# What is Geo-Tracking & How to track geo location of your devices?

**Last Updated On**: 13 Jul 2026  
**36 minutes read**

Geo-Tracking is a security feature in [mobile device management (MDM)](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/what-is-mdm.html) solutions that enables IT admins to track the real-time physical location of roaming users' devices (iOS, Android, Windows, Macs). To track and obtain the geographical location of a managed mobile device through Geo-Tracking, you need to have the ME MDM app installed on it.

Mobile Device Manager Plus uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and GSM to obtain the most accurate location of the device through the ME MDM geotracker app.

**Endpoint Central does not maintain any history of records about the physical location of the devices, unless [Location History](#location-history) is enabled.** You can use the Geo-Tracking feature only to locate the recent location of the managed mobile device.

In the later sections, we will explore how to track location history and locate lost devices as a part of geo tracking functionalities.

> **Note:** [Click here to know how to permanently enable Location Services for location tracking and ensure users cannot disable it, on Android and iOS devices.](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-prevent-user-disable-location-services.html)

> **Note:** **[Location History and Lost Mode are available in Professional, Free, and Trial](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/edition-comparison-matrix.html)** editions of MDM.

Configuring privacy settings is essential to ensure accurate and continuous location tracking, enhancing device security, efficient asset management, and recovery of lost or stolen devices.

## How to enable Location Services for MDM Geotracking?

To locate the device using MDM Geotracking, Location Services must be enabled in the device and set to **Always On** for the ME MDM app.

- [Enabling Location Services in iOS devices](#enabling-location-services-in-ios-devices)  
- [Enabling Location Services in Android devices](#enabling-location-services-in-android-devices)  
- [Enabling Location Services in Windows devices](#enabling-location-services-in-windows-devices)  
- [Enabling Location Services in Mac devices](#enabling-location-services-in-mac-devices)

This configuration is a part of the device's privacy settings.

### Enabling Location Services in iOS devices

> **Note:** Once the ME MDM app is installed, open the app and provide it permission for Location Services.

1. Select **Settings** on the managed device.

![Settings icon on iPhone for enabling Geo-tracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/ios-tracking1.png)

2. Select **Privacy** → **Location Services**, and turn it On.

![Enabling Location Services for Geo tracker iPhone](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/ios-tracking2.png)

![Granting permission to ME MDM app for Geolocation tracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/ios-tracking3.png)

3. Allow ME MDM app to access location and set it to **Always On**.

![Enabling Location Services as Always On for Geo tracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/ios-tracking4.png)

Apple may later prompt users to confirm continued location access. This appears only once and can be ignored.

For iOS 13 and above, Apple provides an **Allow Once** option.

![Enabling Location Services as Allow Once for Geotracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/ios-tracking5.png)

If **Allow Once** or **Allow While in Use** is selected, users will be prompted each time the app is opened.

![Successfully enabled Location Services for Geotracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/ios-tracking6.png)

> **Note:** It is recommended to choose **Always On** for constant and precise location data.

> **Note:** ME MDM fetches location only when there is a significant change (at least 500m). To get the exact location, send a notification using an [app notification](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/ios/mdm_app_notifications.html) profile.

### Enabling Location Services in Android devices

1. Open the **status bar** and tap the **Location icon**.

![Location icon on Status Bar for Android Geotracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/tracking-andro1.png)

2. Navigate to **Settings → Apps → MDM app → Permissions**, and select **Allow all the time**.

![Enabling Location Services on Android devices for Geotracker phone](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/tracking-android2.png)

> **Note:** For Android 6.0 and above, enable runtime permissions. To ensure location tracking is always on without user intervention, enroll the device as [Device Owner](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/android_for_work/mdm_android_for_work_introduction.html#Device_Owner) and enable GPS using a [Restrictions](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/android/mdm_android_restrictions.html) policy.

### Enabling Location Services in Windows devices

**Pre-requisite:** Ensure Geo-Location is not blocked in [MDM Privacy Settings](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/configuring_mobile_device_manager/mdm_device_privacy_settings.html).

