Guides / OwnTracks Setup

Set Up OwnTracks on Android & iOS for GPS Tracking

OwnTracks is a lightweight, open-source location tracker for Android and iOS. In HTTP mode it sends your position directly to your Geomanic account — no third-party cloud, no MQTT broker required. Because the app is open source, anyone can inspect what it does with your location data.

1. Install OwnTracks

Download OwnTracks for Android from Google Play or for iPhone from the App Store. On Android, an un-Googled build is also available via F-Droid. Allow location access — choose “Allow all the time” so tracking works in the background.

2. Get your Geomanic URL

Log in to Geomanic and open your Profile page. Copy the personal OwnTracks URL shown there. It contains your private API key, so keep it secret. No account yet? Registration is free.

3. Switch OwnTracks to HTTP mode

In the OwnTracks app:

• Open Preferences → Connection.
• Set the mode to HTTP (instead of MQTT).
• Paste your Geomanic URL into the Host / URL field.
• Leave username and password empty — authentication is part of the URL.

4. Choose a tracking mode

• Significant changes — the default; low battery usage, reports larger movements. Ideal for day-to-day and country tracking.
• Move mode — frequent updates for detailed tracks; use it for individual trips, then switch back.
• Manual — only reports when you tap; useful for check-ins.

5. Verify in Geomanic

Trigger a manual location report in OwnTracks (tap the publish button), then open your Geomanic dashboard. Your position appears as a waypoint with coordinates and timestamp. From now on, updates arrive automatically.

Frequently asked questions