Colota - GPS Location Tracker
Your Location, Your Rules
• Colota is an open-source GPS tracker that puts you in the driver’s seat.
• Instead of feeding your movements to big tech, Colota sends your data directly to your own server.
• It is built for the privacy-conscious, the self-hosted power user, and anyone who wants to know exactly where their data is going.
Total Ownership
• Privacy First: No analytics, no telemetry, no tracking SDKs. Just pure, AGPL-3.0 licensed transparency.
• Self-Hosted: Seamlessly syncs with Traccar, Home Assistant, OwnTracks, and nearly any custom JSON-based endpoint.
• Zero Dependencies: The FOSS version is entirely independent of Google Play Services, relying solely on native Android systems.
Smart Tracking
• Adaptive Profiles: Automatically toggle tracking settings based on your speed, charging status, or whether you are connected to Android Auto.
• Intelligent Geofencing: Create custom zones that pause tracking when you’re settled, complete with entry delays and Wi-Fi-aware triggers.
• Reliable Persistence: If you lose signal, Colota keeps your data safe locally and syncs it the moment you reconnect.
Built for Power Users
• Detailed Exploration: View your travels via MapLibre GL with interactive elevation charts, speed-colored paths, and deep-dive trip stats.
• Versatile Exporting: Move your data your way. Sync in real-time or schedule automated backups in CSV, GPX, KML, or GeoJSON formats.
• Effortless Deployment: Configure devices in seconds using QR codes, home-screen shortcuts, or custom deep links.
• Fortified Security: Keep your backend safe with AES-256-GCM encryption and flexible authentication options, including Bearer tokens and custom headers.
Under the Hood
• Resource Friendly: Optimized for background efficiency with auto-start and intelligent retry logic.
• High Customization: Tweak everything from accuracy thresholds and distance filters to unit systems and color schemes.
FAQ
Q: Does Colota rely on Google Play Services to function?
A: Not at all. The FOSS version of Colota is built to be completely independent, relying solely on native Android system capabilities. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer de-Googled operating systems or who want to reduce their reliance on third-party service frameworks.
Q: Which server platforms is Colota compatible with?
A: Colota is highly versatile and is designed to sync seamlessly with popular platforms like Traccar, Home Assistant, and OwnTracks. Furthermore, because it supports custom JSON-based endpoints, you can integrate it with virtually any backend system that can receive web requests.
Q: How does the app handle tracking when I lose my internet connection?
A: Reliability is a core feature of Colota. If you enter an area with no cellular or internet signal, the application will securely store your location data locally on your device. As soon as you regain a connection, Colota automatically syncs that data to your server, ensuring you never lose a piece of your activity history.
Version History
v1.2.5——13 Jul 2026
Self-hosted GPS tracking with offline support, geofencing and native maps Download the latest version of Colota - GPS Location Tracker 1.11.0 to enjoy new features and updates immediately!.
*1.12.1
Fixes
• fix(location): use fused location provider on Android 12+ in FOSS variant
*1.12.0
New Features
• feat(export): columnar MultiPoint GeoJSON export
• Feat/annotation visual hints
• ci: scan FOSS in CodeQL, document release APKs, dedupe non-release setup
• feat(settings): share full setup as a colota://setup link
Bug Fixes
• fix(geofence): resume tracking after leaving a geofence zone
• fix(tracking): restart tracking after app update
Maintenance
• chore(release): bump version to 1.12.0
• chore(renovate): group react-native monorepo updates into one PR
• chore(ci): tidy release-drafter and autolabel PRs by title
• ci: run docs-check and build-check when their workflows change
*1.11.0
- Add notes to individual points. Tap a point on the map in Location History or a trip to annotate it.
- Exports now include bearing and battery status for every point, in all formats.
- Tracking now auto-resumes when you connect a charger after a low-battery stop.
- Tracking profiles support an activation delay.
