By default, the Netmera SDK does not gather any location information from the device. To use geofence push notifications and location-based targeting, you must enable location tracking in your application.
Geofence Push Notifications on Android 10 and Above
On Android 10 and later, geofence push notifications require background location access. However, Android does not allow apps to request this permission directly in the app. Instead, users must manually enable "Allow all the time" in the system settings.
Best Practice: Before redirecting users to settings, display an explanatory message about why location access is needed. You can use Netmera widgets to communicate this effectively. You may see the next page Background Location Permission on how to create these widgets to ask for location permissions.
Step 1: Add Required Permissions
In your AndroidManifest.xml file, add the following permissions:
For Android 6.0 (API Level 23) and later, location permission must be requested while the app is running. Netmera provides a built-in permission request flow:
After calling this method, the default permission dialog will appear if the app does not already have location access. Once the user grants permission, Netmera will handle location operations based on your settings in the Netmera Dashboard.
Step 3: Enable Location History
To track user location, enable Location History in the Netmera web panel:
Developers > App Info > App Config > Location History Enabled
Step 4: Set Maximum Active Geofence Regions
To limit the number of active geofences, use the following method:
Netmera.setNetmeraMaxActiveRegions(95);
If you set a value greater than 95 or less than 0, it will be reset to the default (95).
If your app requires location-based services but should still be visible on devices without GPS hardware, add the following declarations in AndroidManifest.xml:
1. Crash Resolution: Update to gms:play-services-location Version 21.0.1
If you encounter the following crash and are using gms:play-services-location, it is advisable to upgrade to version 21.0.1.
2. Geofence Update Events: Common Causes and Solutions
The Netmera SDK triggers the Geofence Update event when there is a change in the geofence area, prompted by the operating system. However, if the operating system does not trigger this event, you may not see the geofence update events. This can occur due to various reasons such as operating system limitations or device settings.
Possible Reasons for Not Seeing Geofence Update Events
Operating System Does Not Trigger the Event: Geofence events are triggered by the operating system. However, due to power-saving policies or system restrictions, this trigger may not occur.
Background Process Restrictions
Some Android devices, particularly those with low memory, may restrict background processes.
If the app has been "Force Stopped," geofence events will not be triggered.
Battery Optimization Mode
If the device is in battery optimization mode, geofence services may operate with limited functionality.
For example, background location services may be disabled.
Device and Operating System Manufacturer Restrictions
Some device manufacturers (e.g., Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei) may restrict geofence events through their own power-saving mechanisms.
Location Services Disabled
If the user has disabled location services on the device, geofence events cannot be triggered.
Missing App Permissions
If Location Permission is not granted, or if the permission level is restricted (e.g., "Only While Using the App"), geofence events will not be received.
Suggestions for Optimizing Geofence Events
1. Prompt Users to Enable Permissions
You can show an informative message to remind users to keep location services and permissions enabled.
Example message:
"If your location services are off, you may not see geofence events. Go to Settings > Location > [App Name] > Allow Always to update your permissions."
You can also inform users through Netmera Widgets.
2. Check Battery Optimization Settings
Due to energy-saving modes, background processes may be restricted. Direct users to add your app to the battery optimization exceptions list.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Apps > Find [App Name].
Enter Battery settings.
Enable Battery Optimization.
Select Don’t Optimize or No Restrictions.
3. Disable Background Process Restrictions
Some device manufacturers may automatically restrict background app processes. To remove these restrictions, follow the steps according to the device type:
Xiaomi:
Go to Settings > Battery & Performance > App Battery Saver.
Select the app and choose No Restrictions.
Huawei:
Go to Settings > Battery > App Launch Management.
Disable Automatic Management for the app.
Enable all permissions under Manual Management.
Oppo and Vivo:
Go to Settings > Power Management > Background Restrictions.
Ensure your app is not listed here.
4. Increase Location Accuracy
To improve geofence performance, check and adjust the device’s location accuracy settings.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Location > Advanced.
Enable Google Location Accuracy or High Accuracy Mode.
Ensure the above settings are properly configured on users' devices to enable geofence update events to be received correctly. Adding informative messages to guide users in optimizing these settings will help enhance geofence functionality.
