# How to Scan Device Location? The Scan Device Location remote action allows IT administrators to retrieve the instantaneous geographical coordinates of managed devices, providing real-time visibility into asset location across various operating systems. **What is the “Scan Device Location” Action?** ---------------------------------------------- This action fetches the immediate location of a device on demand. While administrators can schedule periodic tracking via policies, the **Scan Device Location** command is used for urgent, real-time location retrieval. - **Supported Platforms:** iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Android TV OS, visionOS. - **Key Functionality:** Provides real-time coordinates and updates the device’s location history in the UEM console. - **Data Visibility:** Admins can view current positions on a map or review a full list of traversed locations. **Prerequisites and Platform Constraints** ------------------------------------------ Before executing a location scan, specific configurations must be met depending on the device platform. PlatformPrerequisite / Constraint**All Platforms**The **Location Tracking** policy must be associated with the device to unlock the scan action.**macOS**Must run **macOS 10.11+**; Wi-Fi must be **enabled** (even on Ethernet); Location permissions must be granted to the Hexnode UEM app.**Windows (Co-managed)**Requires the **Enable Location Tracking** remote action instead of a standard policy.**iOS**The Hexnode UEM app must be running. If the app is killed, the scan remains in **Pending** status until the app is opened and synced manually.**Step 1: Enabling Location Tracking via Policy** ------------------------------------------------- The **Scan Device Location** action is disabled by default. Administrators must first enable tracking through a configuration policy. 1. Log in to the **Hexnode UEM portal**. 2. Navigate to **Policies > New Policy**. 3. Enter a name and description for the policy. 4. Go to **General Settings > Location Tracking** and click **Configure**. 5. Set the following parameters: - **Enable Location Tracking:** Check this box to activate the feature. - **Location Update Interval:** Select a frequency from **15 mins** to **24 hrs**. 6. Navigate to **Policy Targets** to associate the policy with specific **Devices**, **Users**, or **Groups**. 7. Click **Save**. **Step 2: Executing the Scan Device Location Action** ----------------------------------------------------- Once the policy is associated, the instantaneous scan action becomes available in the device management menu. 1. Navigate to **Manage > Devices**. 2. Select the target device or click on its name to open the **Device Summary**. 3. Click **Actions > Scanning & Monitoring > Scan Device Location**. [![Successful tracking of devices using the scan device location action in Hexnode](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Enable-tracking-of-devices-using-the-scan-device-location-action-in-Hexnode.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Enable-tracking-of-devices-using-the-scan-device-location-action-in-Hexnode.png) - **View Results:** The location will update on the **Device Summary** page. [![View the recent location of the device from the device summary page in Hexnode](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/View-location-of-device-from-the-device-summary-page-in-Hexnode.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/View-location-of-device-from-the-device-summary-page-in-Hexnode.png) - **Review History:** Click **See history** or navigate to the **Location History** sub-tab to view all previous coordinates. [![View location history tab in device details page in Hexnode](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/View-history-of-locations-traversed-by-the-device-from-the-Location-History-page-in-Hexnode.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/View-history-of-locations-traversed-by-the-device-from-the-Location-History-page-in-Hexnode.png) **Manual Location Reporting (Check-in Notes)** ---------------------------------------------- Hexnode supports user-initiated location reporting, allowing field employees to provide context alongside their coordinates. - **Location Check-in:** Users on **iOS**, **Android**, and **Android TV OS** can use the check-in icon in the Hexnode UEM app to send their location and manual notes. - **Reporting:** These entries are visible under **Reports > Location Reports > Location History**. Reports can be exported as **CSV** or **PDF** files or scheduled for email delivery. - **macOS Send Location:** Users can manually transmit their current coordinates using the **Send Location** button in the macOS Hexnode UEM app. [![Manually check-in with location notes from the device](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Send-location-check-in-notes-manually-from-the-device.jpeg)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Send-location-check-in-notes-manually-from-the-device.jpeg) **Troubleshooting** ------------------- ### **Scan Device Location status stays in “Pending” status on an iPhone** The status of the scan action being pending indicates that the Hexnode UEM app is not running in the background. Open the Hexnode UEM app and click the **Sync** icon to complete the action request.