Smartwatch offers a variety of features that enhance our daily lives. Among these features, GPS (Global Positioning System) technology stands out, making smartwatches even more versatile and functional. GPS enables precise location tracking, making it invaluable for outdoor fitness activities, navigation during walks or rides, location sharing, and much more. This article provides a comprehensive, well-researched guide on how to use and enable GPS on a smartwatch.
How to Check if Your Smartwatch Supports GPS
Check the Specifications: Visit the smartwatch manufacturer’s website or look at the user manual to find the detailed specs. Look for terms like “Built-in GPS” or “Integrated GPS.”
Settings on the Watch: Navigate to the settings menu on your smartwatch. Look for location-related options or GPS settings.
Companion App: Open the smartwatch’s companion app on your smartphone. Many apps list GPS features or tracking capabilities under settings or device information.
Outdoor Activity Tracking: Try tracking an outdoor activity like running or cycling. If the watch records your route without connecting to your phone, it likely has a built-in GPS.
Standalone Operation: Disconnect the smartwatch from your phone and attempt to use navigation or activity tracking. If it works, the watch has a built-in GPS.
Model Name and Reviews: Search your smartwatch model online along with the term “GPS” to check if it’s a supported feature.
Consult Customer Support: If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer’s customer support for confirmation.
How To Use GPS In A Smartwatch?
Track Outdoor Workouts: Use GPS to map your runs, walks, hikes, or cycling routes. Open your smartwatch’s fitness or activity tracking app, select an outdoor workout, and start recording to see your route and distance.
Find Directions: If your smartwatch has maps or navigation apps, you can use GPS to get turn-by-turn directions to a destination. This is especially handy if you’re exploring a new area.
Monitor Speed and Distance: Athletes can use GPS to track speed, distance, and pace during activities like running or biking. This data helps you monitor performance over time.
Safety Features: Some smartwatches use GPS for safety. For instance, if you’re in an emergency, GPS can send your location to emergency contacts or services through SOS features.
Locate Your Watch: If your watch supports a “find my device” feature, GPS can help you locate it if it’s lost or stolen.
Geotag Photos: On certain smartwatches with cameras, GPS can add location data to photos so you’ll know where they were taken.
Track Your Kids or Pets: If the smartwatch is designed for kids or pets, you can use GPS to keep an eye on their location through a paired app.
Use Geofencing: Some watches allow you to set up geofences that send alerts if the wearer leaves or enters a specific area.
Adventure Features: GPS is often used for outdoor adventures like trekking or camping to record your trail, mark waypoints, or help you find your way back.
Technology Used Behind Smartwatch GPS
1. How Does GPS Work In A Smartwatch?
A total of 24 satellites are responsible for detecting your exact position, and at least 4 satellites are needed to determine the coordinates of your smartwatch on Earth. The smartwatch receives signals from these satellites, and each brand uses its own algorithm to process the data and display your precise location.
2. Gps Vs. Other Location Technologies In Smartwatches
Several Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) exist, such as GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou. Among them, GPS is the most well-known due to its high accuracy and other key advantages.
3. Built-in GPS And Connected GPS In Smartwatches
There are two types of GPS smartwatches available on the market. The first type features built-in GPS, meaning the technology is already integrated into the smartwatch. These smartwatches are mobile-independent, allowing you to use GPS without needing a phone.
However, built-in GPS smartwatches tend to be more expensive and consume more battery compared to basic smartwatches. The second type is connected GPS, which relies on your smartphone’s GPS through Bluetooth connectivity. These smartwatches require your phone to function, making them more battery-efficient but dependent on your phone for navigation.
4. Understanding GPS Accuracy In Smartwatches
Several factors can affect the accuracy of smartwatches, including weather conditions and your location on Earth. For instance, if you’re in an area with poor satellite signal reception, such as under a covered structure, GPS accuracy can be compromised. Additionally, different smartwatch brands may provide varying results due to the unique algorithms and functionalities they use to support their GPS features.
GPS Vs. Non GPS Smartwatch
When deciding between a GPS and a non-GPS smartwatch, it really comes down to what you need from the watch. Let’s break down the differences:
GPS Smartwatches
- Location Tracking: GPS smartwatches can track your exact location without needing to be connected to your phone. This is great for outdoor activities like running, cycling, hiking, or even travelling.
- Route Mapping: If you enjoy outdoor workouts or sports, a GPS smartwatch helps you map your route and see distance, speed, and elevation directly on the watch.
- Stand-Alone Functionality: These watches are great if you want to leave your phone at home. You can still track your activities, get directions, and stay connected with calls or messages.
- Higher Battery Usage: Since GPS is constantly working, these watches tend to drain the battery faster than non-GPS models.
- Higher Price: GPS features typically come at a higher price point because of the added technology.
Non-GPS Smartwatches
- Dependent on Phone: Non-GPS smartwatches rely on your phone for location services. If you want to track a route or distance, your phone must be nearby.
- Limited Outdoor Tracking: While they can track steps, heart rate, and other fitness metrics, non-GPS watches are not ideal for outdoor navigation.
- Longer Battery Life: Without GPS running, these watches use less power and usually have longer battery life than GPS models.
- Lower Price: Non-GPS smartwatches are generally more affordable, making them a great option for those who don’t need advanced tracking features.
Which One to Choose?
- Go for GPS: If you love outdoor activities, want to leave your phone behind, or need more precise location tracking, a GPS smartwatch is the way to go.
- Go for Non-GPS: If you mostly use your smartwatch for basic fitness tracking, notifications, and don’t need detailed route mapping, a non-GPS model will be sufficient and cost-effective.
At the end of the day, it’s all about how much you value location tracking and whether you need that extra feature for your lifestyle.
