Mobile application TrackView is one of the most popular tools for remote monitoring and control of devices based on the Android operating system. It not only allows you to track your location in real time, but also accesses the user's camera, microphone, and activity history. If you decide to use this tool to ensure the safety of your loved ones or control corporate gadgets, you will need to perform a number of specific steps to configure the system.
The setup process may seem complicated due to the many permissions that the app requests, as well as the way Android works in the background. Modern versions of the mobile OS aggressively optimize power consumption, which often leads to the forced stop of geolocation services. In order TrackView to work stably and not be disabled by the system, you need to correctly configure access rights and exclude the application from the battery optimization list.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of installation, from downloading the distribution kit to fine-tuning the hidden mode of operation. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes that cause the tracker to stop transmitting coordinates, and how to properly organize communication between the control and tracked devices.
⚠️ Warning: Using software to covertly monitor people without their knowledge or consent may violate the laws of your country. Make sure that you have legal grounds for installing such software, for example, monitoring minor children or corporate property.
Preparing the device and downloading the distribution
The first step towards organizing a monitoring system is preparing the target device. You need to gain physical access to the smartphone or tablet on which it will be installed TrackView. The standard installation procedure through the official Google Play store may not be possible if you plan to use advanced features or hidden mode, so most often you will need to download the installation file directly from the developer's server.
To get started, go to the security settings of your Android device. Find the section responsible for installing applications from unknown sources. In different versions of the system, this item may be called differently, for example, Settings → Security → Unknown sources or Special access → Install unknown applications. You need to allow your browser or file manager to install APK files.
After obtaining the necessary rights, download the latest version of the distribution. Make sure that you are downloading the file from an official resource to avoid introducing malicious code. Installation will take only a few minutes, but requires user confirmation through the system window.
Before installation, remove old versions of such applications, if they were installed previously, to avoid conflicts with geolocation services and duplication of notifications.
It is important to note that for correct operation you will need a stable Internet connection both on the monitored device and on the one from which you will be monitoring. Without access to the network, transferring data about location and other parameters will be impossible.
Initial registration and linking of devices
After successful installation, launch the application. You will be prompted to create a new account or log into an existing one. To get started, you must register by providing a valid email address and creating a strong password. This data will be used for authorization on all devices participating in the monitoring system.
The process of linking devices is carried out through a unique ID or QR code. On the phone you want to track (Target Device), select the "Device to Track" mode. The system will generate a special identifier. Then on your phone (Viewer Device) select the “Viewer” mode and enter the received code or scan the QR code with the camera.
Successful synchronization means that the devices have seen each other on the network. Now you can assign a clear name to the monitored gadget, for example, “Son’s Phone” or “Work Tablet”, so as not to get confused in the list if there are several devices.
Please note that both devices must be online to complete the pairing process. If the connection is interrupted during setup, the procedure will have to be repeated again. After linking, you can exit the application on the target device, but do not delete it.
Setting permissions and access rights
The most critical setup step is granting the application all the necessary permissions. Without this, TrackView will not be able to collect data. When you first start the system, you will be asked to access your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and file storage. You must click "Allow" on each request.
Particular attention should be paid to geolocation access. In Android permissions settings, select the Allow all the time option. If you select "Only when using the application", the tracker will transmit coordinates only when the device's screen is unlocked and the application is open, which reduces its effectiveness to zero.
You also need to activate Accessibility Service. This feature allows the application to read information from the screen and track keystrokes. To do this, go to Settings → Special. capabilities → TrackView and switch the toggle switch to the active position.
☑️ Checking permissions
⚠️ Attention: Refusal to grant device administrator rights may result in the application being easily uninstalled by any user with access to the unlocked screen.
Some smartphone models, especially from manufacturers Xiaomi, Huawei i Oppohave their own aggressive energy saving systems. In such cases, standard resolutions may not be enough, and additional settings in the proprietary shell will be required.
