Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about TrackMySpeed's internet speed testing and vehicle GPS tracking features. Get help with setup, accuracy, and troubleshooting.

Internet Speed Testing - General Questions

How does TrackMySpeed's internet speed test work?

TrackMySpeed measures your internet connection by downloading and uploading data to nearby servers, measuring the time taken to calculate your download and upload speeds. We also measure ping (latency) and jitter to give you a complete picture of your connection quality. Our test uses Cloudflare's global network for accurate, real-time measurements.

Is TrackMySpeed free to use?

Yes, TrackMySpeed is completely free to use. You can test your internet speed and track vehicle GPS speed without any charges, subscriptions, or hidden fees. Our service is supported by non-intrusive advertising to keep it free for everyone.

How often should I test my internet speed?

We recommend testing your speed at different times throughout the day to get a comprehensive view of your connection performance. Test during peak hours (7-11 PM) and off-peak hours (early morning) to see how network congestion affects your speeds. Monthly testing helps ensure you're getting the speeds you're paying for from your ISP.

What's the difference between Mbps and MBps?

Mbps stands for "Megabits per second" while MBps stands for "Megabytes per second." Since there are 8 bits in a byte, 1 MBps equals 8 Mbps. Internet speeds are typically advertised in Mbps, which is what TrackMySpeed displays. If you're downloading a 100 MB file on a 50 Mbps connection, it would theoretically take about 16 seconds.

Why is my WiFi slower than my wired connection?

WiFi connections are generally slower than wired (Ethernet) connections due to several factors: radio interference, distance from router, obstacles like walls, network congestion on the same frequency, and the limitations of your WiFi standard. For maximum speed, use a wired connection when possible, especially for speed testing or bandwidth-intensive activities.

Speed Test Accuracy & Results

Why do I get different results each time I test?

Internet speed can vary due to network congestion, server load, background applications using bandwidth, other devices on your network, ISP traffic management, and even the physical path your data takes to reach the test servers. Small variations (±10%) are normal. Consistent large variations may indicate a problem with your connection or equipment.

My speed test shows lower speeds than I'm paying for. Why?

Several factors can cause this: network congestion during peak hours, WiFi interference, outdated router firmware, background downloads or updates, multiple devices using bandwidth, or your device's limitations. ISPs typically advertise "up to" speeds, meaning you should expect 80-90% of advertised speeds under normal conditions. If you consistently get much lower speeds, contact your ISP.

What is a good ping time for online gaming?

For competitive online gaming, aim for ping times under 50ms, with under 25ms being ideal for fast-paced games like FPS titles. 50-100ms is acceptable for most casual gaming, while 100ms+ may cause noticeable lag. Indian gamers typically see 20-80ms ping to local servers and 150-300ms to international servers depending on location and ISP routing.

How can I improve my speed test results?

To get the best results: use a wired Ethernet connection, close all other applications and browser tabs, pause automatic updates and cloud backups, test when fewer people are using your network, restart your modem and router before testing, ensure your device has sufficient processing power, and test from multiple devices to isolate device-specific issues.

Does weather affect my internet speed?

Weather can affect internet speeds, especially for satellite and wireless connections. Heavy rain, snow, or storms can interfere with satellite signals. For fiber and cable connections, weather typically doesn't directly affect speeds, but severe weather can damage infrastructure. In India, monsoon seasons may impact some connections, particularly in areas with overhead cables or satellite internet.

GPS Vehicle Tracking - General Questions

How accurate is GPS speed tracking?

GPS speed tracking is generally accurate within 2-5 km/h under good conditions. Accuracy depends on satellite visibility, device quality, weather conditions, and your speed. At higher speeds (highway driving), GPS tends to be more accurate. For the best results, ensure clear sky visibility, keep your device stable, and allow time for GPS lock before starting your journey.

Does GPS tracking work indoors?

GPS signals are significantly weaker indoors and may not provide accurate readings or any reading at all. Buildings, especially those with metal roofing or multiple floors, can block GPS signals. For accurate speed tracking, use TrackMySpeed outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Near windows may provide some GPS reception but with reduced accuracy.

Which vehicle modes should I use?

Choose the vehicle mode that matches your transportation: Car for automobiles and motorcycles, Bike for bicycles and e-bikes, Train for railway travel, Walking for pedestrian activities, and Airplane for flight tracking. Each mode optimizes the display and calculations for typical speed ranges and helps you interpret the data correctly.

Does GPS tracking drain my phone battery?

Yes, GPS tracking does use additional battery power because it requires continuous location updates. However, TrackMySpeed is optimized for efficiency. For extended tracking sessions, consider connecting your device to a charger, reducing screen brightness, or closing other apps. Most modern smartphones can handle several hours of GPS tracking under normal conditions.

Can I use TrackMySpeed for commercial vehicle tracking?

