The application "I'm going home"** has become one of the most popular tools for parents who want to ensure the safety of their children. With it, you can track your child’s location in real time, receive notifications about his movements, and even listen to surrounding sounds through the smartphone’s microphone. However, many users encounter difficulties during the first setup: from problems with synchronizing devices to incorrect operation of geofences. In this article we will examine all the nuances of work the application on Androidincluding hidden functions that are rarely mentioned in official instructions.

It is important to understand that "I I’m going home” is not just a location tracker, but a full-fledged ecosystem with capabilities communication voices, movement history and even activity analysis (for example, how much time the child spent at school or on the street). At the same time, the application consumes minimal battery power thanks to optimized algorithms. But for everything to work correctly, you need to correctly configure permissions, synchronize devices and avoid common mistakes, which we will discuss later.

1. Installing and first setting up the application

Let's start with the basics: how to install and run the application on both devices - parent and child. The process seems simple, but there are pitfalls, especially if the child outdated version of Android (below 8.0) or has restrictions on installing apps.

Download the application "I'm going home"** from Google Play to both smartphone:

  • 📱 For the parent: search for the query "I'm going home parent"
  • 👶 For child: search for the query "I'm going home child"
  • 🔄 Important! Make sure that the application versions are compatible (check the last update date in the description)

After installation on both devices, launch the applications and follow the registration instructions. On the parent's smartphone you will need to specify a phone number (it will be used for authorization), and on the child's smartphone you will need to link an account via invitation code, which will be generated by the parent application.

⚠️ Attention: If the child has a smartphone with Android 12+, the system can block background activity of the application. To avoid tracking failures, after installation, go to Settings → Applications → I'm going home → Battery → No restrictions.

After linking the devices, check the synchronization: the parent smartphone should display the child's current location (if he has turned on GPS i mobile data). If the location is not updated, restart both devices and make sure that access to location data for the application is allowed on your child's smartphone.

📊 What version of Android is your child using?
Below 8.0
8.0–10.0
11.0–12.0
13.0 and above
I don’t know

2. Setting up geofences and notifications

One ​​of the most useful functions of the application is geofences (virtual borders on the map). They allow you to receive notifications when your child arrives at school, leaves practice, or leaves a safe zone. However, many users incorrectly configure the radius of zones, which is why they receive false alerts.

To add a geofence:

  1. Open the parent application and go to the section Map.
  2. Click on icon + in the lower right corner and select Add geofence.
  3. Specify the center of the zone (for example, a school address) and configure the radius. Optimal size:
    • 🏫 School/garden: 100–150 meters
    • 🏠 House/apartment: 50–80 meters
    • 🏞️ Park/stadium: 200–300 meters
  • Save the zone and activate entry/exit notifications.

    • Geofence type Recommended radius Notification frequency
    Home 50–80 m Only when leaving
    School 100–150 m Coming and leaving
    Sports section 150–200 m Care only
    Shop/cafe 30–50 m By request

    If notifications arrive with a delay or do not arrive at all, check:

    • 📶 On the children's smartphone, mobile data are enabled i GPS (high precision mode).
    • 🔔 In the application settings on the parent's phone, notifications are allowed (check in Settings → Notifications → I'm going home).
    • 🔄 Geofences are updated every 5-10 minutes. If a child quickly passed the zone (for example, by car), an alert may do not have time to trigger.

    💡

    If the geofence is triggered too often (for example, due to GPS error), increase the radius by 20-30% or turn off entry notifications, leaving only exit notifications.

    3. Real-time location tracking

    The main function of the application. — location monitoring. data-i="122">network technologies in real time. However, many users complain about inaccurate coordinates or a “jumping” mark on the map. This is due to the peculiarities of the work of GPS and network technologies location monitoring.

