Samsara Driver App Best Practices

Verify current app version: To take advantage of new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, regularly update the app to the latest version. To do this automatically, log out of the app at the end of each shift. The app verifies the app version and applies updates every time you sign out and back in to the app. For more information about locating your app version, see Samsara Driver App Version and Settings.

Configure time zone: Variances between the device time zone and your current location can cause discrepancies with document submissions and HOS features. To avoid these discrepancies, ensure that the time zone for your region is set on your device. To do this, you can either configure the device time zone to update automatically (recommended) or manually set the time zone for the region where you are located.

Update duty status: If you are a driver that needs to track HoS activities, ensure you select the appropriate duty status before each driving activity.

Sign out regularly: Sign out ( ) of the app at the end of every shift. When you sign out, the app will automatically perform any updates including the following actions:

Verify the sign-out process is complete before you close the app. If you close the app before the process is complete, your On-Duty status may persist.

If you remain signed in and the vehicle is moved, the app can automatically assign new drive time to your profile. This can cause incorrect on-duty or driving time and clock discrepancies. As part of your end-of-day routine, sign out in the app instead of only changing duty status. Complete any log certification your company requires to help prevent timing or record issues.

(Android devices only) Power saver mode: To help ensure driver app notifications are surfaced in a timely manner, avoid using power saver mode whenever possible. Android power saver mode may delay or postpone surfacing of notifications associated with the Samsara Driver App, namely violation notifications. This can prevent you from receiving time-sensitive or important information about your HOS status.

Background Data: Enable this setting for the Samsara Driver App to ensure continuity of online activity even when the app is put into the background. This is helpful for instances when drivers need to use other apps on their device without worrying about the driver app losing connection to the dashboard.

Use a single device: To avoid duplicate or incorrect hours and mileage, sign in to the Samsara Driver App on only one device at a time. If you have used both a tablet and a phone, sign out of the app on all devices, then sign back in on one device to establish a single session for recording your driving time.