How to add Device to monitor at traccar?

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Posted on | by Rajesh K

Great that you’ve installed Traccar and added a device!
If the device shows “offline,” this usually means Traccar hasn’t received any data from it yet. This is the most common “first step” issue with new GPS trackers.

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to diagnose and resolve it:

1. Check Device Power & SIM

  • Is the GPS device powered on and properly installed?
    • For wired devices: check vehicle power connection (ACC/12V, GND).
    • For OBD: ensure fully plugged in.
  • Is the SIM card inserted, active, and has data/SMS balance?
    • Device LED indicators (see manual) often show SIM/network status.
    • Can you call or SMS the SIM? (test from your phone)

2. APN Configuration

  • Is the correct APN (Access Point Name) set on the device?
    • Each SIM provider (Airtel, Jio, Vi, etc.) has its own APN.
    • If APN is not set, device can’t send data.
    Example:
    For Airtel: airtelgprs.com
    For Jio: jionet
    For Vi: www
  • How to set?
    Usually by sending a special SMS command to the device SIM.
    (See device manual; e.g., APN123456 airtelgprs.com)

3. Server (Traccar) Configuration on Device

  • Is the tracker configured to send data to your Traccar server’s public IP/domain and correct port?
    • Example:
      • If your Traccar server’s public IP is 3.23.45.67 and you use GT06 protocol, port is 5023.
      • Set device to send data to 3.23.45.67:5023.
  • How to set?
    By SMS command, e.g.
    SERVER,3.23.45.67,5023#
    (Check your device manual for exact command)

4. Traccar Protocol & Port

  • Does the device use the protocol/port you set in Traccar?
    • Check Traccar Supported Devices to confirm protocol and port.
    • Example: Concox GT06 → Protocol: GT06 → Default port: 5023.

5. Device IMEI/ID Entry in Traccar

  • In Traccar, is the device’s unique identifier entered correctly?
    • Should match exactly the device’s IMEI or ID (as printed or shown in device SMS).
    • No spaces or typos.

6. Firewall/NAT/Cloud Security Group

  • Is your Traccar server accessible from the public internet on the required port?
    • If using AWS/Azure/etc, open the required port (e.g., 5023) in your security group/firewall.
    • You can test open ports with canyouseeme.org.

7. Wait a Few Minutes & Reboot

  • Some devices send data every 30–180 seconds, or only when moving.
  • Try driving the vehicle/moving device for 5–10 minutes.
  • If still offline, reboot the device (power cycle) and check.

8. Check Traccar Logs

  • In Traccar UI, go to “State” > “Server Log” (or check log files on the server).
    • If you see raw data/connection attempts from your device’s IP, your device is trying to connect.
    • If nothing, the device isn’t reaching your server.

9. Test with SMS (if supported)

  • Many devices respond to SMS with their current location or config.
  • Try sending a “status” or “locate” SMS command; check reply for server, APN, and SIM info.

Most Common Reasons for “Offline”:

  • Wrong APN (device can’t use mobile data)
  • Wrong server IP/port (device sending data somewhere else)
  • Network/firewall blocking the port
  • SIM not active or out of data/SMS
  • Typo in IMEI/ID in Traccar

What to Do Next?

  1. Check each of the above, especially APN and server/port config.
  2. Look for blinking status lights—many devices indicate errors with red/yellow LEDs.
  3. If you want, share your device brand/model, your steps/config, and I can give exact SMS commands and debug tips.