Privacy And Security Considerations On Smartwatches When Using Smartwatch
GPS is used for tracking your location and activities, but using any technology raises considerations of privacy and security. You should be aware of its advantages and disadvantages.
Using a smartwatch with GPS comes with plenty of benefits, but it’s important to think about privacy and security as well. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Privacy Risks
- Location Tracking: Your smartwatch tracks your movements using GPS, which can raise concerns about who has access to this data. If your watch shares this data with apps or services, your location history could be exposed.
- Data Sharing: Some apps or services may use or sell your location data to third parties, which could be used for advertising or other purposes without your direct knowledge.
- Data Leaks: If someone hacks into your smartwatch or its app, they could access your location information or activity history.
Security Risks
- Hacking: If your smartwatch isn’t well-secured, hackers could get access to personal data, including your GPS information. This could happen through weak connections or vulnerabilities in the software.
- Phishing Attacks: Watch out for fake notifications or links that could trick you into sharing sensitive info, including your location.
- Unsecured Devices: Using weak passwords or not enabling two-factor authentication on your smartwatch and app can leave your data exposed.
How to Stay Safe
- Turn Off GPS When Not Needed: You don’t need your GPS on all the time. Turn it off when you’re not using it or when you’re in a private setting.
- Review App Permissions: Check which apps have access to your location data, and remove permissions for those you don’t trust or use often.
- Secure Your Connections: Use a secure Wi-Fi network when syncing your smartwatch, and avoid public or unsecured networks.
- Update Your Device Regularly: Make sure your smartwatch and app are up to date to protect against any security weaknesses.
- Use Strong Passwords: A strong password (and two-factor authentication, if possible) will help protect your personal data.
Taking a few simple steps to manage your smartwatch’s privacy and security settings can go a long way in keeping your data safe while enjoying all the benefits of GPS tracking.
8 Uses Of GPS In a Smartwatch
Is GPS useful in smartwatches? Yes Of course! Here are the following uses that will impact your lifestyle.
1. Fitness Tracking:
Using GPS can monitor your outdoor activities like running, cycling, biking, etc. It shows you real-time data.
2. Navigation:
GPS-enabled smartwatches provide turn-by-turn directions while running, riding, or driving. It is a handy benefit that you can utilize without using your phone.
3. Location Sharing:
It is the most useful advantage of enabled GPS in a smartwatch that you can easily share your location with your family members or friends. It is a safety feature you should use for your child.
4. Geofencing:
You can set up virtual boundaries. This feature will alert you when you enter or leave these predefined areas. It enhances parenting control.
5. Weather Information:
Smartwatches with GPS can provide information on the weather according to your area. You can plan your day.
6. Calorie Tracking:
Some smartwatches with GPS can estimate and provide you with a result of your daily calorie burn based on your daily life activities.
7. Location-based Reminder:
You can set a reminder when you reach a particular location, such as a grocery store or your workplace.
8. Location History:
GPS-enabled smartwatches can store your location history, like where you have been at that particular time, which can be useful for personal and business-related information.
7 Secret And Useful Tips To Use GPS In Smartwatches
1. Battery-saving mode:
Using Battery Saving Mode is a great way to enhance battery life. This feature reduces the frequency of GPS updates and other power-intensive features in your smartwatch.
2. Use GPS only when you need to:
Turn off the GPS feature when you don’t need to use GPS because when you turn on this feature aimlessly, it consumes battery.
3. Preload maps:
As you already know, you can download a specific area on your smartwatch, just as you can on your mobile phone on the Map App. You need to download the map once on your smartwatch and can utilize it until you accidentally delete the data.
4. Update software:
Keep your smartwatch software updated. Manufacturers release updated smartwatch software versions. Sometimes it helps smartwatch users by reducing the battery-consuming factor on different functionalities.
5. Charge before a GPS-intensive activity:
Ensure that your battery is fully charged before embarking on a GPS-intensive activity. As a result, you’ll get maximum battery life to work with because, in some brands, GPS features consume battery, as I informed you about.
6. Location history cleanup:
Using GPS stores the location history. When you feel that there is no need for the history of the location, you should clean this up. It enhances the smartwatch’s overall performance.
7. Use airplane mode:
When you are not using GPS and other wireless features, you can simply use airplane mode. It turns off all wireless features, and ultimately, you will get enhanced smartwatch performance.
Does GPS Work Without Being Connected To The Internet?
Wi-Fi is not necessary to use GPS. This feature works independently without relying on internet connectivity. GPS receives signals from satellites that orbit the Earth to determine your location. Wi-Fi can also be used with GPS, such as when you use maps and other GPS-related apps.
What’s Wrong With Simply Using My Phone to Use GPS instead of Smartwatch?
Well, the use of GPS in smartwatches and phones depends entirely on your requirements. Both have advantages and disadvantages. If we talk about convenience, a smartwatch is easily accessible on your wrist, while a phone takes time to take out of your pocket.
The use of GPS in phones can drain the smartphone’s battery quickly, while a smartwatch is a better option for longer GPS usage. However, if you need more details, you should use a smartphone because of its user-friendly navigation experience and its ability to handle a wide range of tasks related to GPS.
If you need accuracy, I suggest you use a smartwatch. Smartwatches are highly effective for features like fitness tracking, GPS, heart rate monitoring, and outdoor activities. They provide more accuracy than phones because they are designed specifically for these purposes. Most new smartwatches are also waterproof, which is a plus compared to phones.
Conclusion
The use of GPS in smartwatches and GPS-related apps is not only present but also the future, becoming more advanced. A wearable gadget packed with various valuable tools in such a compact device is excellent. I hope you have learned how to use GPS in a smartwatch from all aspects, and I would recommend that you try a built-in GPS smartwatch at least once. In some of my other articles, I will tell you about the best smartwatches with built-in GPS available on the market.