A practical checklist to fix Android GPS problems: permissions, precise location, accuracy scanning, compass calibration, power/data settings, and network resets.
Quick take: Check the basics first — Location ON, app has Location permission (Precise), and Improve Location Accuracy toggles are enabled. Then calibrate the compass, loosen battery/data restrictions for navigation apps, and consider a network settings reset if all else fails.
1) Confirm Location is ON
Settings → Location → Use location = ON.
Also ensure Airplane mode = OFF and mobile data/Wi-Fi are available if you rely on network-assisted positioning.
2) Fix the target app’s permissions
Settings → Apps → [Your app] → Permissions → Location.
Choose Allow while using the app (or Allow all the time if the app needs background tracking, e.g., ride-hailing).
Toggle Use precise location = ON for best accuracy.
3) Improve accuracy with scanning
Go to Settings → Location → Improve Location Accuracy (names vary).
Turn on Google Location Accuracy, Wi-Fi scanning, and Bluetooth scanning. These help the phone lock on faster in cities and indoors.
4) Calibrate the compass (for correct arrow direction)
In Google Maps, tap the blue dot → Calibrate and follow the figure-eight motion on-screen until accuracy improves.
5) Remove power/data limits for navigation apps
Battery optimization: set your navigation/rideshare/fitness app to Don’t optimize so the system doesn’t put it to sleep.
Background data / Unrestricted data: enable both in Settings → Apps → [App] → Mobile data & Wi-Fi to keep maps and routes updating.
6) Check time and sensors
Settings → Date & time → Use network-provided time/time zone = ON. Wrong time/zone can degrade location fixes.
Remove metallic cases/magnets; avoid strong interference (inside elevators/parking garages).
7) Last resorts
Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth: Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
Update apps & services: Update Google Maps and Google Play services in the Play Store.
Test outdoors with a clear sky: Buildings and dense foliage can block satellites.
FAQs
Do I need “Allow all the time” for Location?
Only if the app must track in the background (e.g., rideshare driver, fitness tracker). Otherwise Allow while using is safer.
What’s “Precise” vs. “Approximate” location?
Precise uses GPS and high-accuracy signals; Approximate limits location to a rough area to improve privacy. For navigation, use Precise.
My arrow points the wrong direction.
Re-calibrate the compass (figure-eight), keep the phone away from magnets, and verify the case isn’t interfering.
