GPS is not working well on Android: how to fix it in 10 minutes

Do you open Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator, and your location is determined with an error of hundreds of meters - or is not updated at all? Problems with GPS on Android occur even on flagship devices, not to mention budget smartphones. The reasons may lie in both software failures and hardware failures. But in 90% of cases, the situation can be corrected independently, without contacting a service center.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons the incorrect operation of GPS - from a banal lack of signal to deep system errors. You will learn how to check the serviceability of the module, what settings affect the accuracy of determining coordinates, and what to do if after updating Android, GPS stopped working at all. And for owners of old devices (before Android 10), we have prepared separate recommendations - their modules often require manual calibration.

Do not rush to reset your smartphone to factory settings: start with simple steps. In most cases, it is enough to enable high-precision mode or update the AGPS data. But if the problem is deeper, we have instructions for this too.

1. Checking basic GPS settings

Before digging deeper, make sure that on your smartphone The GPS module itself is enabled and the correct location settings are configured. Often, users accidentally disable geolocation in the quick settings menu or limit access to specific applications.

Open Settings → Security and location → Location (on some firmware the path may differ: Settings → Privacy → Location services). Here check:

• 📍 Switch "Location" - must be active (blue/green).
• 🎯 Accuracy mode —select "High accuracy" (uses GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors).
• 🔄 Scanning Wi-Fi/Bluetooth —enable even if the networks themselves are disabled (helps clarify indoor coordinates).

If you have Android 12+, pay attention to the section App permissions in location settings. Here you can see which apps have recently requested your coordinates and, if necessary, deny them access. For example, if Google Maps doesn't update the location, check to see if access to location data is blocked for it.

2. Compass calibration and AGPS data reset

If GPS determines your location, but shows it inaccurately (for example, it shifts by 50-200 meters), the problem may be data inconsistency AGPS (Assisted GPS) or a broken compass. This is especially true after flashing the device or long-term inactivity of the module.

To calibrate the compass:

1. Open any application with a compass (for example, Google Maps or Compass Galaxy).
2. Rotate the phone in the air, describing the infinity sign (∞) - this will recalibrate the sensors.
3. If the compass needle "jumps", repeat the procedure in an open area.

To reset AGPS data, use the engineering menu (works on most devices, except some Samsung i Xiaomi):

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In the menu that opens, select Delete AGPS Data, then Reset. After that, restart your smartphone. Attention: on In some firmware, this code may not work - then use applications like GPS Status & Toolbox (available in Google Play).

3. Updating GPS data and module firmware

GPS module in the smartphone, like any other hardware, it requires up-to-date software. If you have not updated the device’s firmware for a long time, this may cause poor navigation performance. This is especially critical for devices on Android 9 and belowwhere GPS drivers were often updated separately from the main system.

Check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → System → System update.
2. If an update is available, install it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
3. After installation, reboot the device and check the GPS.

To manually update GPS data (if automatic does not work):

• 📱 Install the application GPS Status & Toolbox.
• 🔄 In the menu, select Manage A-GPS State → Reset.
• 📡 Then press Manage A-GPS State → Download.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

4. Checking for hardware problems

If software methods do not help, there may be a problem with physical malfunction GPS module or antenna. This is especially true if:

• 📵 GPS does not work at all (there is not even an approximate definition on networks).
• 🔌 The problem appeared after a fall, moisture or repair.
• 📡 Other devices (tablet, second phone) in the same place receive the signal normally.

You can check the hardware serviceability like this:

1. Install the application GPS Test or GPS Essentials.
2. See how many satellites the device “sees”. Normally, in an open area there should be 8–12+ (green/blue icons).
3. If there are 0–2 satellites and the signal is not stable, there is probably a problem with the antenna or module.

Also inspect the smartphone case for damage. On some models (for example Samsung Galaxy S20+ or Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro) the GPS antenna is located at the top of the back cover. Cracks or dents in this place may interfere with signal reception.

How to check GPS without special applications?

Open Google Maps, turn on navigation mode and look at the location icon. If it constantly “bounces” or shows a large radius of uncertainty (blue circle), this is a sign of a weak signal.

5. Resetting network settings and factory settings

If the GPS was working normally, but suddenly stopped, a failure in the mobile network settings or a conflict with the update may be to blame. In such cases, resetting the network settings helps. Attention: after this procedure you will have to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and set up mobile data.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

If this does not help, the last option before visiting the service is full reset to factory settings. Be sure to back up your data before doing this! The procedure erases all applications, photos and settings:

1. Save important data to Google Drive or computer.
2. Go c Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data.
3. After rebooting, set up your smartphone as new and check the GPS.

