How to Fix GPS Problems on Your Phone
One of the best things about smartphones is their ability to track your location. Unfortunately, that can also be a problem.
An AP investigation has found that many Google services on Android phones record your movements even if you turn off Location history. Here’s how to fix it. – Update the app.
1. Check for software conflicts
Sometimes, apps that use GPS services can end up with corrupt files. This can cause your device’s GPS to stop working properly. To check for this, try using the app “GPS Status and Toolbox”. It’s available on the Google Play Store for free. It can help you troubleshoot the problem and fix it.
This will allow the device to reset its hardware and clear any temporary glitches that may be causing it to act up. It can also help you determine which apps are affecting the GPS performance of your phone. If the issue persists, you can try enabling Airplane Mode on your device. This feature reduces power usage by limiting vibration, location services, and background data.
These solutions can help you resolve the “Searching for GPS” issue on Google Maps. They can also improve your navigation experience on Android Auto. Just remember to keep an eye on updates and seek community wisdom to ensure the best experience possible.
2. Clear the cache and data
If Google Maps seems to be taking longer than usual to come up with a route or even open, it may be time to clear the app’s cache. Cache files are used to store small packets of data that can help an app load more quickly and use less data, but they can sometimes cause problems when not updated properly.
This is one of the most common ways to fix GPS issues without needing to contact customer service for assistance. It’s also relatively easy and can be done from the settings menu of your phone.
Unlike iOS devices, Android phones allow you to clear an app’s cache from the Settings app. You may have to wait for the app to reload its information after clearing the cache, but that’s usually only a matter of seconds. The result is a faster and more accurate Google Maps experience. Also, it can save a lot of storage space on your device.
3. Check for obstructions
GPS is a system that uses radio waves between satellites and a receiver in your phone to estimate your location. In order to get a good signal, you need a clear view of the sky and no obstructions between the satellites and your phone. Obstacles can include tall buildings, trees, and other structures. If these obstacles are blocking your line of sight, it can take a long time for your device to tune in.
The Google Play Services 3D mapping aided corrections feature, available on Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G), reduces wrong-side-of-street occurrences by about 75% in urban environments when using GPS while walking. It will be rolled out to other Android devices running on Android 8 with the next update.
Keeping your app updated will ensure that you have the most recent software and hardware features for optimal performance. It can also improve your overall experience with the app. Updates may also include bug fixes and improvements that can help resolve your issues with searching for GPS locations.
4. Keep the app updated
It’s important to keep the apps that use GPS updated. These updates often have fixes for problems that may cause the GPS to stop working properly. This can help your phone stay running smoothly and can also improve its performance.
Your Android phone uses various sensors to determine your location, including Wi-Fi and mobile networks, and other features. You can change which apps have permission to follow your location all the time, only while they’re in use, or ask every time. You can also disable the feature that lets emergency responders find your location, if you want to.
If your compass isn’t calibrated properly, you can try using an app like GPS Essentials to fix it. You can also use an app called GPS Joystick to change your virtual location and fool apps that rely on the GPS, such as Google Maps. This can be useful if you need to surprise someone, play Pokemon Go, or protect your privacy.
