A geofence is a digital “barrier” used to trigger events based on a user’s real-world location. These areas can be as precise or as large as the developer chooses, ranging from small buildings to entire continents. When you are inside the boundary of a geofence with your smartphone, certain apps may detect your proximity and send you notifications or unlock exclusive features.

Uses of geofencing

  • Google Maps asks you to rate your experience, answer questions, or provide photos after you spend time at a specific location.
  • Apps owned by local stores or restaurants can send you discounts or offers if it detects you are shopping in the nearby vicinity.
  • Snapchat offers filters to its users when they are near popular landmarks, inside city’s borders, or for custom events like weddings, should a user pay to create a temporary geofence filter.
  • Location-based AR games, like Pokémon GO, use geofences to trigger exclusive in-game events in your area.

Game terms, Internet terms, Phone terms, Software terms

To use geofence features, location services need to be enabled on your device and for each app.

  • How does a website or advertisement know where I am?