1. Select **Settings**.

![Settings to enable Location Services on Windows 10 devices for Geotracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/windows-location1.png)

2. Select **Privacy**.

![Enable Location services for Geolocation tracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/windows-location4.png)

3. Select **Location** under **App permissions**.

![Enabling Location Services on Windows 10 devices for Geotracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/windows-location2.png)

4. Turn the **Location** toggle **On**.

![Turn on Location Services for Geotracking Windows 10 devices](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/windows-location3.png)

You can also enable Location using an [MDM Restriction Profile](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/windows/mdm_windows_restrictions.html).

> **Note:** When an admin tracks a device, an auto-generated notification appears on the user's device and cannot be suppressed.

### Enabling Location Services on Mac devices

Supported for macOS **10.13.6 and above**.

> When enrolled, a pop-up requests permission to use location services. The user must allow **MDMMacAgent**.

![Allow Location Services on Mac](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/mobile-device-management/macallowlocation.webp)

> **Note:**
> 1. The ME MDM app cannot be pushed to macOS devices.
> 2. Location services cannot be enabled remotely.
> 3. Users must manually enable Location Services via System Preferences.

Steps:

1. Go to **System Preferences** → **Security and Privacy**.

![Selecting System Preferences for enabling Location Services for Mac Geotracking with MDM](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/mobile-device-management/mac_location1.webp)

2. Click **Privacy** and unlock the padlock.

![Modifying Location Services settings for Mac Geotracking](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/mobile-device-management/mac_location2.webp)

![Unlock Privacy Settings](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/mobile-device-management/mac_location3.webp)

3. Check **Enable Location Services** and select **ME MDM app**.

![Enabling Location Services for Geotracking macOS devices](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/mobile-device-management/mac_location4.webp)

For latest versions:

![Enable Location Services on latest Mac devices - Step 1](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/mobile-device-management/maclocationservices1.webp)

![Enable Location Services on latest Mac devices - Step 2](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/mobile-device-management/maclocationservices2.webp)

Location Services is now enabled.

## Enabling and Disabling Geo Tracking for Specific/All Devices

### Enable for all devices

1. Go to **Inventory** → **Geo-Tracking**.
2. Enable **Geo-Tracking**.
3. Select **All Devices**.
4. Optionally exclude selected groups.
5. Click **Save Changes**.

To view device locations:

1. Go to **Inventory**.
2. Click **Location Data**.

### Disable for selective devices

1. Go to **Inventory** → **Geo Tracking**.
2. Choose **All except Selected Group(s)**.
3. Select groups to exclude.
4. Click **Save Changes**.

![Disabling Geo Tracking for select devices](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/mdm-ec-disable-geo-tracking-console-view.png)

### Disable for all devices

1. Go to **Inventory** → **Geo-Tracking**.
2. Click **Disable**.

Requirements:

1. ME MDM app must be installed.
2. Device must have internet connectivity.
3. Location Services must be enabled.

> **Note:** Shorter tracking intervals may drain battery.

To view device location:

1. Go to **Inventory** → **Devices**.
2. Select a device.
3. Click the **Location** tab.

### Enable for selective devices

1. Go to **Inventory** → **Geo-Tracking**.
2. Enable **Geo-Tracking**.
3. Choose **Selected Groups**.
4. Select desired groups.
5. Click **Save Changes**.

> **Note:**
> 1. Devices added to selected groups inherit tracking automatically.
> 2. Devices in excluded groups cannot be tracked.

## Managing Location Permission for BYOD Devices on Android 12 and Above

Android 12+ does not automatically grant location permissions for BYOD devices.

### Impact on Enrollment

Devices show **Device Non-Compliant** until permission is granted.

### Steps to Enable Permission

1. Click the **Device Non-Compliant** message.
2. Go to **Permissions** → **Location**.
3. Select **Allow all the time**.

The device becomes compliant automatically.

