Understanding Virtual Ignition Sensitivity: A Complete Guide

Applies to: the Hapn web app at app.gethapn.com and the Hapn mobile app.

Contents

• What is Virtual Ignition?
• Why Virtual Ignition Matters
• Configuring Virtual Ignition Settings
• Understanding Ignition Detection Methods
  • Voltage-Based Detection
  • Motion-Based Detection
  • Direct Wired Connection
• Available Options by Tracker Model
• Troubleshooting Ignition Detection
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Virtual Ignition?

Virtual Ignition is a feature that allows your Hapn tracker to detect when your vehicle's engine is running (ignition ON) or stopped (ignition OFF). Your tracker uses this detection to power three things:

• Idle detection — accurately identifying when the vehicle is running but not moving
• Ignition on/off alerts — so alerts fire when the engine actually starts or stops
• Ignition status — the on/off state shown for your tracker in the app

The "virtual" aspect refers to the tracker's ability to detect ignition status using different methods, even without a direct connection to your vehicle's ignition system.

Why Virtual Ignition Matters

Proper ignition detection provides several benefits:

• Accurate idle detection: Know when a vehicle is running but stationary
• Better alert accuracy: Ignition on/off alerts trigger on real engine events, and false movement alerts are prevented when the vehicle is off
• Accurate reports: Generate more precise active hours and idling data
• Correct status display: The ignition state shown in the app reflects reality

Note: ignition detection does not control how often your tracker reports its location — update frequency is set separately by your reporting mode.

Configuring Virtual Ignition Settings

You can adjust Virtual Ignition Sensitivity in both the web app and mobile app:

Web App

1. Select the tracker on the Live Map (or type its name or IMEI into Find assets), then select Settings in the bar at the bottom of the map.
2. Open Advanced Settings → Hardware Settings.
3. Choose an option under Ignition Mode.
4. Select Update in the dialog that opens.

The setting is now called Ignition Mode (it used to be labelled Virtual Ignition Sensitivity). What it offers depends on the tracker: on some hardwired models you choose between wired, motion and virtual ignition; on others you pick a voltage sensitivity level, such as Voltage Normal. OBD trackers read ignition from the vehicle and don't show the setting.

Mobile App

1. On the Live screen, tap the tracker (or search for it with the search icon at the top), then tap Settings on its card.
2. Open Advanced Settings → Hardware Settings.
3. Choose an option under Ignition Mode.
4. Tap Update in the dialog that opens. The change is sent to the tracker over the air and can take a few seconds.

Understanding Ignition Detection Methods

Your Hapn tracker can determine ignition status using three main methods:

Voltage-Based Detection

This method analyzes the voltage of your vehicle's electrical system to determine ignition status. When a vehicle's engine is running, the alternator typically produces higher voltage (approximately 13.5-14.5V) than when the engine is off (typically 12-12.8V).

Available Sensitivity Levels:

• Voltage Low: Uses voltage fluctuations to detect ignition. The least sensitive setting, requiring higher voltage changes to trigger ignition ON status. This setting generates fewer alerts and is best for vehicles with stable electrical systems.
  • Ignition ON threshold: Approximately 14.0V
• Voltage Normal: Moderately sensitive to voltage changes. Provides a balanced approach suitable for most vehicles.
  • Ignition ON threshold: Approximately 13.75V
• Voltage High: The most sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Will detect smaller voltage changes as ignition ON events. This may trigger more alerts but provides the most responsive detection.
  • Ignition ON threshold: Approximately 13.5V

Motion-Based Detection

Motion Only is offered on the hardwired models in the table below; OBD trackers combine motion with voltage. This method uses the tracker's built-in accelerometer to detect physical movement:

• Voltage + Motion (OBD trackers only): Combines high voltage sensitivity with motion detection. The tracker will register ignition as ON if either high voltage is detected OR the tracker detects physical movement.
  • Best for vehicles with irregular electrical systems or for capturing all potential movement

Direct Wired Connection

Available on GV50/53/57 hardwired trackers only

• White Wire (Wired): The tracker directly reads ignition status through the white wire connection to your vehicle's ignition system.
  • The white wire must be connected to a circuit that only receives power when the key is in the RUN position
  • Provides the most accurate ignition detection
  • Recommended if precise active hours tracking is essential for your application
    
    

Available Options by Tracker Model

Different Hapn tracker models support various ignition detection methods:

Note: Default settings are pre-configured based on optimal performance for most vehicles. You can adjust these settings as needed for your specific vehicle or tracking requirements.

Troubleshooting Ignition Detection

If your tracker is not accurately detecting ignition status:

For Voltage-Based Detection

• False ON readings: Try increasing sensitivity (Voltage Normal or High)
• False OFF readings: Try decreasing sensitivity (Voltage Normal or Low)
• Inconsistent readings: If voltage detection is unreliable for your vehicle, consider using Motion-based detection

For Motion-Based Detection

• False ON readings: Be aware that any movement (even jostling in a parked vehicle) might trigger ignition ON status
• False OFF readings: Ensure the tracker is firmly mounted to detect movement properly

For Wired Detection (GV50/53/57)

• Inaccurate readings: Verify the white wire is connected to a proper ignition power source (not constant power)
• No ignition detection: Have a professional installer check the wire connections
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which ignition detection method is best for my vehicle? A: For most vehicles, Voltage Normal provides a good balance. For hardwired GV50/53/57 trackers, the White Wire (Wired) method is the only method reading the actual ignition status directly from the vehicle for the most accurate Active Hours reading.

Q: Why do I need to adjust ignition sensitivity? A: Different vehicles have different electrical systems and voltage characteristics. Adjusting sensitivity helps your tracker accurately detect when your specific vehicle is running.

Q: My tracker shows the ignition ON even when my vehicle is off. What should I do? A: Try decreasing the voltage sensitivity, switching to motion-based mode, or, if available for your tracker model, switching to the White Wire (Wired) method.

Need more help? Contact our support team at support@gethapn.com or submit a ticket here. You can also call support at 877-212-7400 or chat with us — see How to Contact Hapn Support for hours.

Related help

• Seeing When a Vehicle's Ignition Turned On and Off