Activating a device simply means adding a new device to your user account. You can activate any supported GPS tracking device. If your model is not yet supported, please contact your service provider to either get this device integrated with Navixy or finding an alternative device with similar functionality.
There are two methods of activating a GPS tracking device:
Automatic device activation (recommended) — simplifies the setup by automatically configuring your device without any manual intervention.
Manual device activation — requires you to manually enter configuration settings, such as APN credentials, server address, and port. This option is useful if automatic configuration is not feasible due to specific technical or regional constraints.
Activate GPS device automatically
Navixy offers the unique advantage of fully automatic device activation, which in most cases frees users from the need to manually configure their devices. The process includes sending initial configuration commands to a device you are connecting via Text (SMS). However, if the automatic activation is not suitable in your case, you can always Configure the device manually.
Automatic activation steps
Once you log in to your user account, navigate to Activate device in the left menu. This will launch the activation wizard.
Object label: Choose any label you prefer (e.g., “Vehicle ABC”).
Device make and model: Select from a list sorted alphabetically and grouped by manufacturers.
Enter SIM card phone number: Enter the SIM card phone number installed in the device.
Receive configuration SMS: After entering the necessary information, a few SMS messages containing configuration commands will be sent to the device. Ensure the device is powered on and able to receive these messages.
Within a minute or so, the device should come online and be ready for use.
Details about automatic configuration
With automatic activation, setting up your device is simple and user-friendly, with no need for USB cables, drivers, or configuration utilities. The process is quick, allowing the device to be operational within minutes. Configuration parameters, such as APN settings and server details, are sent automatically via SMS from the server to the device. Once connected, the device receives automatic updates, such as tracking mode settings, primarily over the IP channel.
Activation code: what is it?
An activation code is a special code that may be provided by your service provider along with the device you purchased. The service provider may require you to enter the code if they want to restrict the use of hardware purchased from another source, or leave it optional if they welcome you to add any device.
Activate GPS device manually
While Navixy offers automatic GPS device activation that simplifies the setup process, there are instances where manual configuration may be required or preferred. This section covers steps for manual device configuration and particular use cases when this method is preferred.
Manual activation steps
Manually configure the essential parameters on your device, including:
APN credentials — Complete the necessary APN settings for your GSM network provider.
Server address — Choose the server address based on your data residency preferences and/or your Service Provider recommendations:
Server port — This parameter depends on your device make and model and can be found in the Devices section of our website. For example, for Queclink GV65 device the server port would be 47764.
The device’s time zone must be set to UTC+0h with no offset applied for proper operation. The time zone can be adjusted later in user preferences for each individual user.
For assistance with connecting your specific device and choice for connectivity, reach out to the support team of your service provider for detailed guidance.
When manual activation is required or preferred
Cellular devices with SMS deliverability issues
Although Navixy and its partners utilize SMS gateways with high deliverability and worldwide coverage, some countries have local regulations and technical issues that can hinder the delivery of M2M commands sent via SMS text messages. These issues include:
Anti-spam regulations: Local restrictions on message sender names, text length, and binary texts.
Technical issues: Special symbols like $, #, and % that are used in the configuration commands may not pass through all network nodes in the SMS delivery chain successfully.
If automatic setup fails due to these issues, you can manually configure the basic parameters, such as APN credentials, server address, and port. The server port and IP address for a specific device model can be found in the Devices section of our website. For detailed configuration instructions, please refer to the device's manual or consult the technical support of your service provider.
Devices connected via MQTT protocol
MQTT devices, which use the Publisher/Subscriber model for communication, require a unique setup process. These devices must be configured manually because they do not follow the traditional client-server model. You need to:
Configure the device with the appropriate MQTT broker settings.
Manually set up the device’s connection parameters, such as the MQTT broker address and port.
Ensure the correct topics and security credentials are configured.
Please refer to the section Activate Your MQTT Device on Navixy for more details.
Devices connected via LoRa network
LoRa (Long Range) networks, which are commonly used for IoT applications due to their low power and long-range capabilities, also require manual configuration. This is because LoRa networks operate differently from standard cellular networks using LoRaWAN gateways and have specific requirements:
This setup is somewhat unique for each integration. Therefore please consult with the technical support of your service provider on how to integrate your LoRa devices and LoRaWAN gateway with Navixy.
Devices connected via Satellite network
Devices using satellite networks such as Iridium, Globalstar or Starlink need manual configuration due to the distinct nature of satellite communication, which differs significantly from terrestrial networks.
Devices that use a satellite link and the Navixy platform communicate through a gateway provided by the satellite operator. This gateway acts as a bridge between the satellite network and the Internet, ensuring seamless data transmission.
To configure a satellite device to be monitoring on Navixy, you need to:
Enter the satellite network credentials manually
Set the server address and communication parameters to match the satellite service provider’s specifications
Verify that the device is properly registered and able to communicate with the satellite network.
Because each integration can be unique, please consult the technical support of your service provider for guidance on integrating your devices and gateway with Navixy.
Devices connected via other Telematics systems or Gateways
There are scenarios where devices are already connected to other telematics systems, such as OEM telematics platforms or other GPS servers, and you need them to be monitored on both that platform and Navixy.
To monitor devices that are part of other telematics systems with Navixy, you need to:
Configuring data transmission: Set up the other platform to send data to Navixy using one of the protocols supported by Navixy.
Adding a virtual device: Create a virtual device on the Navixy platform that maps to the data source using a unique device identifier.
For more details, please read how to Integrate IoT Data from Servers and Gateways.
FAQ and Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while activating your devices, please consult our F.A.Q. and Troubleshooting Guide or contact your Service provider for assistance.