Magnetic GPS Tracker: Everything You Need to Know

One magnet. Zero installation hassle.
The Cube GPS Magnetic Tracker attaches to any metal surface in seconds, no tools, no wiring, no waiting.

A magnetic GPS tracker is a real-time tracking device with a built-in magnet that lets it attach instantly to any metal surface, no tools, no wiring, no adhesive. That single feature is why magnetic trackers have become the default choice for vehicles, trailers, and equipment: installation takes seconds, and removal is just as fast if you ever need to move the device.

The Cube GPS PRO is built around this exact design, pairing a strong internal magnet with an IP67 waterproof shell and up to a year of battery life.

What Makes a GPS Tracker "Magnetic"?

A magnetic GPS tracker contains a magnet, typically a neodymium magnet, either embedded in the housing or built into a dedicated mounting plate. Neodymium magnets are used because they offer extremely strong holding force relative to their size, which is what allows a tracker small enough to fit in your hand to stay firmly attached to a moving vehicle through vibration, wind resistance, and rough roads.

This matters because the alternative, adhesive mounts, zip ties, or hardwired installation, all require more effort, leave residue, or need professional installation. A magnetic tracker like the Cube GPS PRO can be attached and removed in seconds by anyone, which is a major part of why magnetic mounting has become the standard for portable, real-time vehicle trackers.

Understanding Waterproof Ratings: What IP67 Actually Means

If you've shopped for a GPS tracker, you've seen "IP67" listed as a spec without much explanation. IP stands for Ingress Protection, an international standard (IEC 60529) that rates how well a device resists solids and liquids. The rating always has two digits.

The First Digit: Dust and Solid Protection

The first digit ranges from 0 to 6. A rating of 6, as in IP67, means the device is completely dust-tight, no dust, dirt, or sand can get inside, regardless of how long it's exposed.

Want the full breakdown of how real-time tracking works under the hood? Read What Is a Real-Time GPS Tracker?

The Second Digit: Water Protection

The second digit ranges from 0 to 9. A rating of 7, as in IP67, means the device can withstand being fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for approximately 30 minutes without damage. This covers rain, road spray, snow, mud, and an accidental drop in a puddle.

It's worth being precise here: IP67 is not the same as a rating built for prolonged or deep submersion, like IP68 or IP69K, which are typically reserved for marine or industrial equipment. For a tracker mounted on a car, truck, trailer, or piece of outdoor equipment, IP67 is the right standard  it's the same rating used in most flagship smartphones, and it comfortably covers the conditions a vehicle-mounted tracker will actually face.

Want magnetic tracking without the PRO price tag?
The Cube GPS Tracker delivers the same real-time 4G LTE tracking with a magnetic accessory mount  rechargeable, IP67 waterproof, ready in minutes.

Where to Place a Magnetic GPS Tracker on a Vehicle

Placement affects three things: how securely the tracker holds, how well it stays hidden, and how reliably it gets a satellite and cellular signal. Here are the most effective spots, in order of how commonly they're used.

1. Under the Rear Bumper

This is the most popular placement for cars and trucks. The flat metal surface under most rear bumpers offers strong magnetic contact, keeps the tracker out of sight, and is far enough from the exhaust system to avoid excess heat. It's also typically the easiest spot to reach without crawling fully under the vehicle.

2. Along the Frame Rail

The structural frame running underneath most vehicles offers a long, flat, consistently metal surface. This is often the strongest possible magnetic hold since the frame is thick steel, but it can be harder to access depending on the vehicle's ground clearance.

3. Inside a Wheel Well

The inner wheel well, away from the tire itself and any moving suspension components, is another solid option, particularly for trucks and SUVs with extra clearance. Avoid placement too close to the brake assembly, which generates significant heat during driving.

What to Avoid

Skip curved or textured surfaces, which reduce magnetic contact area. Avoid mounting directly above the exhaust system or near the engine block, where heat can affect battery performance over time. And don't mount it somewhere it could be knocked loose by road debris, like low-hanging exterior trim.

