What does an iOS user see when they receive a Locate request?
This article shows the experience from the subject or bystander's side of a Locate request on an iOS device — useful if you want to know what to expect, or what to tell a subject before sending the request.
Step 1 — Receiving the text message
When a Locate request is sent, the subject first receives a text message with a link. The content of this message can be customised — see Configuring Locate & Message.
Step 2 — Sharing location
When the subject taps the link, they're taken to a webpage. Depending on their device settings, their browser may prompt them to allow location access.
If the subject is communicating in a language other than English, the entire webpage experience is automatically served in their preferred language. This feature does not require message translation to be enabled.
If the subject's device does not have location services enabled, Connect Rocket will automatically provide the subject with instructions on how to enable location services on their device.
Step 3 — Refining location and sharing battery level
Once the subject allows location access, Connect Rocket obtains an initial position. A countdown timer displays while Connect Rocket works to refine the subject's GPS coordinates over the following two minutes.
iOS users are also prompted to set their device's battery level using a slider, then select Submit to share it with you.
Step 4 — Confirming battery level shared
After the subject selects Submit, the screen updates to confirm their battery level has been shared successfully, while location refinement continues in the background.
Step 5 — Completion
Once the Locate request is finalized, a confirmation message displays. This message can also be customized — see Configuring Locate & Message — and is a good place to provide next steps or reassurance to the subject.
