GPS Not Working on Android? The Complete 25-Step Troubleshooting Guide
A malfunctioning GPS can cripple your phone's navigation, ride-sharing apps, and location-based services. The "Location not found" or "GPS signal lost" errors stem from a complex interplay of software settings, hardware limitations, and environmental factors. This definitive guide provides 25 detailed fixes, explaining the technical reason behind each step. Whether you have a Samsung, Google Pixel, or any other Android model, this systematic approach will help you restore accurate location tracking.
Table of Contents
- Quick Diagnosis: Pinpoint Your GPS Problem
- Section 1: Immediate Actions & Basic Checks (Fixes 1-6)
- Section 2: Software & App Configuration (Fixes 7-14)
- Section 3: Advanced Settings & Calibration (Fixes 15-21)
- Section 4: Hardware & Environmental Factors (Fixes 22-25)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How to Maintain a Healthy GPS
Quick Diagnosis: Pinpoint Your GPS Problem
GPS issues manifest in different ways. Use this table to identify your specific symptom and find the most effective starting point.
| If you're experiencing... | Most Likely Cause | Priority Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Complete failure: "No GPS," "Location unavailable." | Location services disabled, app permissions, or major software glitch. | Fixes 1, 2, 7, 8 |
| Inaccurate location (wrong street, jumping pointer). | Poor signal, compass needs calibration, or incorrect location mode. | Fixes 3, 4, 17, 18 |
| Slow to get a "GPS lock" or fix. | Weak signal, outdated AGPS data, or battery-saving interference. | Fixes 5, 6, 19, 20 |
| GPS works in some apps (Google Maps) but not others. | App-specific permission or configuration issue. | Fixes 9, 10, 11 |
| Problem started after a phone update or OS upgrade. | Software bug, corrupted cache, or reset settings. | Fixes 12, 13, 14, 15 |
Section 1: Immediate Actions & Basic Checks (Fixes 1-6)
Start with these fundamental steps. They resolve the majority of common GPS failures.
1. Toggle Location Services Off and On
How it helps: This forces the location stack to restart. It clears any temporary state errors in the GPS radio or software layer, similar to rebooting a single service.
Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel. Tap the Location (or GPS) icon to turn it off. Wait 5 seconds, then tap it again to turn it on. Open your maps app to test.
2. Switch Between Location Accuracy Modes
How it helps: Android offers modes balancing accuracy and power. "Battery saving" uses only Wi-Fi/mobile networks, which is inaccurate. "High accuracy" combines GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks for the best fix.
Go to Settings > Location > Location services or Mode. Ensure "High accuracy" (or "Use GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks") is selected. Avoid "Battery saving" and "Device only" for navigation.
3. Go Outside with a Clear View of the Sky
How it helps: GPS signals from satellites are line-of-sight and are very weak. They cannot penetrate buildings, metal roofs, or dense tree cover effectively. This is the most common cause of "No signal" errors.
Move outdoors, away from tall buildings and thick overhead obstructions. Hold the phone upright. It can take 30-60 seconds to acquire a fresh signal lock.
4. Disable Power-Saving Modes and Battery Optimization for Maps
How it helps: Aggressive power saving can limit background processes and reduce the frequency of GPS location updates to conserve battery, causing lag or dropouts.
- Go to Settings > Battery and disable any Power saving or Battery Saver mode.
- Go to Settings > Apps > [Your Maps App] > Battery > Set to "Unrestricted".
5. Restart Your Android Device
How it helps: A full reboot clears the device's RAM and restarts all system services, including the GPS radio and location framework, fixing temporary software glitches.
Hold the power button and select Restart. A forced restart (holding Power + Volume Down for 15 seconds) can be more effective for deeper hangs.
6. Check for and Remove Obstructive Cases
How it helps: Some phone cases, especially those with metal plates for magnetic car mounts or thick, rugged designs, can partially block the GPS antenna, which is often located around the edges of the phone.
Remove your phone case temporarily and test GPS performance. If it improves, consider using a case made of non-metallic materials.
Section 2: Software & App Configuration (Fixes 7-14)
When basic toggles don't work, the issue is often in app or system software settings.
