Location not updating in real time?
It's usually your phone's battery-saving. Pick your device below and we'll show only the settings it needs.
Auto-detect your device
Don't see your device? The common settings alone fix most cases.
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Pinly needs your exact spot to place you correctly on the map. Turn on precise location in its permission.
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To share location when the app isn't open, it needs the "Always" setting.
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Keep notifications on so you never miss arrivals, SOS, and other important moments.
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So power-saving doesn't pause Pinly, allow its battery use as "Unrestricted."
Set up your device
Samsung Galaxy
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Exclude from battery optimization
Settings Apps Pinly Battery UnrestrictedSetting Pinly to "Unrestricted" keeps power-saving from pausing location updates.
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Stop background app-killing
Settings Battery Background usage limitsUnder "Put unused apps to sleep" and auto-optimize, make sure Pinly is excluded. Turning off Adaptive battery makes it more reliable.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly Permissions LocationChoose "Always allow" with "Precise location," and allow notifications too.
Try locking Pinly in the recent-apps list. Samsung's power settings can reset after updates, so re-check occasionally.
iPhone
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Location permission
Settings Privacy & Security Location Services PinlySelect "Always" and turn on "Precise Location."
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Background App Refresh
Settings General Background App RefreshKeep it on for both the system and Pinly so location flows even when the app is closed.
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Low Power Mode
Settings Battery Low Power ModeLow Power Mode can delay updates. Turn it on only when you need it.
If alerts don't arrive, check notifications are allowed, update Pinly, and open the app once.
Stock Android (Pixel & others)
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Set battery to Unrestricted
Settings Apps Pinly App battery usage Unrestricted"Unrestricted" lets Pinly keep sending location in the background.
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Adaptive Battery
Settings Battery Adaptive preferences Adaptive BatteryIf location drops often, try turning Adaptive Battery off.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly Permissions LocationSet "Allow all the time" with precise location, and allow notifications.
Restart the phone once and make sure both Pinly and Android are up to date.
Xiaomi
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Autostart
Settings Apps Manage apps Pinly AutostartTurn on Autostart so Pinly can wake and share location even after it's closed.
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No battery restrictions
Settings Apps Manage apps Pinly Battery saver No restrictionsSet the battery saver to "No restrictions."
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Manage apps Pinly PermissionsSet location to "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
In recent apps, drag Pinly down to lock it — that helps it stay alive in the background.
OPPO
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Allow auto start-up
Settings Apps Pinly Allow Auto Start-upEnable auto start so Pinly can relaunch in the background.
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Background activity
Settings Battery App battery management PinlyAllow background activity and turn battery optimization off.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly PermissionsLocation "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
If the app closes when the screen turns off, lock Pinly in recent apps.
vivo
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Autostart
Settings More settings Applications AutostartTurn Pinly's autostart on.
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Background power
Settings Battery Background power consumptionAllow high background power use and set Pinly to "Not optimized."
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly PermissionsLocation "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
Lock Pinly in the recent-apps screen so it isn't terminated.
OnePlus
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Battery optimization
Settings Battery Battery optimization Pinly Don't optimizeSwitch Pinly to "Don't optimize."
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Turn off deep optimization
Settings Battery Battery optimization ⋮ Advanced optimizationTurn off deep and sleep-standby optimization so Pinly keeps running at night.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly PermissionsLocation "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
OnePlus can revert battery settings after updates. Lock Pinly in recent apps and re-check occasionally.
realme
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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App battery management
Settings Battery Power saving App battery management PinlyAllow auto-launch and background activity, and turn optimization off.
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Power-saving modes
Settings BatteryPower-saving and super-saving modes cut background activity — use them only when needed.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly PermissionsLocation "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
Locking Pinly in recent apps helps it stay alive in the background.
Huawei
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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App launch management
Settings Battery App launch PinlyTurn off "Manage automatically," switch to manual, and enable auto-launch, secondary launch, and run in background.
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Battery optimization
Settings Apps Pinly BatteryAllow (exempt) Pinly from battery optimization.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly PermissionsLocation "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
Huawei's background management is especially strict. Double-check App launch is fully on, and update Pinly if it still stalls.
Motorola
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Set battery to Unrestricted
Settings Apps Pinly App battery usage UnrestrictedSet to "Unrestricted" so background location keeps running.
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Adaptive Battery & background limits
Settings BatteryTurn off Adaptive Battery, and remove any background restriction on Pinly.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly PermissionsLocation "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
Some Motorola phones stop apps via "Improve battery while inactive." If location keeps dropping, try turning it off.
ASUS
Menu names may differ slightly by model and version.
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Disable auto clean-up
Mobile Manager PowerMaster SettingsUncheck "Clean up in suspend" and "Auto-deny apps from auto starting."
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Battery optimization
Settings Apps Pinly BatteryExclude Pinly from battery optimization.
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Check permissions
Settings Apps Pinly PermissionsLocation "Always" with precise location, and allow notifications.
Re-check that Pinly is allowed in the PowerMaster app list.
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Open the app once
Some phones flag apps you haven't opened as unused. Opening Pinly even once a day helps.
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Restart the phone
A reboot after changing settings makes the changes take effect cleanly.
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Check for updates
Keeping Pinly and your OS up to date improves location reliability.
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Re-check family & sharing
The other person may have hidden their location or left the family. Check their status in the app.
Still stuck? Contact us Contact us
Frequently asked questions
Usually your phone's battery-saving stops Pinly in the background. Set the battery exception and "Always allow" location in the steps above to fix it.
If the app is fully closed on their phone, updates stop. Ask them to open Pinly once and enable the battery exception and autostart.
Pinly checks location often only while you're moving and rarely when you're still, keeping battery impact low.
To share your location when the app isn't open, Pinly needs background access. It isn't used for anything else.
No. Only consenting family members can, and you can turn sharing off anytime.
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