Exception from battery optimization
The Android operating system by default tends to terminate processes running in the background to save battery power. This is the main reason why trackers stop updating coordinates. To prevent this, you need to add TrackView to the exception list.
Go to the battery settings and find the “Battery optimization” or “Battery saving” item. In the list of applications, find our tracker and select the option “Do not optimize” or “No restrictions”. This will allow the application to work continuously, even if the screen is turned off.
On devices with custom skins, the path may differ. For example, on Miui you need to go to the “Security” application, select “Permissions”, then “Autorun” and enable it for the tracker. It is also worth pinning the application in the list of recent tasks so that the system does not unload it from RAM.
What to do if the phone rebooted?
After a reboot, some systems may temporarily block background work. Typically, the application will restore service automatically within 1-2 minutes after connecting to the network, but in rare cases, you may need to manually open the application to initiate the service.
Check whether the "Close Protection" feature is working in your smartphone's multitasking settings. Activating this function usually looks like a lock next to the application icon in the menu of running apps.
Activating the hidden operating mode
For many users, an important aspect is the invisibility of the application. TrackView provides the ability to hide your icon from the application menu after the initial setup. This is done through the internal settings of the application itself in the “Hidden Mode” or “Stealth Mode” section.
When this mode is activated, the icon disappears from the desktop and from the list of all apps. You can restart the application only by dialing a special code in the dialer (for example, #1234#) or by sending an SMS command. The code and phone number for management are set by the user when the function is enabled.
It is worth considering that complete hiding may arouse suspicion among anti-virus software or the user himself if he notices increased traffic or battery consumption for no apparent reason. Use this feature responsibly.
Hidden mode does not remove the application from the list of installed apps in Android system settings. An experienced user can always find it in the "Applications" section in the phone settings.
If you use hidden mode, be sure to write down the passcode and save it in a safe place. Losing the code will make it impossible to change settings or delete the application using standard methods.
Diagnostics and solutions to common problems
During operation, you may encounter situations where data stops updating or devices lose connection. Most often, the problem lies in an unstable Internet or a failure of Google Play Services, which are responsible for determining coordinates.
For diagnostics, use the built-in status check function. It will show which permissions are active, whether the geolocation service is running and whether there is a connection to the server. If the status shows an error, try restarting the target device.
Below is a table with common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No update coordinates | GPS disabled or power saving mode | Enable GPS, remove from optimization |
| The application crashes | Lack of RAM | Close unnecessary background applications |
| Microphone does not work | No permission to record sound | Give permission in Android settings |
| Device offline | No Internet or phone is turned off | Check network and charge batteries |
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu item names may vary depending on the Android version and smartphone model. If you do not find the item described, use the search in your phone settings.
Regularly check the system's functionality by sending test commands or simply checking the location with reality. Timely detection of a failure will help avoid loss of control over the situation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install TrackView remotely, without access to the phone?
No, physical access to the device is required to install and initially configure access rights. Remote installation without the knowledge of the owner is technically impossible on standard devices without superuser rights (Root) and preliminary preparation.
Does the operation of the tracker affect the rate of battery drain?
Yes, constant use of the GPS module and data transmission over the network consumes energy. However, if configured correctly and excluded from optimization, battery consumption is moderate and comparable to the active use of a navigator or instant messengers.
What happens if the SIM card on the phone is changed?
The application will continue to work, since it is tied to the account and device ID, and not to the phone number. However, to transfer data, the new SIM card will need to have an active tariff plan with Internet access.
How to completely remove an application if hidden mode is enabled?
You can delete a hidden application through the phone settings in the “Applications” section, finding it in the general list. You can also enter a special deletion code in the dialer, if it was specified during installation, or send an SMS command to delete.
Does the application work if the phone is turned off?
No, any software requires power and an active operating system to work. If the phone is turned off or in airplane mode, location tracking will not be possible until the device is turned on.