7. Grant Correct Location Permissions to Your App
How it helps: If an app lacks location permission, it cannot access any GPS data. The permission must be set to "Allow all the time" or "Allow only while using the app" for proper functionality during navigation.
Go to Settings > Apps > [Your Maps/Navigation App] > Permissions > Location. Select "Allow all the time" for navigation apps.
8. Update Your Maps and Navigation Apps
How it helps: App updates include bug fixes, performance improvements, and updated map data. An outdated app may have known bugs that cause GPS instability.
Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, go to "Manage apps & device", and update Google Maps, Waze, or any other navigation app you use.
9. Update Google Play Services
How it helps: Google Play Services is a core system component that provides APIs for location services. An outdated version can break GPS functionality across multiple apps.
Visit the Google Play Services page on the Play Store to check for and install updates.
10. Clear Cache & Data for Maps and Location Services
How it helps: Corrupted cached map data or location preferences can cause apps to freeze or report incorrect locations. Clearing data resets the app to its default state.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Storage & Cache > Clear Cache. If the problem persists, tap Clear Storage (note: this will delete offline maps).
- Also clear cache/data for "Location Services" or "Google Location History" if visible in your app list.
11. Test with a Different Navigation App
How it helps: This determines if the problem is app-specific or system-wide. If GPS works in one app but not another, the fault lies with the problematic app's configuration.
Install a reputable alternative like Waze or Maps.me. If it works, focus on fixing your primary app (reinstall, clear data).
12. Check for Android System Updates
How it helps: Manufacturers release system updates that include patches for GPS drivers, connectivity, and other hardware-related bugs that may be affecting your device.
Go to Settings > System > System update and check for updates. Install any available updates.
13. Boot Into Safe Mode to Check for App Conflicts
How it helps: Safe Mode disables all third-party apps. If GPS works perfectly in Safe Mode, a recently installed app (like a battery optimizer, custom launcher, or VPN) is interfering.
Press and hold the power button, then long-press the "Power off" option to reboot to Safe Mode. Test GPS. If fixed, restart normally and uninstall recent apps one by one.
14. Reset Network Settings
How it helps: GPS often uses mobile network data for Assisted GPS (AGPS) to get a faster initial lock. Resetting network settings can fix corrupted network configurations aiding location.
Warning: This will erase Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings.
Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
Section 3: Advanced Settings & Calibration (Fixes 15-21)
These steps involve deeper system settings and calibration tools for persistent inaccuracy.
15. Enable Google's Location Accuracy Services
How it helps: "Google Location Accuracy" (or "Improve Location Accuracy") uses Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth beacon data in addition to GPS satellites to provide a faster, more accurate lock, especially indoors or in cities.
Go to Settings > Location > Location services. Ensure "Google Location Accuracy" is toggled ON.
16. Calibrate Your Phone's Compass
How it helps: The blue direction arrow in Maps relies on the magnetometer (compass). If it's uncalibrated, your orientation on the map will be wrong, making it seem like GPS is inaccurate.
Open Google Maps and make a figure-8 motion with your phone through the air 3-4 times. You can also use a calibration tool within apps like GPS Status & Toolbox.
17. Use a GPS Diagnostic & Repair App
How it helps: Apps like GPS Status & Toolbox show satellite signal strength, help calibrate sensors, and can download fresh AGPS data to speed up locks.
Install a GPS diagnostic app. Use it to:
- View how many satellites you're connected to (aim for 8+ with good signal).
- Use the "Manage A-GPS state" tool to Reset and then Download new satellite data.
18. Disable Mock Locations (Developer Options)
How it helps: If "Allow mock locations" is enabled, apps that spoof your GPS (for testing or privacy) can interfere with real location services, causing failures or fake coordinates.
- Enable Developer Options by tapping Build Number in Settings > About phone 7 times.
- Go to Developer Options and ensure "Select mock location app" is set to None.
19. Wipe the System Cache Partition
How it helps: Corrupted system cache files from previous updates can cause various hardware service malfunctions, including GPS. Clearing this partition does not delete personal data.
