Anchor watch guide: setup, GPS and remote alarms
A moving dot does not always mean a moving boat, and an online device does not always have a fresh GPS fix. When an anchor alarm needs attention, check the boat first, then use position accuracy, GPS time and contact time to understand what the app is reporting.
Distinguish three different problems
A boundary alarm concerns the reported boat position relative to your selected watch area. A GPS warning concerns the quality or freshness of location information. A connection warning concerns communication with the boat device. These can occur together, but each needs a different check. A working internet connection alone cannot guarantee an accurate position.
Read accuracy and both timestamps
Check the GPS accuracy value and the time of the latest position, as well as the last-contact time. Contact may continue while fresh usable location data is unavailable. If GPS time advances but a freshness warning remains, keep the warning in view and record the app version, accuracy, both times and device role for support. Do not assume that the clock alone proves everything is working.
Give the boat phone a better view of the sky
Secure the phone in a dry, protected location with a clear view of the sky where possible. Metal cabins, roofs and nearby obstructions can degrade satellite reception. Allow precise location and the background access requested by the app. Keep the phone charged, check that battery-saving settings are not restricting the watch, and verify operation again after locking the screen.
Use a Wi-Fi-only iPad as a shore display
A Wi-Fi-only iPad has no built-in GPS receiver. Its network-based location may be coarse or intermittent, so do not use it as the boat's GPS source for a precise anchor watch. It can display positions received from a paired GPS-capable boat phone while connected to the internet. In that role, the boat's track comes from the boat phone, not from the iPad's own location.
Interpret the track with care
The movement trail connects recorded positions. GPS scatter can create loops or a dense patch even while the boat appears stationary. A straight segment between widely separated recorded points does not prove that the boat followed that exact path. Compare the trail with position accuracy, timestamps and observations. The anchor line and the historical movement trail show different information.
Troubleshoot without concealing the warning
Check the boat's situation before changing settings. Review permissions, power and connectivity, then test the watch and alarm delivery again. Do not increase the watch area solely to dismiss uncertain GPS. If a problem persists, send support the app version, device model, boat or shore role, relevant timestamps and a screenshot. Avoid sending invitation codes or precise private location publicly.
Device location guidance: Apple · Location Services