "Check-in" button in Pet Sitter Plus, but when you tap it, the timer keeps spinning and the check-in fails.

• Tap Privacy & Security
• Tap Location Services
• Check that Location Services is switched ON

Tip: For better accuracy, scroll to the bottom of Location Services, tap System Services and check that Networking & Wireless is switched on. This lets your iPhone use nearby Wi-Fi to pinpoint your location faster.

Step 4: Check that your browser can use your location

Navigation: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services

As well as Location Services, your browser needs its own permission to use your location. First, check which browser you use for Pet Sitter Plus. We recommend Chrome, as we rarely see issues with it on mobile or desktop

Note: If you're having browser issues, switch to Chrome before you try any further steps.

If you use Chrome:

• In the Location Services list, tap Chrome

• Select While Using the App
• Switch Precise Location ON

If you use Safari:

• In the Location Services list, tap Safari Websites

• Select While Using the App (or Ask Next Time Or When I Share)
• Switch Precise Location ON

• When you next check in, your browser may ask if Pet Sitter Plus can use your location
• Tap Allow

Step 5: Check your location in Google Maps or Apple Maps

Opening a maps app is a quick way to see if your iPhone can find an accurate location.

• Open Google Maps or Apple Maps
• Check that the blue dot shows where you actually are

If the maps app can't find you either, the issue is with the iPhone's location settings or signal, not Pet Sitter Plus.

Step 6: Refresh Location Services

If you've tried the steps above and still have issues:

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
• Switch Location Services OFF
• Restart your iPhone (power off and on)
• Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services again
• Switch Location Services ON

Step 7: If none of the above fixes the issue

• Restart your iPhone
• Check iOS is up to date (Settings > General > Software Update)
• Check your browser is up to date. Chrome updates through the App Store; Safari updates with iOS
• Clear your browsing history. In Chrome, tap ⋯ > Delete Browsing Data. In Safari, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
• If you use Chrome, delete it and download it again from the App Store

Step 8: If all else fails

Reset your iPhone's location and privacy settings. This puts all location permissions back to their defaults without deleting your data.

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
• Tap Reset Location & Privacy
• Open Pet Sitter Plus in your browser and tap Allow when asked to use your location

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

Info: Related articles
Staff Check-in on Mobile
Staff Check-Out on Mobile
FAQ: Check-in and out on iPhone
FAQ: GPS Accuracy at Check In and Out
Check-in and out Not Working on Android
How Can Staff Login on Mobile?

In summary

With the right iPhone 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