Top 12 Ways to Fix Android GPS Issues Quickly and Easily

My Android phone’s GPS stops working whenever I open Google Maps. It can’t find my location and shows the wrong place. Is there a way to fix this?

GPS problems on Android often show up when you open Google Maps. We’ve helped people solve tech issues since 2012, and we’ll show you how to fix location errors in plain language. If you face other Android troubles, see our guide on fixing the “Currently Unable to Send Your Message” error or our Android section for more tips.

How to Fix Android GPS Not Working Issue

Having trouble with your Android’s GPS? Here are some steps to get it working correctly so you can navigate smoothly again.

1. Toggle Your GPS

Sometimes, simply turning GPS off and on can help.

• Go to Settings
• Search for Location (it may be under Security & Location or Biometric & Location)
• Tap Location, then toggle it off and back on.

2. Toggle Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode cuts off all wireless signals, including GPS. Turning it on and off can fix temporary glitches.

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings.
2. Tap the Airplane Mode icon to enable it.
3. Wait a few seconds, then tap again to disable.

3. Power Saving Mode

Power Saving Mode limits your phone’s performance and can affect GPS accuracy. Turn it off if you need precise location.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Battery and device care
• Look for Power Savings (or Power Saving Mode) and toggle it off.

4. Restart Your Android Device

A restart often fixes small software conflicts.

1. Press and hold the Power button (or Power + Volume Down).
2. Choose Restart or Power off and Restart.

5. Tweak the GPS Settings (Fix “Searching for GPS” in Google Maps)

Check your location mode so your phone can use all available resources for accuracy.

1. Go to Settings > Location (or Security & Location).
2. Tap Mode (or Location Mode).
3. Choose High Accuracy for best results.

• High Accuracy: Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks.
• Power Saving: Uses Wi-Fi and mobile networks only.
• GPS Only: Uses GPS satellites only.

6. Update Google Maps

An outdated Maps app can cause GPS troubles.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile icon (top right).
3. Tap Manage apps & devices.
4. Look for Google Maps under “Updates available.”
5. Tap Update.

Restart your phone and check your GPS again.

7. Clear Cache and Data

Over time, apps build up cache files that might cause errors.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Apps (or App Manager / Manage apps).
3. Find Google Maps and tap it.
4. Tap Storage.
5. Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
6. Relaunch the app.

8. Use GPS Status and Toolbox App

This third-party app can update your A-GPS data and show detailed information about your GPS sensors. It helps calibrate your device so it locks onto satellites faster.

1. Download GPS Status & Toolbox from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and follow instructions to calibrate or fix data.

9. Safe Mode

Third-party apps sometimes interfere with GPS. To see if that’s the problem, boot into Safe Mode.

1. Press and hold Power until the Power Off option appears. Tap it.
2. Once your phone is off, press and hold Power + Volume Down to turn it on.
3. Release Power when you see the brand logo, but keep holding Volume Down.
4. “Safe Mode” will appear at the screen’s bottom-left corner.

If GPS works fine here, a third-party app may be the culprit. Uninstall recent apps or reset your device.

How to Exit Safe Mode (3 Ways):

1. Press and hold Power for at least 6 seconds, then tap Restart.
2. Press and hold Power + Volume Down together for about 5 seconds.
3. Swipe down from the top and tap “Safe mode is on,” then reboot.

10. Update Your Software

Check for pending Android updates. These often include bug fixes for GPS.

• Go to Settings
• Tap About device (or System)
• Tap Check for Updates
• Install if available

11. Wipe Cache Partition

Clearing the cache partition removes temporary system files that might be corrupt.

• Older Devices
  1. Power off your phone.
  2. Press and hold Power + Volume Up + Home until the device vibrates.
  3. In Recovery Mode, use volume keys to highlight Wipe cache partition.
  4. Press Power to select.
• Newer Devices
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Connect it to a computer with a USB Type-C cable.
  3. Press and hold Power + Volume Up.
  4. Release keys when the Android logo appears.
  5. Use volume buttons to select Wipe cache partition; press Power to confirm.
  6. After completion, choose Reboot system now.

12. Factory Reset

If nothing else works, reset your phone to factory defaults. Back up your data first, as this erases everything. Also, keep your phone charged (or plugged in) and have your Google account info handy for setup afterward.

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Back up and reset or System > Reset.
• Tap Factory data reset.
• Confirm.

FAQs

Why is my Android GPS not working?

Common causes include weak signals, outdated apps, location permission problems, or even hardware damage. Check your Location settings, make sure you have a clear view of the sky, and keep your apps updated.

How can I fix GPS problems on my Android?

Start by toggling your GPS and Airplane Mode, update Google Maps, or clear cache/data. You can also recalibrate the GPS or reset your location settings.

What if my Android GPS is inaccurate?

Calibrate it with an app like GPS Essentials. Also, keep High Accuracy mode on, and ensure nothing is blocking the device’s signals.

Should I reset my Android for GPS issues?

Only as a last step. A factory reset wipes all data, so back up important stuff first. Try simpler fixes before resetting.

Why isn’t my GPS working in certain apps?

Make sure those apps have permission to access your location. Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions, then allow Location if needed.

How can I determine if the GPS problem is hardware-related or software-related?

Use an app like GPS Essentials. Launch the app and tap Satellites. If your phone can’t connect to any satellite, hardware might be at fault. If it does connect but location is still off, it’s likely software-related.

What should I do if my GPS is inaccurate?

If your phone shows the wrong location, you might need to calibrate the compass. Download GPS Essentials, open it, and tap Compass. Move your phone in a figure-8 pattern in the air until it’s calibrated.

How can I refresh my GPS data?

Your phone might latch onto a satellite that’s no longer in range. Use GPS Status & Toolbox:

1. Open the app and tap the screen.
2. Tap the spanner icon, then choose Manage A-GPS State.
3. Tap Reset, then Download.
4. Wait for it to finish.

If issues persist, consider contacting a professional technician or your device manufacturer’s support.