Overview: Location Services allows location-based apps and websites (including Maps, Camera, Safari, and other Apple/Android and third-party apps) to use information from cellular, Wi-Fi, and Global Positioning System (GPS) networks to determine your approximate location.
Instructions:
Enable Chrome Location Services
1. Open Chrome and click the three-dotted menu in the top right-hand corner, followed by Settings:
2. On the Settings page, click Privacy and security from the left-hand menu, followed by Site Settings:
3. Scroll down and click Location:
4. You can then toggle the Ask before accessing (recommend) option to enable location services:
Note: To change the settings for a specific site, learn how to add and edit exceptions.
Enable Safari Location Services (Mac)
1. Start by clicking the Apple symbol in the upper left-hand corner, followed by System Preferences:
2. Then click Security & Privacy:
3. Then click the Privacy tab:
4. Click on the padlock in the bottom left-hand corner of the window. You will be asked to authenticate by entering your computer ID/password. Once entered, you will then be able to adjust your Location Services by checking the box next to Enable Location Services and ensuring location services are enabled specifically for Safari:
5. Click the lock again once done.
Enable Microsoft Edge Location Services
1. Start by clicking the three-dotted menu located in the top right-hand corner of Microsoft Edge, followed by Settings:
2. Once on the settings page, click Site permission from the left-hand menu, followed by Location:
3. You can then toggle the Ask before accessing (recommended) option:
You can also allow or block specific sites from accessing your location:
Visit a website in Microsoft Edge.
In the corner of the address bar, select the Lock, Info, or Dangerous icon and select Site permissions.
Next to Location, choose Ask (default), Allow, or Block from the list.
Enable Android Location Services
To enable location services on Android 9.0 and above:
Open Settings and tap Location
Make sure Use location is On
Tap App permissions (or App-level permissions)
Scroll to find Buddy Punch (or your chosen app)
Select Allow only while in use or Allow all the time
To enable location services on Android 4.4 through 8.1:
Open Settings and go to Location
On some devices, it may be under Security & location
Turn Location On (toggle at the top)
Tap App access to location (or App permissions)
Find and tap Buddy Punch
Choose Allow only while using the app or Allow all the time
Need help? More information on how to enable location services for an Android device can be found here: https://support.google.com/android/answer/3467281?hl=en
Enable iOS Location Services
To enable location services on an iOS device:
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
Make sure Location Services is turned On
Scroll down and tap the app you want (e.g., Buddy Punch)
Choose your preferred permission: While Using the App or Always
(Optional) To fine-tune system features, tap System Services at the bottom and toggle as desired
FAQ
Q: What GPS accuracy can I expect, and is it audit-ready?
A: Buddy Punch relies on each device’s built-in GPS hardware, typically accurate to 5–10 meters outdoors (indoor accuracy may vary). Every GPS stamp is saved with a precise timestamp and latitude/longitude, so you can confidently use these records for internal audits and compliance checks.
Q: What happens in low-signal environments—will punches still record basic GPS?
A: If Basic GPS is set to Required and an employee's device does not have a signal, they will not be able to punch in, out, or switch between jobs.
Q: What happens in low-signal environments—will real-time GPS coordinates still be recorded?
A: If Real-Time GPS is On and an employee's GPS signal is lost or otherwise does not have a strong enough signal strength to successfully report GPS coordinates, they won’t be able to punch in, out, or switch between jobs.
If the employee is already punched in and loses signal, there will be no coordinates reflected on the GPS Activity Report or on the Map section of an employee's timecard during that timeframe.
Once there is a stable, strong connection again, the coordinates will be recorded from that point forward. This could appear as large gaps in the data points on the GPS Activity report and the employee's Map, as if an employee is "teleporting" from one location to another, rather than following a continuous route.