Family guides / Location

Live location not updating: what should you check?

Check connectivity, permissions, and battery when shared location does not update on Android. Learn to check the last position's timestamp.

By AlkateiaUpdated September 20, 20262 min read

In this guide
  1. 1. Check both phones' connections
  2. 2. Check whether sharing is still active
  3. 3. Review location permission
  4. 4. Check battery restrictions
  5. 5. Consider location signal quality
  6. Still having problems?
  7. Your people are here
  8. Check the record before interpreting the map

If live location is not updating, start with the last received position's timestamp. An old position does not show what happened to the person: it means the app has not received a newer update.

In Alkateia, sharing depends on the phones' connectivity, permissions, and conditions. Complete these checks with the person sharing.

1. Check both phones' connections

The sending device must transmit its position and the recipient must receive updates. Check internet access on both devices. Being connected to Wi-Fi does not guarantee that network has internet access.

2. Check whether sharing is still active

Current location represents one moment. It is not live journey tracking. Temporary sharing may also have ended. Check the selected option and whether someone stopped sharing.

3. Review location permission

In Android settings, find Alkateia in the app list and review permissions. Menu names vary by device. Grant only the permissions needed for features you want to use.

4. Check battery restrictions

Some phones limit background apps, affecting updates while the screen is off. Review Alkateia's battery options and arrange a test to observe your device's behavior.

5. Consider location signal quality

Indoor spaces and obstacles can affect accuracy. The displayed position is the device's estimate. Check the timestamp and contact the person by message or call when you need clarification.

Do not interpret missing updates as proof of an emergency. If there is a known risk, use appropriate help channels instead of relying only on the map.

Still having problems?

Contact support with your phone model, Android version, and what happens during sharing. Do not send passwords, coordinates, or private conversations. Including the test time helps investigation.

Check the record before interpreting the map

A position with an old timestamp may be the last available information. See what “last known location” means and how connectivity and battery affect sharing.

Sources and references

  1. Android Developers — Access location in the background
  2. Android Developers — Background location and battery life
  3. Android Developers — Get the last known location

Sources accessed September 20, 2026. Informational content produced by Alkateia; information about the app describes its own features.