Topic
This article describes how the Everbridge 360 mobile app uses device location permissions, when location services pop-ups appear, and how this relates to notifications that are sent based on the address stored in a user's contact record.
Description
The Everbridge 360 mobile app uses different mechanisms for notifications that are based on the static address in a user's contact record and for features that require real-time device location.
Notifications that are sent to users based on the address in their contact record do not require location services to be enabled. These notifications use the static address information stored in the user's profile and will be delivered regardless of the device's location service settings.
Location services pop-ups are triggered when the app attempts to use features that require real-time device location. These features include Safety Buttons (SOS, Check-In, Safe Corridor), Auto Check-In, and sending location pins with member messages. If a user tries to activate these features without granting the necessary location permissions, the app will prompt them to enable location services.
If a user sees a location services notification and is only receiving notifications that are based on the address stored in the contact record, they can safely ignore the pop-up. The location notification only affects features that actively use the device's current location. If the user wants to use location-based features such as Safety Buttons or Auto Check-In, they need to enable location permissions for the app.
The Everbridge 360 mobile app provides three location service permission options:
Always: Allows continuous location tracking and enables Auto Check-In.
While Using: Permits location access only when the app is actively in use.
Off: Disables location services completely.
To capture dynamic location, users must enable the app's Auto Check-In in Safety Settings and ensure the device location permission is set to "Always Allow." Auto Check-In provides continuous updates. The app also produces standard location updates when a user moves approximately 500 meters or more, when they remain stationary on the Local page for 15 minutes, or when they tap the crosshair icon. These behaviors determine how and when location points are recorded and transmitted.
Manual check-ins are possible with "While Using" permissions, though the app may display an alert recommending "Always" location services.
Location permissions impact location-based features, such as geofenced alerts, but they do not prevent standard push notifications from being delivered as long as the user is logged in and has allowed notifications. However, if the user is logged out, for example after a Single Sign-On (SSO) password change, the app cannot deliver any push notifications to that device until the user logs back in.
The Everbridge 360 mobile app requires users to manually confirm location and notification permissions due to mobile operating system privacy and security requirements. These settings are controlled by the device's operating system and typically require individual user consent. Organizations can manage these settings through Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to streamline the deployment process.
For additional information on logging in to the Everbridge 360 mobile app and granting permissions, see EB360: Logging in to the Everbridge 360™ Mobile App.
For details on configuring and using safety buttons that rely on location services, see 360™ Mobile: How to Use Safety Buttons in Everbridge 360 App.