How do I set up location permissions for the Drive so trips track correctly?

How do I set up location permissions for the Drive so trips track correctly?

For SmartWheels Drive to record your trips accurately, its location permission must be set to Always — not "While Using the App." This lets Drive keep tracking in the background, even when your phone screen is off or you're using another app. It's the single most common setup step people miss, and skipping it is the #1 reason trips go unrecorded.

iPhone (iOS)

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security
  3. Tap Location Services
  4. Find and tap SmartWheels
  5. Select Always

Android

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Apps (may be called "Apps & notifications" depending on your device)
  3. Find and tap SmartWheels
  4. Tap Permissions
  5. Tap Location
  6. Select Allow all the time

Menu names vary slightly by Android manufacturer (Samsung, Pixel, etc.), but the path is always Settings → Apps → SmartWheels Drive → Permissions → Location.

How to confirm it worked

Once set to Always:

  • Take a short test drive with the app open at least once beforehand
  • Check the app afterward to confirm the trip appears with a route

If a trip still doesn't show up after confirming this setting, the app may have been fully closed (not just backgrounded) during the trip, or you may be in a low-signal area.

Still having trouble?

Reach out and we'll take a look:

📧 support@smartwheelsgps.com 📞 +1 (888) 246-2120 — 9am–9pm EST

We'll follow up within 24 hours of your ticket being raised.

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