## Track Devices Instantly

1. Go to **Inventory** → **Devices**.
2. Select the device.
3. Click **Locate the Device** under Actions.

## Location History

Location History stores up to **30 days** of data.

Tracking distance options:

- **100m** (high frequency, more battery usage)  
- **500m**  
- **1km**

Location History can be exported as CSV.

> **Note:** Supported for Android, iOS, and macOS.

### Configure Location History

1. Go to **Inventory** → **Geo-Tracking**.
2. Enable **Location History**.
3. Click **Save Changes**.

Location History cannot be obtained if:

1. Device is offline.
2. Device is powered off.
3. Location Services is disabled.

## Generating Reports Based on Location History and Details

MDM provides detailed location-based reports.

For additional reports, see [Reports](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/reports/reports.html#reports).

### Location Details and History Report

1. Go to **Reports** → **Predefined Reports** → **Location details and History**.
2. Select platform and group(s).
3. Set **Include Location History** to Yes.
4. Specify time interval (15–60 minutes or 1–6 hours).
5. Set date/time range.
6. Click **Generate Report**.

### Location Report with Device Address

1. Go to **Reports** → **Predefined Reports**.
2. Select platform and groups.
3. Set **Include Location Address** to Yes.
4. Send report via email.

![Send report button screenshot](https://cdn.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/help/inventory/location-details-history-report.png)

Report includes:

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Device Name | The name assigned to the device |
| User Name | The associated user |
| Platform Type | Device OS |
| Last Contact Time | Last server contact |
| Serial Number | Device serial number |
| Location Address | Most recent address |
| Last Located Time | Last location update |
| Maps URL | Link to map view |
| IMEI | Device IMEI |
| IP Address | Device IP |
| UDID | Unique Device Identifier |
| Latitude | Latitude coordinate |
| Longitude | Longitude coordinate |

> **Note:** Report delivery time depends on device count.

### Geo-tracking Status

Navigate to **Reports** → **Predefined Reports** → **Geo-tracking status**.

| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Active | Live tracking active |
| Inactive | Device offline |
| ME MDM app not activated | App setup incomplete |
| ME MDM app not found | App not installed |
| Location services disabled | [Enable Location services](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/security_management/location_tracking.html#Enabling_Geo-Tracking_for_All_Devices) |
| Failed | Tracking failed |
| Not applicable | Unsupported device |

> **Note:** Wi-Fi-only devices may have lower accuracy.

### Last Updated Device Location(s)

Go to **Reports** → **Predefined Reports** → **Geo-tracking status** → **Location last updated before**.

## Choosing a Map for Enabling Geo Tracker on Google Maps

1. Click **View in Google Maps**.
2. Download CSV file.
3. Open My Google Maps → **Create a new map**.
4. Name the map.
5. Click **Import** and upload CSV.
6. Select **Latitude** and **Longitude**.
7. Choose marker title (device name recommended).
8. Click **Finish**.

## Frequently Asked Questions

1. **Can location permissions for specific apps be provided through MDM or Endpoint Central (EC)?**  
   No. Location permissions remain under user control and cannot be forcibly enabled.

## Troubleshooting Tips

1. **GPS is turned off**
   - Corporate Android: Create profile → Restrictions → Location Services → Always On.
   - Personally-owned Android: Settings → Location → Turn On.
   - iOS/iPadOS: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → On.

2. **Location permission disabled for MDM agent**
   - Android: Settings → ME MDM App → Location → Allow all the time.
   - iOS/iPadOS: Settings → ME MDM App → Location → Always.

3. **Location services set to "While Using App"**
   - iOS/iPadOS: Change to **Always**.

4. **Location services allowed only once**
   - iOS/iPadOS: Change to **Always**.

5. **Location disabled in device privacy settings**
   - MDM Console → Device Privacy Settings → Geo Location → Collect and display.

6. **Location services disabled on MDM server**
   - MDM Console → Inventory → Geo Tracking → Configure settings.

7. **MDM app not installed**
   - Install the ManageEngine MDM app from the App Store.