By Ramat Adetunji
If the GPS on your Android device isn't getting your location quite right, try using these quick tips to fix it.
The GPS sensor in your Android smartphone is essential for using navigation apps like Google Maps. However, your GPS location may occasionally go haywire, pinning you in a totally different part of the map to where you actually are.
If that's happened to you, here are some ways you can improve and fix your phone's location accuracy.
Determine How Accurate Your Phone Is at Locating You
To effectively fix inaccurate GPS location readings, you need to know how far off the mark your phone is. The simplest way to determine if your device gives your precise location is to open Google Maps or any other navigation app you use. It will detect your location automatically, and you should see a pinpoint marker for your location on the map.
If Google Maps is certain of your location, meaning your GPS is working properly, you will only see a blue dot on the map. However, if the GPS signal is weak and Google Maps is unsure of your exact location, a light blue circle will appear around the dot. The margin of error increases with the size of this circle.
1. Use Mobile Data to Improve Google's Location Accuracy
This feature will use not only your GPS but also your mobile network and Wi-Fi connection to give a more accurate reading of your location. Although enabling this setting will use more battery power, it will give you the most precise location possible.
To improve Google's location accuracy:
- Go to your Settings app and select Location to view your location services.
- Go to Location services and then Google Location Accuracy.
- Ensure the toggle to Improve Location Accuracy is on.
This is also an important troubleshooting step if Google Maps isn't working at all.
2. Turn On Wi-Fi Scanning and Bluetooth Scanning
Enabling Wi-Fi Scanning will improve your phone's location accuracy even further by allowing your apps and services to detect Wi-Fi networks at any time. By comparing the signal strengths of nearby Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi scanning can accurately determine your location, just like GPS.
The same is true for Bluetooth scanning, which detects nearby Bluetooth devices all the time. To turn on these features:
- Go to Settings > Location.
- Under Location, go to Location services.
- Here, select Wi-Fi scanning.
- On the next screen, tap the toggle to turn on Wi-Fi scanning.
- Go back to the previous page to select Bluetooth scanning and also toggle it on.
3. Calibrate Your Compass in Google Maps
Besides GPS, navigation apps like Google Maps also use your phone's compass to detect your location. If your phone cannot fetch your location, despite having Google Location Accuracy enabled, you can calibrate your compass so it points in the right direction.
Calibration helps to compensate for the effects of varying environmental factors and, thereby, improves your compass's ability to detect your precise location.
Here is how to calibrate your compass:
- Open the Google Maps app on your Android phone and tap on the blue dot.
- You'll see a summary with Your Location as the title. If there's an issue with your GPS, you will see a "Location accuracy is low" message at the bottom.
- Hit Calibrate.
- Move your phone in a figure of eight until your compass is calibrated.
- When your device's compass has been calibrated, the compass accuracy will appear on the screen as high.
Like the compass feature? Try the best compass apps for Android next.
4. Clear Your GPS Data
Your device may become locked to certain GPS satellites, even if they are not in range, causing it to malfunction. Fortunately, there is a workaround for this problem, as you can use the GPS Status & Toolbox app to refresh your GPS data and reconnect to satellites from scratch.
- In GPS Status & Toolbox, tap anywhere on the screen, then hit the menu icon and tap Manage A-GPS state.
- Tap Reset.
- Go back to the Manage A-GPS state menu and select Download once the reset is complete.
- Your GPS data should be updated now. If it starts malfunctioning again, simply repeat the procedure.
Get More Accurate Location Signals
If you want a smooth navigation experience on your Android device, using the standard location services might not always be sufficient. Your phone may occasionally act up or perform below par when it comes to GPS and location. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to fix GPS problems in most instances by following the tips above.
