The Location service allows apps and websites to use information from cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS networks to determine your approximate location. This means you can:
- Have the lights turn on when you get home
- Automatically record how much time you spend at work
- Automatically arm your security system when you leave
- Unmute your Android device when you get home
...plus hundreds of other use cases! To get started, you'll need to install the IFTTT app. Download it for iOS or Android.
Troubleshooting
Location service Applets will run when your device has notified IFTTT that it has entered or exited the defined area. Usually, this is pretty quick, but it does require the IFTTT app to be active and "listening" for the trigger.
If you are having trouble with an Applet using the Location service, the issue likely stems from your device settings. Android devices especially can have several settings that may interfere with the IFTTT app's ability to be prompt when it comes to triggering Applets with the Location service. Here are a few things to check for:
- iOS:
- On your iPhone, open Settings > scroll down and tap IFTTT > then ensure location is set to Always and background app refresh is enabled
- Open the IFTTT app > tap profile > tap sync options > enable location assist syncing
- Android:
- On your Android Device, open Settings > Apps > IFTTT > Permissions > Location, and set Allow all the time
- Go to Settings > Apps > IFTTT > Advanced > Battery, and select Don't optimize.
- Go to Settings > Location, and turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning, then head to Settings > Location > Advanced and turn on Google Location Accuracy.
- Follow these instructions to enable a persistent notification for the IFTTT app
- Open the IFTTT app > tap profile > tap sync options > tap see advanced location options> enable enhanced location services with High accuracy
For more information about why we require location permissions even if your applet may not be using a location-based trigger, please check out our article Why does the IFTTT Android app require always-on location permissions?