6. Features for specific brands

Smartphone manufacturers often modify the operation of GPS modules to suit their firmware. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

Brand	Typical problems	Solution
Samsung	Poor determination of coordinates in One UI, especially after updates	Disable Improving location in GPS settings
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco	GPS does not work in the background (saving battery)	Add a navigation application to No restrictions in battery settings
Huawei/Honor	No signal after update EMUI	Reset settings Huawei Mobile Services in Settings → Applications
Google Pixel	Long location detection when first turned on	Enable Google Location Accuracy in location settings

For devices Samsung s processors Exynos (for example, Galaxy S21 or Galaxy Note 20) the problem of “floating” GPS in urban environments is typical. This can be solved by disabling the function Wi-Fi scanning in the location settings - despite the contradiction of logic, this often improves accuracy.

Owners Xiaomi should also check the settings Autostart for navigation applications. By default MIUI aggressively closes background processes, which prevents GPS from working stably.

7. Alternative ways to improve GPS

If standard methods do not work, try these non-obvious techniques:

• 📶 Use an external antenna (for smartphones with OTG support, for example, Samsung DeX).
• 🔋 Turn off the power saving mode —it limits the operation of the GPS module.
• 📱 Install alternative software for navigation (for example, OsmAnd or Sygic —they often work better with a weak signal).
• 🔄 Change the SIM card —some operators block access to AGPS servers.

For owners of rooted devices, there is a radical method: replacing the file gps.conf in the system partition. This file contains settings for connecting to AGPS servers. Current versions gps.conf for your model can be found on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. Attention: incorrect editing of system files can lead to the device not working!

If you often visit places with poor signal (forests, mountains, underground parking lots), consider purchasing external GPS receiver with support Bluetooth. Such devices (for example, Garmin GLO 2 or Dual XGPS150A) connect to a smartphone and provide a stable signal even where the built-in module is powerless.

Frequently asked questions about GPS on Android

Why does GPS work fine outdoors, but does not pick up a signal indoors?

The GPS signal does not pass well through the walls and roofs of buildings. Indoors, the smartphone must use data from Wi-Fi points and cell towers to determine approximate coordinates. If this does not work:

1. Enable the option in the location settings Wi-Fi scanning.
2. Make sure there are active ones nearby Wi-Fi networks (even if you are not connected to them).
3. Check whether the metal case or case is blocking the signal.

Is it possible to improve GPS without the Internet?

Yes, but with reservations. To first determine coordinates (Cold Start), the smartphone needs data from satellites, which it downloads via the Internet (AGPS). However, after this, the device can work autonomously, using:

• 📡 Saved ephemeris (data on satellite orbits).
• 📱 Prediction algorithms (if GPS was recently turned on).
• 🗺️ Pre-loaded maps (in Google Maps or OsmAnd).

For complete autonomy, use offline maps and turn on GPS 10-15 minutes before the trip so that the device has time to “catch” satellites.

Why does GPS quickly drain battery?

The GPS module itself consumes little energy, but the problem is that:

1. Applications (for example, Google Maps) constantly update the location, preventing the processor from "falling asleep".
2. High precision mode uses Wi-Fi and mobile data, which consume additional energy.
3. Some firmware (especially on Xiaomi and Huawei) aggressively optimize background work, which is why GPS is turned on again with each request.

To save battery:

• 🔋 Use the mode Saving batteries in location settings (accuracy will drop, but consumption will also decrease).
• 📵 Turn off GPS when not needed.
• 🔄 Update AGPS data manually (less often than automatic mode).

How to check if the GPS module works on a new smartphone before purchasing?

In the store you can quickly test GPS:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
2. Open Google Maps and wait for the location to be determined (should take no more than 10 seconds).
3. Install the application GPS Test and check the number of visible satellites (indoors the norm is 3–5, outdoors - 8+).
4. Look at the accuracy: the error radius should be less than 20 meters.

If the seller does not allow you to install applications, use a browser: open the website maps.google.com and check whether your location.

Does flashing to custom software (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) help fix GPS?

Sometimes yes, but this lottery. Reasons:

• ✅ Custom firmware often contains updated GPS drivers, especially for older devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S7 or Xiaomi Mi A1).
• ❌ But they may not have proprietary libraries for your module, which will worsen work.
• ⚠️ On some devices (for example, Huawei with processors Kirin) custom firmware often breaks GPS due to the closed source code of the drivers.

Before flashing:

1. Find reviews on the forums about the operation of GPS on your model with specific firmware.
2. Make a backup copy of the current software (TWRP Backup).
3. Make sure that the firmware supports your module version (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon vs Mediatek Helio).