Fixing location that won't update

If the child's position on the map looks stuck or hours old, it's almost always a permission or battery setting on the kid phone. Work through the checks below in order.

1. Check the location permission

On the kid phone, open Settings > Apps > AlvaKids > Permissions > Location and make sure it is set to Allow all the time. "Allow only while using the app" stops updates the moment the kid leaves the app.

2. Turn on precise location

In the same Location screen, enable Use precise location. Without it the map can drift by hundreds of metres.

3. Switch off battery optimization

Battery savers kill AlvaKids in the background, which freezes the map. Set AlvaKids to Unrestricted under Settings > Battery, and enable autostart for your phone brand. This is the single most common cause.

4. Check the kid phone's internet

Location is sent over mobile data or Wi-Fi. If the phone is offline, has run out of mobile data, or is in airplane mode, the map keeps the last fix until it reconnects. Confirm that AlvaKids has background data enabled and that data saver is not blocking it.

5. Make sure GPS is on

Location can be turned off entirely on the kid phone from the quick settings panel. Open Settings > Location and check that the master location toggle is on and set to High accuracy mode, which combines GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks for the best fix.

Free plan vs Premium

On the free plan the map shows a snapshot that is no fresher than 15 minutes old, so some delay is normal and expected. Live, continuously refreshing location and the Go Live button are Premium features. If you need real-time tracking, that is the difference you are seeing.

Tip: after changing any setting, open the parent app and tap Go Live (Premium) or wait one cycle. The child status dot should turn green within a minute.

Related: Granting permissions on the kid phone and the autostart guides for Xiaomi, Samsung, Oppo/Realme, Vivo and Huawei/Honor.