TrackMySpeed is designed for personal use and real-time speed monitoring. While you can use it to track commercial vehicles, it doesn't store historical data or provide fleet management features. For commercial applications, consider dedicated fleet management solutions that offer data logging, route optimization, and compliance reporting.

GPS Accuracy and Performance

Why does my GPS show different speeds than my car's speedometer?

Car speedometers typically read 3-8% higher than actual speed due to tire wear, manufacturer calibration, and safety margins. GPS measures your actual ground speed based on position changes, which is generally more accurate. However, GPS may show lower accuracy at very low speeds or during rapid acceleration/deceleration. At steady highway speeds, GPS is usually more accurate than vehicle speedometers.

How long does it take for GPS to get accurate readings?

Initial GPS lock typically takes 30-60 seconds outdoors with clear sky view. For maximum accuracy, allow the GPS to stabilize for 1-2 minutes before starting your journey. "Cold start" (first use after being off) takes longer than "warm start" (recent GPS use). Once locked, GPS provides real-time updates every second with consistent accuracy.

What affects GPS accuracy in Indian conditions?

In India, GPS accuracy can be affected by: dense urban areas with tall buildings (urban canyon effect), monsoon weather with heavy cloud cover, atmospheric conditions during certain times of day, interference near major infrastructure like airports or military installations, and the quality of your device's GPS receiver. Rural areas typically provide better GPS accuracy than dense city centers.

Can I improve GPS accuracy on my device?

To improve GPS accuracy: ensure location services are enabled with "High Accuracy" mode, keep your device's GPS antenna (usually top of phone) unobstructed, avoid metal cases during tracking, calibrate your device's compass in device settings, ensure your device has the latest GPS/location software updates, and position your device with a clear view of the sky when possible.

Why does GPS tracking stop working in tunnels or under bridges?

GPS requires line-of-sight communication with satellites orbiting Earth. Tunnels, underpasses, covered parking, and dense building areas block these signals. TrackMySpeed will automatically resume tracking once you regain satellite visibility. This is normal behavior and not a malfunction. The app will show the last known speed until GPS signal is restored.

Technical Requirements & Compatibility

What devices and browsers support TrackMySpeed?

TrackMySpeed works on any device with a modern web browser: Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Mobile: Android 8.0+, iOS 12+, or equivalent mobile browsers. GPS tracking requires a device with GPS capability and location permissions. Internet speed testing works on any internet-connected device.

Do I need to install any software or apps?

No installation required! TrackMySpeed is a web-based application that runs directly in your browser. Simply visit www.trackmyspeed.com and start using it immediately. This ensures compatibility across all devices and operating systems without taking up storage space on your device.

Why do I need to grant location permissions?

Location permissions are only required for GPS vehicle speed tracking. Your browser asks for permission to protect your privacy. TrackMySpeed uses this permission to access your device's GPS for real-time speed calculations. Internet speed testing doesn't require location access. You can grant permission only when you want to use GPS tracking features.

Does TrackMySpeed work offline?

Internet speed testing requires an active internet connection by definition. GPS vehicle tracking also requires internet connectivity for the web interface to function, though GPS satellites provide location data. TrackMySpeed is designed as an online service to ensure you always have the latest features and accuracy improvements.

Is my data and location information secure?

Yes, your privacy is important to us. TrackMySpeed processes location data locally on your device for GPS tracking and doesn't store or transmit your location information to our servers. Speed test data is only used to calculate and display results. We don't collect personal information, and all connections are secured with HTTPS encryption. See our privacy policy for complete details.

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

The speed test won't start or shows an error.

Try these solutions: refresh the page and try again, check your internet connection, disable VPN if active, clear your browser cache and cookies, try a different browser, disable browser extensions temporarily, or restart your router/modem. If issues persist, try testing from a different device to isolate the problem.

GPS tracking says "Location access denied" or won't start.

Check that location services are enabled in your browser settings, click "Allow" when prompted for location access, ensure your device's location services are turned on, try refreshing the page and granting permission again, check if other websites can access location (test with Google Maps), or try using a different browser. Some corporate networks may block location services.

GPS shows 0 speed or erratic readings.

This usually indicates poor GPS reception. Move to an outdoor location with clear sky view, wait 1-2 minutes for GPS to stabilize, ensure your device isn't in a case that blocks GPS signals, restart the tracking session, or try calibrating your device's compass. Very slow speeds (under 5 km/h) may show as 0 due to GPS accuracy limitations.

The website loads slowly or partially.

This may be due to slow internet connection, browser compatibility issues, or network congestion. Try refreshing the page, clearing browser cache, disabling ad blockers temporarily, trying a different browser, checking if other websites load normally, or testing during off-peak hours. Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser.

Speed test results seem inconsistent or wrong.

Ensure no other devices or applications are using bandwidth during the test, use a wired connection if possible, test multiple times at different hours, restart your networking equipment, update your browser to the latest version, or try testing from a different device. If results are consistently much lower than expected, contact your ISP.

Still Need Help?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Check out our other resources or contact our support team.