    To improve accuracy:

    • 📍 On your children's smartphone, turn on High accuracy mode in the location settings (Settings → Security and location → Mode).
    • 📶 Make sure your child's device is turned on mobile data (Wi-Fialone is not enough for accurate tracking).
    • 🔋 If the battery is below 15%, Android can automatically limit background activity of applications, including tracking. Charge the device or connect it to a power source.

    In the parent application, you can choose one of three display modes:

    1. Standard - update every 2-3 minutes (balance between accuracy and battery consumption).
    2. Economic —update every 5–10 minutes (suitable for long trips).
    3. Maximum —update every minute (more accurate, but drains the battery quickly).
    When you select the “Maximum” mode, the battery charge on a child’s smartphone can decrease by 20-30% per hour —use it only in emergency situations.

    Why does the mark on the map “jump”?

    This is due to the fact that the smartphone uses data from several sources (GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers). In urban environments, the GPS signal can be reflected from buildings, and Wi-Fi networks can provide inaccurate coordinates. To reduce the error, enable the “GPS Only” option on your child’s phone (if available), but keep in mind that this will increase battery consumption.

    4. Voice communication and listening to the surroundings

    In addition to tracking location, the application allows Call your child directly via the Internet or Listen to surrounding sounds through the microphone of his smartphone. This feature is useful if your child does not answer calls or you want to make sure that he is safe.

    To use voice communication:

    1. In the parent application, go to section Communication.
    2. Select Voice call is a regular call via the Internet (network connection required on both devices).
    3. For listening click Listening —the sound from the microphone of the children's smartphone will be broadcast to your application (the child will not hear the call signal).

    ⚠️ Attention: The listening function works only if the child's smartphone access to the microphone is allowed for the application "I'm going home"** and it is not closed in the background. Some manufacturers (for example Xiaomi or Huawei) aggressively optimize the battery, which may block this feature. To avoid problems, add the application to optimization exceptions in the battery settings.

    It is important to remember legal aspects: listening to the environment without the knowledge of a child (if he is over 10-12 years old) may be considered a violation of personal space. It is better to discuss with him in advance in what cases you will use this function (for example, if he does not answer calls in an unfamiliar place).

    5. History of movements and activity analytics

    The application keeps movement history for the last 30 days, which allows you to analyze the child’s routes, time spent in certain places and even speed of movement. This function is useful to understand, for example, why a child was late from school or where he goes after class.

    To view the history:

    1. Open the section History in the parent application.
    2. Select the desired day on the calendar.
    3. The map will display all the points where the child visited, indicating the time and duration of stay.

    Additionally, the application provides analytics activity:

    • 📊 Time outside: how many hours did the child spend outside the home.
    • 🏃 Active movement: walking, cycling (determined by speed).
    • 🚗 Trips by transport: if the speed exceeds 20 km/h, the system records this as a trip by car or bus.

    This data can be exported to a CSVfile for a more detailed analysis (for example, to discuss with the child his daily routine). However, please note that the accuracy of the analysis depends on the quality of the GPS signal: in basements, subways or dense forests, the data may be incomplete.

    Compare the data with the child’s real routes|Check whether the GPS on the child’s smartphone has been turned off|Make sure that history saving is enabled in the application settings|Update the application to the latest versions-->

    6. Saving battery power and optimizing operation

    One ​​of the main fears of parents is that the application will quickly drain the battery on the child’s smartphone. It's true that constant location tracking and background activity consume power, but there are ways to reduce the load without losing functionality.

    Tips to save battery:

    • 🔋 Use economy mode tracking (updated every 5-10 minutes) in everyday situations.
    • 📵 Turn off mobile data for the application when the child is in a safe area (for example, at home or at school), but leave on Wi-Fi.
    • 🔄 Update the application regularly: developers optimize energy consumption in new versions.
    • 🛡️ On smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei add the application to battery optimization exceptions (otherwise the system may suspend its operation).