Power off the phone. Boot into Recovery Mode (usually Power + Volume Up). Select "Wipe cache partition" with the volume keys and confirm with the power button. Reboot.
20. Check Location Scanning for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
How it helps: Even when Wi-Fi/Bluetooth are off, Android can scan for networks to aid location. If disabled, "High accuracy" mode will be less effective, especially for initial positioning.
Go to Settings > Location > Location services > Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning. Ensure both are enabled.
21. Reset All App Preferences
How it helps: This resets all app permissions (including location), default apps, and background data restrictions. It can fix a scenario where a system setting for another app is blocking location services.
Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset app preferences. You will need to re-grant location permissions to your apps afterward.
Section 4: Hardware & Environmental Factors (Fixes 22-25)
When all software solutions fail, consider these physical and external factors.
22. Test in Multiple Different Geographic Locations
How it helps: GPS performance can be degraded by local interference (military bases, powerful radio transmitters) or extreme geographic features (deep valleys, dense urban canyons). Testing elsewhere rules this out.
Try using GPS in an open field, park, or a different part of town. If it works perfectly there, your usual location has environmental interference.
23. Check for Potential Physical or Liquid Damage
How it helps: The GPS antenna is a small, fragile component inside the phone. Drops can disconnect it, and liquid damage can corrode its connections, leading to a complete hardware failure.
Recall if the problem started after a drop or spill. If so, and all software steps have failed, professional repair may be necessary to reconnect or replace the antenna.
24. Understand the Limits of Your Device's GPS Hardware
How it helps: Older or budget phones may have slower, less sensitive GPS chips. They may struggle in challenging environments where newer phones work fine. This isn't a fault, but a limitation.
If the phone has always been slow to lock and is several years old, hardware limitations may be the cause. Using AGPS (mobile data) and high accuracy mode helps maximize its capability.
25. Contact Manufacturer Support or Seek Repair
How it helps: If every troubleshooting step fails—especially if the phone has never gotten a good GPS signal or it suddenly stopped permanently—the internal GPS antenna or chip may be defective.
Contact your phone brand's official support (e.g., Samsung, Google Pixel). They can run remote diagnostics or advise on warranty repair for a hardware fault.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my GPS location wrong or jumping around on the map?
This is typically not a GPS failure but an uncalibrated compass (Fix 16). The satellite position is accurate, but your phone's sense of direction is off. It can also be caused by severe signal reflection in "urban canyons" (tall buildings). Calibrate your compass and ensure you have a clear view of the sky.
Does a case really affect GPS signal?
Yes, significantly. Cases with metal components or thick, dense materials (like some rugged cases) can act as a Faraday cage, attenuating the already weak satellite signals. Always test GPS performance without the case if you are having issues (Fix 6).
Should I use "High accuracy" or "Device only" mode for best results?
For navigation and reliable results, always use "High accuracy." "Device only" (GPS satellites only) is slower, uses more battery to get a lock, and fails indoors. "High accuracy" uses all available sensors (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) to provide a fast, precise location fix (Fix 2).
My GPS stopped working after a software update. What can I do?
Post-update bugs are common. First, perform a system cache wipe (Fix 19) to clear any corrupted update files. If that fails, check online forums for your specific phone model to see if it's a known issue. As a last resort, you may need to factory reset (after backup) or wait for a patch from the manufacturer.
How to Maintain a Healthy GPS
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your Android OS, Google Play Services, and navigation apps.
- Calibrate Compass Regularly: Get in the habit of doing the figure-8 motion in Maps every few weeks.
- Use High Accuracy Mode for Navigation: Don't switch to battery-saving modes while using maps.
- Allow AGPS Data Downloads: Use tools in apps like GPS Status to periodically refresh AGPS data for faster locks.
- Be Mindful of Your Environment: Understand that dense urban areas and interiors will always challenge GPS. Use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning to assist.
Final Tip: GPS troubleshooting is a process of elimination. Start with the simplest explanations: Is location on? Are you outside? Then move to permissions and app settings. Use diagnostic tools to see your satellite connection. Finally, consider environmental and hardware factors. By following this structured guide, you will identify and resolve the root cause of your Android's GPS woes.