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Poll Everywhere’s attendance feature allows instructors and event organizers to verify participant presence based on geolocation data shared by your device. The attendance collection system uses on-device location information to approximate where participants are during live events, such as lectures, classrooms, or conferences.
To ensure a successful and accurate check-in, please follow the recommendations below:
Use a GPS-Enabled Mobile Device
For the most reliable results, use a smartphone or tablet with built-in GPS, such as:
iPhones or iPads (with cellular capability)
Android smartphones or tablets (with GPS hardware)
Cellular service does not need to be activated; the device just needs to have GPS capabilities.
If you're unsure how to enable GPS or location services on your device, visit the appropriate support guide:
Disconnect from Wi-Fi During Check-In
Wi-Fi can interfere with precise location detection. Mobile networks and GPS provide more accurate data and are less likely to misplace you outside the attendance boundary.
Turn off Wi-Fi before checking in to avoid being mislocated.
On iPhone: Use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in Control Center to disable Wi-Fi temporarily.
On Android: Refer to your device’s instructions to toggle Wi-Fi off temporarily.
When possible, disconnect from Wi-Fi before attempting to check in. While connected to Wi-Fi, your device may use less precise location methods, leading to inaccurate location detection.
Disable Privacy VPNs or iCloud Private Relay
Third-party VPNs or Apple’s Private Relay service can prevent your device from accurately sharing your location.
Temporarily disable your VPN when checking in.
If using iCloud Private Relay, turn it off for Poll Everywhere.
These tools are designed to mask your true location and may block check-ins even when you are physically present.
Check In From Within the Attendance Area
Only check in once you are physically inside the designated area (like the classroom or lecture hall). Check-ins from just outside the building or near the perimeter may fail, especially if the attendance radius is small.
Helpful tips: Based on the radius of the check-in location, the edges and boundaries may be precise enough to require you to be physically in the location (as opposed to being outside of the door or walls) for check-in to succeed.
Notes for Laptop or Desktop Users
Devices without GPS or cellular hardware, like desktops or most laptops, rely on Wi-Fi-based location, which is significantly less precise. When using one of these devices:
Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled, even if you are also connected via Ethernet.
Be aware that check-in may not succeed due to limited accuracy.
Whenever possible, we recommend using a mobile device for location-based attendance.
If Location Check-In Fails
If you're unable to check in despite being present:
Immediately notify the instructor, organizer, or faculty member while still in the attendance area.
Request manual verification to ensure your attendance is accurately recorded.
Helpful tips: Timely communication helps ensure accurate attendance records and reduces the risk of missing participation credit.
To learn more about Attendance Management:
Checking in with Rotating Codes: Checking in with Rotating Codes (For Students)
For Instructors: Attendance Management for Instructors
For Students: Attendance Management for Students
Still need help? Please contact the Technical Support team for assistance.