IFTTT relies on continuous and accurate location tracking from your Android device. When the phone frequently switches between 5G cellular data and WiFi, location reporting becomes inconsistent, causing geofencing automations to fail. This issue is especially common in dense urban environments, 5G mmWave areas, and phones with aggressive battery optimization.
Below is the full explanation and the exact technical steps to fix it.
⭐ Direct Solution Snippet
IFTTT location automations fail when Android switches between 5G and WiFi because the OS temporarily pauses background location services during network transitions. This interrupts geofencing signals. To fix it, disable Android battery optimization for IFTTT, keep WiFi scanning enabled, and force Android to use highaccuracy location mode at all times.
Preliminary Diagnostic Steps
Before applying fixes, confirm the issue with these targeted diagnostics:
1. Check Android Location Mode
Go to:
Settings → Location → Location Services → Google Location
Accuracy
Ensure it is set to High Accuracy.
2. Verify Background Location Permissions
IFTTT must have:
Allow all the time + Allow while using WiFi & mobile data
If it shows "Allowed only while in use," geofencing will fail.
3. Inspect Battery Optimization Settings
Many Android devices (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel, OnePlus) kill background apps when switching networks.
Check:
Settings → Battery → Background usage limits → Never sleeping apps
4. Evaluate Network Switching Behavior
Confirm how often your phone moves between:
Home WiFi
Public WiFi
5G / LTE
Each transition may pause location.
5. Check IFTTT App Activity Logs
Open:
IFTTT → Your Applets → “View activity”
If you see:
“Location not
detected”
“Applet skipped due
to missing trigger”
Then the issue is confirmed.
H2: StepbyStep Technical Fix
1️⃣ Disable Battery Optimization for IFTTT
Go to:
Settings → Apps → IFTTT → Battery → Unrestricted
This prevents Android from pausing the app during network changes.
2️⃣ Enable HighAccuracy Location Mode
Turn on:
WiFi scanning
Bluetooth scanning
Google Location Accuracy
These improve geofencing reliability.
3️⃣ Keep WiFi Enabled Even When Not Connected
Android uses WiFi antennas for location triangulation.
Go to:
WiFi → Advanced Settings → WiFi scanning ON
4️⃣ Disable 5G for Testing
5G mmWave and SA/NSA transitions often cause abrupt network resets.
Try temporarily switching to LTE only to confirm.
5️⃣ Clear IFTTT Location Cache
Settings → Apps → IFTTT → Storage
Tap Clear Cache (do NOT clear data)
6️⃣ Lock IFTTT in Recent Apps (OEMspecific)
On Xiaomi, Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus:
Open Recent Apps
Long press on IFTTT
Select Lock / Keep open / Don’t close
This prevents forced closure.
7️⃣ Recreate the Location Applet
Delete and rebuild the automation:
Use a smaller radius
(200–300 meters)
Avoid overlapping geofences
Preventing Future Conflict
✔ Use LTE Instead of 5G in HighInterference Areas
5G is still unstable in many cities. LTE provides consistent location reporting.
✔ Add IFTTT to “Never Sleeping Apps”
Prevents Android from killing the service during network changes.
✔ Keep WiFi Always On
Even outside home—this improves triangulation.
✔ Use a Secondary Geolocation Method
Examples:
Life360
Home Assistant
Companion App
Tasker + AutoLocation
Combining two sources increases reliability.
✔ Update the IFTTT App & Google Play Services
Location accuracy heavily depends on Play Services.