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Troubleshooting: GPS Equipment Location Not Showing

If your equipment’s GPS location is not appearing in BusyBusy, there are several common reasons. This article walks through the most common causes and how to resolve them.

Step 1: Confirm the GPS Device is Coupled

First, make sure the GPS device is properly connected to the equipment in BusyBusy.

On Web:

  1. Go to Management Lists

  2. Click Equipment

  3. Select the equipment

  4. Check the Tracking Device field

On Mobile:

  1. From the 3 main menu (three stacked lines)tap Equipment

  2. Select the equipment

  3. Tap the gear icon

  4. Scroll to Device Tracking

If no ESN is assigned, the device is not coupled.

If needed, follow the steps in Couple a GPS Device (Web & Mobile).

Step 2: Allow Time for First Location Update

If the device was recently coupled:

  • Location may appear quickly.

  • In some cases, it can take up to 24 hours for the first update.

If you just connected the device, allow time for it to report.

Step 3: Confirm the Device Is Installed and Powered

GPS devices must be properly installed and powered in order to report location.

Check that:

  • The device is physically installed on the equipment.

  • The equipment has power (for hardwired devices).

  • The device battery is charged (for battery-powered devices).

If the device is not powered, the location will not update.

Step 4: Verify Installation Date & Time

If the Installation Date & Time is set in the future, the location may not appear.

To check on Web:

  1. Go to Management Lists

  2. Click Equipment

  3. Select the equipment

  4. Click the Tracking Device field

  5. Review the Installation Date & Time


Make sure the date and time reflect when the device was actually installed.

If necessary, update it and click Save.

Step 5: Check the Map Filters

Sometimes, the location is present but hidden by filters.

On Web or Mobile, check that:

  • Equipment visibility is turned on

  • Map filters are not limiting results

  • You are viewing Last Known Location

Adjust filters and refresh the map.

Step 6: Check Network or Coverage

GPS devices require cellular coverage to transmit location data.

If equipment is located:

  • Indoors

  • Underground

  • In remote areas

  • In areas with a poor cellular signal

Location updates may be delayed.

Once the device regains signal, it will resume reporting.

Step 7: Recently Transferred or Uncoupled?

If a device was recently transferred:

  • New location data will appear under the newly assigned equipment.

  • Historical data remains with the original equipment.

Make sure you are viewing the correct equipment record.

When to Contact Support

If you have:

  • Confirmed the device is coupled

  • Verified installation and power

  • Reviewed Installation Date & Time

  • Allowed time for reporting

And location still does not appear, contact BusyBusy Support with:

  • The Equipment Name

  • The ESN number

  • Approximate install date

  • Type of device (if known)


Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I only see a Clock Action location and not GPS?

Clock Action locations come from employee clock-ins. If the GPS device has not yet reported, you may only see clock-based locations.

Why is my location several hours old?

Location updates depend on the device’s reporting frequency and cellular signal availability.

Why don’t I see breadcrumb trails?

Breadcrumbs are only available for devices that support breadcrumb reporting.

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