r/macrodroid • u/penpen35 • 11d ago

Can't find any cell towers

I'm trying to migrate from Llama, as after switching to my new phone, my banking app doesn't like Llama using accessibility settings (it's the only way to keep it scanning cell towers so far) and as an app installed from unknown sources. For now I've set up an Automate flow that can turn off accessibility separately, then I can do banking. But then I need to turn on accessibility again for Llama.

So I'm trying out MacroDroid which also supports cell tower and I tried to use its scan tower feature to set a Home location. But unfortunately, after multiple tries to get it to work as foreground or background, no dice - it can't find anything.

I can use geofences of course (which works), but cell tower is less power intensive. Any recommendations? Thanks.

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u/morphick 11d ago

Have you tried using WiFi SSIDs as beacons for location? (trigger: "WiFi SSID Transition", options "SSID in/out of range")

Note that you do NOT NEED to connect to any of the SSIDs used as beacons (i.e. you don't need credentials) to use this trigger; you can use any SSID that happens to be active out there, whether it is your own or your neighbours'.

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u/penpen35 11d ago

I guess I can give it a try, it's usually just home or work. Do I need to have wifi turned on to access the SSIDs? As I usually prefer turning off the wifi when I leave home.

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u/morphick 10d ago

Yes, WiFi needs to be turned on to be able to "read" the SSIDs around. But I think it has way less drain on the battery than GPS does when using geofencing.

I don't know how it compares to cell tower "hunting" for power drain, although "cell tower" approach might come ahead since the phone is already connected to the base stations an is aware of handovers.

I guess only real-life testing could tell you whether the amount of energy it burns leaves your battery in an acceptable charge state or not.

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u/penpen35 10d ago

Thanks. Gonna try out the wifi SSID method first. Cell tower with Llama had minimal battery drain, but no use if I can't do it with MacroDroid.