Vehicle Security · Troubleshooting

Car Tracker Not Working or Offline

Vehicle stuck at an old location or showing offline? The usual causes, from SIM data to power wiring, and the checks you can safely do first.

The fix is usually simpler than the stress of living with the problem.

Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that.

In this guide you will see:
  • Check SIM data/airtime and subscription first.
  • Basements and covered parking block GPS and mobile signal.
  • A power-cut alert just before going offline can mean tampering.
By Qyvea LimitedPublished 2026-09-23Updated 2026-09-233 min read
On this page01. Symptoms and likely causes02. Safe checks you can do03. When to call a technician04. FAQ
Driver using a navigation app on a phone
Quick answer

When a tracker stops updating, the cause is usually one of five things: the SIM has run out of data or airtime, the vehicle is somewhere with no GPS or mobile signal (like a basement), the tracker has lost power, the platform subscription has lapsed, or there's an app or login problem. Hardware faults are less common. Check the simple things first. If the tracker went offline suddenly after the vehicle was left unattended, treat it as a possible tamper.

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Key takeaways

  • Check SIM data/airtime and subscription first.
  • Basements and covered parking block GPS and mobile signal.
  • A power-cut alert just before going offline can mean tampering.
  • Loose wiring after other work on the car is a common cause.

01Symptoms and likely causes

SymptomLikely cause
Shows 'offline', last update hours or days agoSIM out of data/airtime, subscription lapsed, or power lost
Location stuck while the vehicle movesNo GPS fix (antenna obstructed or covered parking)
Offline only in one place, e.g. basementNo mobile or GPS signal there: normal, it catches up outside
Offline after other work on the carTracker wiring disturbed during servicing, alarm fitting or bodywork
Power-cut alert, then offlineMain power removed; possible tampering
App shows nothing at allLogin, account or app problem: try the web portal

02Safe checks you can do

  1. 01
    Check the accountIs the subscription active? Are other vehicles on the account updating?
  2. 02
    Check the SIMHas the data or airtime bundle run out?
  3. 03
    Move the vehicleDrive into the open for a few minutes and see if it updates.
  4. 04
    Think backWas the car serviced, washed inside, or had electrical work done?
  5. 05
    Try another deviceLog in on the web portal or another phone.
WarningDon't pull trim panels apart looking for the tracker. It's hidden on purpose, and disturbing wiring can create new faults.
Technician inspecting a car

03When to call a technician

  • The account and SIM are fine but the tracker stays offline
  • Power-cut or tamper alerts were received
  • The immobilizer or cut-off is behaving unexpectedly
  • The vehicle had accident damage or major repair work
When to call a professionalQyvea can inspect the tracker, power wiring, antenna and SIM, including trackers fitted by other companies. Start from the vehicle security page.

04Frequently asked questions

Why does my tracker show the car at the wrong place?

It's often showing the last known position because it can't get a fresh GPS fix or can't send data. It updates once signal returns.

Does a tracker work in underground parking?

Usually not while inside, because GPS and mobile signals are blocked. It reports again when the vehicle comes out.

My tracker went offline at night. Should I worry?

Check for a power-cut or tamper alert and look at the last known location. If the vehicle isn't where it should be, act immediately.

Why customers choose Qyvea

Genuine brandsManufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box.
One team, start to finishThe people who advise you also install and support it.
Fast answersWhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi.
Easy to buyPay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000.
Risk taken off you7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations.
Customers say soRated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews.

Your next step takes one minute: send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs.

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