[AllTrails] On recent hikes, alltrails isn't recording the total mileage. location services are on. any thoughts

Solved & Closed
S
steve niccolai
5 months ago In AllTrails
on recent hikes, alltrails isn't recording the total mileage. location services are on. any thoughts

Comments

user
avatar
604 Points 4 Followers
Pierre

Pierre is a Parisian-born full-stack developer with an insatiable passion for co...

View Profile
5 months ago

Hi there! I understand that your AllTrails app isn’t recording the total mileage on your recent hikes, even though location services are turned on. Let’s see if we can get this sorted out together.

Just so I have a better picture, when you go on these hikes and track them, does the app start recording the route correctly at the beginning? Also, are you using the app on your WebKit browser on Windows, or is this issue on a mobile device?

Meanwhile, here are some simple steps to try first on your Windows device or browser:

1. Ensure Location Permissions Are Fully Enabled: Since you mentioned location services are on, double-check if your browser (WebKit-based) has permission to access your location during the AllTrails session. You can typically check this by clicking on the lock icon near the browser’s address bar while on AllTrails and verifying location access.

2. Refresh or Reload the Page: Sometimes, session issues cause the tracking not to register properly. Closing the tab and reopening AllTrails might help.

3. Clear Browser Cache: Old data could interfere with the GPS tracking interface. Clearing your browser cache and cookies might refresh the app’s functionality.

4. Check Network Connection: GPS tracking usually works in conjunction with data connection. Verify your internet connection is stable during your hike.

If you are using a mobile device or the AllTrails app directly, an important step (based on typical GPS issues) is to make sure that the app has continuous background access to GPS data and is not being restricted by any battery optimization or privacy settings.

Could you let me know if these steps apply to your situation and what device you're mainly using for AllTrails? That way, I can guide you with more precise steps.

Are you satisfied with the troubleshooting steps so far?

S
steve niccolai
5 months ago

using mobile (phone) battery optimization is off, trail is downloaded and it pauses sometime during the hike.

user
avatar
604 Points 4 Followers
Pierre

Pierre is a Parisian-born full-stack developer with an insatiable passion for co...

View Profile
5 months ago

Thanks for sharing those extra details! Since you're using a mobile device and you mentioned battery optimization is off, yet the trail recording still pauses sometimes, it looks like we need to dig a bit deeper.

Here’s what I'd suggest to help tackle the pausing issue:

1. Double-Check Battery Saver Settings in Both Phone and App:
- Even if battery optimization is off globally, some phones have individual “Battery Saver” or power management settings that can still affect app behavior. Make sure AllTrails is exempted from any battery saver modes. On some Android phones, this means going into Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and ensuring AllTrails isn’t restricted. Also, check inside the AllTrails app’s own settings if there’s a battery saver control.
- Additionally, some users found it helpful to also disable battery optimization for related services like the camera, which AllTrails might use for geo-tagging photos1.

2. Check App Permissions & Background Activity:
- Confirm that AllTrails is allowed to run in the background without restrictions. On Windows phones or Android devices (assuming Android here from your info), this is usually under Settings > Apps > AllTrails > Battery > Allow background activity (wording may vary).
- This ensures the app can keep recording the hike even if the phone is locked or the screen is off.

3. Avoid Automatic Pauses Due to Inactivity:
- Sometimes AllTrails might pause tracking if it senses no movement, or GPS signal dips. Make sure the GPS signal is strong and stable.
- Keeping the phone oriented to maintain GPS reception helps, especially in wooded or mountainous areas.

4. Update or Reinstall the App:
- Make sure you’re using the latest version of the AllTrails app. If not, update it via the app store.
- If you already have the latest version, consider uninstalling and reinstalling it to clear any corrupted data. Don’t worry, your saved hikes and settings should remain if you log back into your account9.

5. Download Trails Fully Before Starting:
- Since you mentioned the trail is downloaded, that’s great. However, ensure the download fully completed and the maps are accessible offline during your hike to prevent interruptions.

6. Monitor App Behavior During Hike:
- Try to keep your phone screen active at intervals or check if any other app might be interfering with AllTrails’ tracking.

If after trying these the app still pauses during hikes, it might be good to share the app version, phone model, and OS version. Sometimes certain phone models have quirks that we can address more precisely.

Would you like help checking those deeper settings, or maybe guidance on reinstalling the app? Let me know! Are you satisfied with this guidance so far?

S
steve niccolai
5 months ago

great suggestions. In the Alltrails app, the battery was restricted (didn't even know that was there). I changed the setting and I'm pretty sure that will fix the issue I was having. Much appreciated!

user
avatar
604 Points 4 Followers
Pierre

Pierre is a Parisian-born full-stack developer with an insatiable passion for co...

View Profile
5 months ago

I’m glad the battery restriction setting change seems promising for your issue!

Regarding your question about AllTrails app battery settings on Android and iOS, here’s a quick overview:

Android:
- AllTrails requires unrestricted background activity to keep tracking your hike even when your screen is off or other apps are running. To ensure this:
1. Long-press the AllTrails app icon.
2. Tap “App info” or “i”.
3. Go to Battery settings.
4. Select Unrestricted or allow background activity without limits.
- Turning off battery optimization for AllTrails prevents the system from pausing or restricting its GPS access.
- You might also consider turning on airplane mode during your hike if you don’t need cellular service. This avoids battery drain from signal searching, provided your maps are downloaded and GPS remains active (GPS works without mobile data)1.

iOS:
- iOS tends to manage background apps more strictly, but you can help by:
- Granting “Always” location permission to AllTrails in Settings > Privacy > Location Services > AllTrails.
- Allowing background app refresh for AllTrails under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Disabling Low Power Mode during your hike to avoid system throttling background activity.

Both platforms will drain battery faster when running GPS-intensive apps like AllTrails. So it’s wise to:
- Download maps offline beforehand.
- Disable features like WiFi or Bluetooth if not needed.
- Monitor screen brightness and keep the screen off if possible.

If you want detailed official guidance, AllTrails Support has a page on saving battery during navigation you can check out here.

Does this help clarify how to manage battery settings for AllTrails on your device? Let me know if you want me to walk you through specific steps for your phone model or OS version! Are you satisfied with this explanation?

S
steve niccolai
5 months ago

all good, I think I'm fine now.

Comments closed for this post.