ForeFlight Not Showing Traffic? 7 Reasons Your ADS-B Traffic May Be Missing
You’re flying with ForeFlight open on your iPad, your GPS position looks normal, but something seems wrong: there’s little or no ADS-B traffic showing on the map.
Does that mean your ADS-B receiver isn't working?
Not necessarily.
ADS-B traffic depends on several pieces working together, including your portable receiver, iPad connection, ForeFlight settings, receiver placement, nearby aircraft and the FAA ADS-B network. If ForeFlight is not showing traffic, here are seven things to check before assuming you have an equipment problem.
1. Make Sure Your ADS-B Receiver Is Connected
Start with the simplest check.
Portable ADS-B receivers such as Sentry connect to your iPad and provide ForeFlight with traffic and other flight information. Open ForeFlight → More → Devices and verify that your receiver appears and is connected.
If the receiver isn't listed, check its power and the iPad's Wi-Fi connection.
Also check Local Network permission for ForeFlight in your iPad settings. ForeFlight states that if Local Network access is disabled, the app may be unable to detect a Wi-Fi-connected device such as Sentry. ForeFlight Support
2. Check That the Traffic Layer Is Enabled
Your ADS-B receiver can be operating correctly while traffic is simply hidden from the map.
In ForeFlight, open Maps and check the map layer selector. Make sure Traffic is enabled.
Also review your traffic-display settings. For example, ForeFlight provides options that can hide distant traffic, which can make the screen appear less populated than expected. ForeFlight
3. Don't Expect Full ADS-B Reception on the Ground
Testing your receiver while sitting on the ramp? You may see fewer targets than you expect.
ADS-B ground-station reception is largely dependent on line of sight. ForeFlight notes that little or no tower reception below approximately 1,000 feet AGL can be normal. Once airborne, reception will often improve significantly. ForeFlight
So a relatively empty traffic display before takeoff doesn't automatically indicate a faulty ADS-B receiver.
4. Receiver Placement Matters
Where you place your portable ADS-B receiver can make a major difference.
ForeFlight recommends mounting Sentry upright on a side window for optimal reception. Aircraft structure and some heated windshields can interfere with signals, so moving the receiver to a different window may improve reception. ForeFlight
Good cockpit organization isn't only about convenience—proper positioning can help your EFB equipment perform as intended.
5. Understand the Difference Between ADS-B In and ADS-B Out
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of portable ADS-B traffic.
Your portable receiver provides ADS-B In capability—it receives information.
Your aircraft's ADS-B Out equipment broadcasts information about your aircraft.
If the aircraft you're flying does not have ADS-B Out, ForeFlight warns that the traffic picture displayed through a portable receiver may be limited and may not represent all nearby traffic. ForeFlight Support
In other words, an empty area on your iPad should never be interpreted as confirmation that no other aircraft are nearby.
6. Avoid Connecting Multiple ADS-B Receivers
More isn't always better.
ForeFlight specifically advises against connecting two ADS-B receivers simultaneously because the devices can interfere with each other and potentially cause traffic or weather errors. ForeFlight Support
If your aircraft already has compatible equipment feeding ForeFlight and you're also using a portable receiver, check More → Devices to understand which sources are connected.
A simpler, properly configured EFB setup is often more reliable than multiple competing data sources.
7. Remember: ADS-B Traffic Has Limitations
Even when everything is working correctly, your iPad is not a complete picture of every aircraft in the sky.
Aircraft equipment, ADS-B Out capability, ground-station coverage and reception conditions can all affect the traffic you see.
The FAA also emphasizes that TIS-B is an aid to visually acquiring traffic—not a replacement for a pilot's responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Federal Aviation Administration
Think of ADS-B traffic as an extremely useful situational-awareness tool, not a substitute for looking outside.
Build a More Reliable ForeFlight Cockpit Setup
A reliable EFB depends on more than downloading ForeFlight. The iPad, GPS source, ADS-B receiver, mounting system and power solution all need to work together.
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Always verify equipment status and use ADS-B traffic as a supplemental situational-awareness tool. It does not replace visual scanning, ATC services, or the pilot's responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft.
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