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Screenshot of SmsLoc Screenshot of SmsLoc

Description

SmsLoc is an application that queries the location of contacts without the use of mobile data. It uses GPS to retrieve current position and SMS for requests/responses.

SMS request format: `Loc?`
SMS response format: `Loc:LAT,LON,ASL,UTC_S,V_KMH,ACC_M,BAT_PCT`, where:
- `LAT, LON` are latitude and longitude in degrees rounded up to 4 decimal places.[^1]
- `ASL` or Above Sea Level is the absolute altitude as reported by the GPS in meters
- `UTC_S` is the timestamp of the GPS fix in seconds. The timestamp corresponds to the time of the actual fix, and not when SMS was received.
- `V_KMH` is the speed in kilometers/hour
- `ACC_M` is the accuracy reported by the GPS chip in meters
- `BAT_PCT` is the battery percentage of the device sending the response

What’s new (1.4.0)

Added permissions:
[x] READ_PHONE_STATE so resend on network alive can work (see #29)

Bugfixes:
[x] Fix debug print in startForeground (#26)
[x] Back pressed was ignored

Enhancements:
[x] Treat anything but 'Activity.RESULT_OK' as SMS sent error (#27)
- Responses: Retry sending SMS automatically (#29) -> waits for network and resends the sms
- Requests: Show AlertDialog, ask the user if resend
[x] Support for multiple location requests arriving during a single GPS fix

Anti-features

Properties of this app that are worth knowing about before installing.

  • NonFreeNet

Versions

Version Date Size Requires Android Download
1.4.0 current
9bdbcadd0b006018…
2025-12-28 15 MB API 29
1.3.2
f479c94acb6f1d44…
2025-11-08 15 MB API 29
1.3.1
9f92d15d7a36c8d4…
2025-11-07 15 MB API 29

Permissions

What the app asks the system for. Android only grants sensitive access after you confirm it.

  • Precise locationDetermine the location via GPS.
  • Approximate locationDetermine the location via the network.
  • Phone stateDetect ongoing calls and read device information.
  • Send SMSSend text messages (may cost money).
  • Receive SMSProcess incoming text messages.
  • Location in backgroundDetermine the location while the app is not open.
  • FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION
  • FOREGROUND_SERVICE_REMOTE_MESSAGING
Show 8 more permissions
  • Internet accessSend and receive data over the internet.
  • Run at startupStart automatically after the device is switched on.
  • Prevent sleepingKeep the device from going to sleep.
  • NotificationsShow notifications.
  • REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS
  • Network stateCheck whether and how the device is connected.
  • Foreground serviceKeep running in the background, visible in the status bar.
  • smsloc.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION

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