Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What satellite network does SPOT use?
A: SPOT uses a Commercial LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Satellite constellation
Q: How should SPOT be positioned for best accuracy and results?
A: The SPOT patch antenna lays directly under the SPOT logo. For best results, position the unit so SPOT is facing up towards the sky in a horizontal position with a full view of the sky. For tracking, try securing your SPOT on top of the shoulder strap or outside top pocket of you backpack.
Q: Is there a quick reference guide for using SPOT in the field?
A: This is a quick reference guide that we like to keep handy during an adventure:
First use: turn SPOT on, press the OK button and let cycle for 20 min
- Tracking: Turn unit on, hold OK button for longer than 5 seconds
- Tracking turns off after 24 hours. Engage Tracking every morning
- If On/Off light and OK light blink in unison for longer than 20 min., then you are in Track Mode
- If lights blink in unison for only 20 min., you were in OK mode
*Once in Track mode, holding down the OK button will cancel Track.
- One set of AA Lithium batteries = 14 days of Tracking
- GPS Fix = On/Off and OK lights blink in unison
- No GPS Fix = On/Off and OK lights blink out of unison
- 9-1-1 Mode: Press and hold for at least 3 seconds unit you see green light blink
- Cancel 9-1-1, press and hold button for at least 3 seconds until red light
Q: I've heard SPOT uses Globalstar's network and they are having problems, how does this affect SPOT?
A: SPOT does not use Globalstar's 2-way voice technology. We use their simplex constellation which our extensive testing shows 99.6% reliability.
Q: What features may I use at the same time?
A: Help and 911 may be activated at the same time.
- Check OK may not be used in conjunction with any other feature. If you wish to activate Track Progress, you must either wait for the Check- OK cycle to complete or cancel it by turning the unit off and back on.
- Track Progress will automatically cancel if you activate HELP or 911
Q: How many characters are allowed for the password.
A: 12
Q: What is the timeout period for the website?
A: When you are logged in or when you are registering, the no-activity timeout is 30 minutes:
- The exception to the timeout is on the Messages tab. This auto-refreshes periodically and keeps you logged in.
Q: What should I do if a SPOT is lost or stolen?
A: We recommend the unit be suspended so that if it is recovered or a replacement unit is purchased then an ESN swap can be done. If the contract is deactivated then the only way to activate again is to pay for another year of service. Make sure to choose "Return to sales partner immediately"
Q: How long are my messages stored in my web account?
A: Messages are stored for 30 days.
Q: Can I return SPOT to the store which I purchased it?
A: Different stores and dealers have very different return policies ranging from "30 days no questions asked" to "no returns". SPOT recommends submitting defective or damaged units to the manufacturer for repair or replacement (at the manufacturer's discretion). However, each store or dealer must be consulted regarding their return policy and SPOT has no authority on that subject.
Q: Why may some contacts not receive email notifications for OK and HELP messages?
A: Some email providers block messages if the sender is not in your contacts' address book. Try having your contacts add noreply@findmespot.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it into their address books. Some email providers or corporations have spam filters that may be blocking messages. To prevent these filters from blocking messages, advise the contact to ask their system administrator to allow messages from noreply@findmespot.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and/or "white listi" noreply@findmespot.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it in the spam filter.