Placement affects three things: how securely the tracker holds, how well it stays hidden, and how reliably it gets a satellite and cellular signal. For a deeper look at vehicle-specific options, see our guide to GPS Trackers for Cars. Here are the most effective spots, in order of how commonly they're used.

Will It Actually Stay On at Highway Speed?

This is the most common concern, and the honest answer is: it depends far more on placement than on speed. A tracker mounted flat against a clean, flat metal surface with strong magnetic contact will hold through highway driving, off-road vibration, and car washes.

A tracker placed on a dirty, curved, or painted-over surface with reduced contact area is more likely to shift or detach over time, regardless of how fast the vehicle is moving.The Cube GPS PRO's magnet is sized and positioned specifically for vehicle mounting, and following the placement guidance above gives the strongest, most reliable hold.

This matters because the alternative  adhesive mounts, zip ties, or hardwired installation  all require more effort, leave residue, or need professional installation. A magnetic tracker like the Cube GPS PRO can be attached and removed in seconds by anyone, which is a major part of why magnetic mounting has become the standard for portable, real-time vehicle trackers. For the full picture of how the tracking itself works once it's attached, see our guide on How GPS Trackers Work for Cars.

Want everything in one box?

The Cube GPS Tracker Bundle comes with the tracker, magnetic mount, and charger ready to go  no separate accessories to track down.

Cube GPS PRO Spotlight: The Magnetic Tracker Built to Be Forgotten

The biggest practical complaint about magnetic trackers isn't the magnet, it's the battery. A tracker that needs charging every few days gets forgotten, removed, or simply runs dead at the worst possible time. The Cube GPS PRO was built to solve exactly this problem.

• Up to 1 year of battery life on a single charge at standard update settings, among the longest in its category.
• IP67 waterproof, fully dust-tight, rated for submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Built-in industrial-strength magnet, attaches in seconds, no tools required.
• 4G LTE with worldwide SIM included, works out of the box, no separate SIM setup.
• Lifetime warranty, covered for as long as you own the device.

Place it once, following the guidance above, and it works through an entire year of normal use without intervention.

The same magnetic design works just as well for pets  check out our GPS Tracker For Cats guide for collar setup tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a GPS tracker magnetic?

A magnetic GPS tracker has a built-in magnet, usually neodymium, embedded in or attached to its housing. This lets the device attach instantly to any ferrous metal surface, like a car frame or trailer hitch, without tools, adhesive, or wiring.

What does IP67 mean on a GPS tracker?

IP67 means the device is completely dust-tight and can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for approximately 30 minutes. The first digit (6) covers dust protection; the second digit (7) covers water resistance. It is the standard rating for outdoor-ready consumer electronics.

Where is the best place to put a magnetic GPS tracker on a car?

The most common and effective spots are under the rear bumper, along the metal frame rail underneath the vehicle, or inside a wheel well away from the tire and brake heat. All three offer strong magnetic contact, weather exposure the tracker is rated for, and minimal visibility.

Will a magnetic GPS tracker fall off at highway speed?

A properly placed magnetic tracker with a strong built-in magnet, like the Cube GPS PRO, is designed to hold securely at highway speeds and through normal vibration. Placement matters more than speed: a flat, clean metal surface holds far better than a curved or dirty one.

Is IP67 the same as fully waterproof?

Not exactly. IP67 means the device can survive temporary submersion up to 1 meter for about 30 minutes, which covers rain, road spray, and accidental dunking. It is not rated for prolonged or deep submersion the way a higher IP68 rating would be, so it is best described as weatherproof rather than fully submersible.

The Bottom Line

A magnetic GPS tracker earns its convenience from two things working together: a magnet strong enough to hold through real-world driving conditions, and a waterproof rating strong enough to survive the weather those conditions bring. Get the placement right  flat metal, away from heat sources, out of the way of road debris  and a quality magnetic tracker like the Cube GPS PRO will run reliably for the better part of a year without a second thought.