Does a GPS Tracker Need a Recharge?
Short answer
Yes, in up to two ways. Every live tracker has a SIM plan that needs renewing. TWM includes the first year and you renew yearly after that. Battery charging depends on the type: wired and OBD trackers run on the vehicle's power and never need charging, while magnetic and wearable trackers have a battery you top up.
The SIM recharge
The tracker sends its location over a SIM, and the SIM needs an active plan. TWM trackers come with a pre-activated SIM and the first year included. You don't recharge it month by month.
The battery
- Wired tracker. Runs on the vehicle's battery. An internal backup battery keeps it reporting if the power wires are cut.
- OBD tracker. Powered by the car's OBD port. Nothing to charge.
- Car-charger trackers. Powered by the charging socket they sit in.
- Magnetic asset tracker. Has a 10,000 mAh battery. It sleeps when idle and wakes on movement, and you charge it when it runs low.
- Pet and ID card trackers. Small wearables with their own battery. The TWM Pet Tracker charges magnetically.
If you know you won't remember to charge something, pick a tracker the vehicle powers. The plug-in OBD GPS tracker is the simplest of those for a car.
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Prices and details checked on 8 October 2026.