Systems and methods locating and operating a portable device (105) mounted to a garment (110). One method (300) includes receiving, with an electronic processor, a signal from a communication line (215) of a plurality of communication lines (215) integrated within the garment (110). The method (300) also includes determining, with the electronic processor, a location, on the garment (110), of the portable device (105) based on the signal. The method (300) also includes determining, with the electronic processor, an operational mode for the portable device (105) based on the location. The method (300) also includes adjusting, with the electronic processor, operation of the portable device (105) based on the operational mode.