    Tracking mode Battery consumption (8 hours) Coordinate accuracy
    Maximum 25–35% ±5 meters
    Standard 10–15% ±10–20 meters
    Economic 5–8% ±50–100 meters

    If the battery still discharges too quickly, check:

    • 🔍 Are other tracking applications running (for example, Google Maps or Yandex.Maps in the background).
    • 📱 Battery condition: if its capacity is below 70% of the original, even optimized applications will quickly drain the device.
    • 🔥 Smartphone temperature: if it overheats, the system can artificially limit performance, which leads to additional energy consumption.

    💡

    The optimal balance between accuracy and battery saving is to use standard mode tracking with Wi-Fi and mobile data turned on only when necessary.

    7. Solving common problems

    Even with proper configuration, users sometimes encounter errors. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to solve them.

    Problem 1: The application does not show the child's location. Solution:

    • Check if it is turned on GPS i mobile data on the children's smartphone.
    • Restart both devices.
    • Delete and reinstall the application on the children's phone (sometimes resetting the cache helps).

    Problem 2: Geofences do not work. Solution:

    • Increase the geofence radius by 20–30%.
    • Check whether access to geodata is disabled for the application in the phone settings.
    • Update the maps in the application (sometimes clearing the map cache helps).

    Problem 3: Warding does not work. Solution:

    • Make sure that the child’s smartphone allows access to the microphone for the application.
    • Check whether the antivirus or firewall is blocking sound transmission.
    • Reinstall the application on both devices.

    ⚠️ Attention: If none of the methods helped, contact application support through the section Help c menu. Attach screenshots of errors and indicate smartphone models - this will speed up the solution to the problem.

    8. Security and privacy

    When using tracking apps, it is important to remember data security and legal aspects. “I’m going home” encrypts the transmitted information, but there are nuances that are worth knowing about:

    What to do to protect data:

    • 🔐 Set a password for the parent application (in settings security).
    • 📱 Do not use the same password for your account in the application and other services.
    • 🔄 Update the application regularly - vulnerabilities are closed in new versions.
    • 🚫 Do not share access to your account with strangers (even with others relatives).

    Legal issues:

    • 📜 In most countries, tracking children under 14 years of age without their consent allowed, but it is better to explain to the child in advance why this is necessary.
    • ⚖️ Listening to the environment without the knowledge of a child over 12-14 years old may be considered a violation of personal privacy (depending on the laws of your country).
    • 📵 It is prohibited to use the application to track adults without their consent.

    If you are concerned that the data may fall into the hands of third parties, check the privacy settings in application. Here you can disable analytics collection and limit access to movement history.

    💡

    Tracking children is not surveillance, but caring. Explain to your child that the application is needed for his safety, and not to control every step. This will help avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Can the application be used on several children's devices?

    Yes, you can link up to 5 children's devicesin the parent account. To do this, select Add child in the settings and follow the instructions for linking a new smartphone. Please note that each child's device must have a separate application installed "I'm going home: child"**.

    How to disable notifications about geofences at night?

    Go to the section Geofences, select the desired zone and click Notification settings. Here you can set silence mode for a specific time (for example, from 22:00 to 7:00). You can also completely disable entry/exit notifications, leaving only the display on the map.

    Why does the application show the wrong location?

    This may be due to:

    • Weak signal GPS (for example, indoors or basement).
    • Disabled mobile data on a children's smartphone.
    • The operation of the power saving mode (it can block background activity).

    Try to enable high precision mode in the location settings or reboot the device.

    Is it possible to hide the application from child?

    Technically yes: on some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) you can hide the application icon via launcher settings or Children's mode. However, we do not recommend doing this: the child must know that his location is being tracked and understand why this is necessary. Hidden tracking can undermine trust.

    How much does the premium version cost and what does it offer?

    The cost and features of the premium version may vary. At the time of writing, premium includes:

    • Extended movement history (up to 90 days instead of 30).
    • Additional geofences (up to 20 instead of 5).
    • Priority support.
    • No advertising.

    The price varies from 200 to 500 rubles per month depending on the tariff. Check the current conditions in the application.