GPS Real time tracking on Galaxy Watch 5 pro

[lea85]

Hello! I'm looking for some help in using the real time GPS tracking on the watch 5 Pro please.

I have enabled location services and I'm using the smart things app to track, but it isn't updating unless it is connected to the phone. I was of the understanding using its own GPS I would be able to track the watch real time? 

The watch is being used by my mum, who has dementia and has been known to wander off. She doesn't carry a phone with her and is also very defensive and argumentative so won't wear/use a more specialist device to track dementia patients. 

If anyone could offer some support on what I might be able to try, to get the watch using its GPS rather than the phone, I would really appreciate it!

Thank you

[robd1]

Hello @lea85, here is a clear definition
"Please keep in mind the watch is not a continuous GPS mapping activity tracker and only captures the movement or mapping while using an exercise routine from Samsung Health or other exercise application.".
It's from the Samsung New Zealand Web site
https://www.samsung.com/nz/support/mobile-devices/galaxygear-not-track-gps-routine/

I was hoping the same as you, unfortunately it doesn't appear to be the case. You'll need to find a way for your mum to engage an exercise routine. Unless someone knows a waybif sendungnobe automatically from a phone to the watch.

[robd1]

Apologies, predictive text and I just don't get on!

[lea85]

That's really helpful thank you! I wasn't sure if the watch would automatically engage the walking exercise routine as she's moving, I have an older model and it does after 5mins or so of continuous walking.

[robd1]

I hadnt thought of that one, mine kicks in after 5 minutes as well, but I had to switch it on. Is your mum's switched on? It's under Watch Settings/Samsung Health/Activities to detect, just make sure its on and Walking is included.

[lea85]

Ohh thank you, I'm not sure, but I'll let my dad know and ask him to check, thank you!

[McMeekin]

I'm glad I finally found this post! I have spent around 8-10 hours on the Watch 5 trying to figure out how I can use a live tracking app like family360 or similar and nothing every worked. It has been such a waste of my time and money since I purchased this just to track my child but also be able to text and call when needed as he goes to school and we are able to leave the phone at home since the watch we have is the LTE version. I'm just surprised because there are now stand alone companies selling kids watches that are specifically for Tracking/Calls/Texts, so I am surprised Samsung doesn't know that there is a huge market for people with children or even just family tracking situations.

I do have one question if anyone does know. The Galaxy watch 4 was a stand alone phone. You didn't have to use Number Share by having a regular phone and watch. The phone was the watch and just didn't have to connect to any phone. Has anyone tried the watch 4 and did it allow for real time tracking? Thanks!