How to Fix GPS Not Working on Android/iPhone: A Premium Troubleshooting Guide for Accurate Location Tracking
GPS is one of the most essential features in modern smartphones. From navigating unfamiliar cities and tracking workouts to hailing rides and locating lost devices, we rely on GPS more than we realize—until it stops working. If your phone suddenly can’t find your location or shows you drifting across the map while standing still, it’s time to troubleshoot.
In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix GPS not working on Android/iPhone, covering both common and advanced solutions. Whether you’re a traveler, runner, delivery driver, or tech-savvy user, this guide will help you restore pinpoint accuracy and regain trust in your device’s location services.
🛰️ Understanding How GPS Works on Smartphones
Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand how GPS functions on your phone. GPS (Global Positioning System) uses a constellation of satellites to triangulate your position. Your phone’s GPS chip receives signals from at least four satellites to calculate your location.
However, smartphones don’t rely on GPS alone. They also use:
- Wi-Fi positioning
- Cell tower triangulation
- Bluetooth beacons
- A-GPS (Assisted GPS) for faster satellite lock using internet data
When any of these systems fail or conflict, your GPS accuracy can suffer.
📱 Common Symptoms of GPS Issues
- The blue dot on the map is inaccurate or jumps around
- Navigation apps can’t find your location
- Location-based apps (e.g., Uber, Strava, Google Maps) don’t work properly
- GPS takes too long to lock or never locks
- Compass points in the wrong direction
🛠️ How to Fix GPS Not Working on Android
1. ✅ Enable High Accuracy Mode
- Go to Settings > Location > Location Services
- Tap Google Location Accuracy
- Toggle Improve Location Accuracy ON
This allows your phone to use GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks for better precision.
2. 🔄 Refresh A-GPS Data
- Download a GPS utility app like GPS Status & Toolbox
- Open the app and tap Manage A-GPS State
- Tap Reset, then Download
This clears outdated satellite data and downloads fresh ephemeris files for faster lock-on.
3. 🧭 Calibrate the Compass
- Open Google Maps
- Tap the blue dot > Calibrate Compass
- Move your phone in a figure-eight motion
A misaligned compass can confuse navigation apps, especially for walking directions.
4. 📶 Check Signal Conditions
- Move outdoors with a clear view of the sky
- Avoid tall buildings, tunnels, or dense tree cover
- Remove metal cases or magnetic mounts
GPS signals are weak and easily blocked. Even a metal phone case can interfere.
5. 🔋 Disable Battery Saver and Background Restrictions
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver
- Turn it OFF
- Go to Settings > Apps > [Your GPS App] > Battery
- Set to Unrestricted
Battery-saving modes often throttle GPS to conserve power, leading to poor performance.
6. 🧹 Clear App Cache and Data
- Go to Settings > Apps > Maps (or your GPS app)
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data
This removes corrupted files that may interfere with location tracking.
7. 📲 Update Your Phone and Apps
- Go to Settings > System > Software Update
- Open Google Play Store > My Apps & Games > Update All
GPS bugs are often fixed in firmware or app updates.
🍏 How to Fix GPS Not Working on iPhone
1. ✅ Enable Location Services
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
- Toggle ON
- Scroll to System Services and enable:
- Compass Calibration
- Location-Based Alerts
- Find My iPhone
2. 🧭 Calibrate Compass and Motion Sensors
- Open the Compass app
- Move your phone in a figure-eight motion
- Open Maps and check if the direction arrow aligns with your movement
iPhones use a combination of GPS, gyroscope, and magnetometer for orientation.
3. 🔄 Reset Location & Privacy Settings
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
- Tap Reset Location & Privacy
This restores default permissions and clears potential conflicts.
4. 📶 Improve Signal Conditions
- Step outside with a clear view of the sky
- Avoid metal cases or magnetic mounts
- Disable airplane mode
GPS needs unobstructed access to satellites. Even tinted windows can reduce accuracy.
5. 🔋 Disable Low Power Mode
- Go to Settings > Battery
- Toggle OFF Low Power Mode
This mode may limit background location updates and reduce GPS accuracy.
6. 📲 Update iOS and Apps
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Open App Store > Tap your profile > Update All
Apple frequently releases location-related fixes in iOS updates.
🧠 Advanced Tips for Both Platforms
🧪 Use a GPS Diagnostic App
Apps like GPS Test (Android) or GPS Status can show:
- Number of satellites in view
- Signal strength
- Accuracy radius
- Speed and altitude
These tools help diagnose whether the issue is hardware, software, or environmental.
🔧 Reset Network Settings
- Android: Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
- iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings
This can fix issues with A-GPS and location triangulation.
🧼 Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If all else fails:
- Back up your data
- Perform a factory reset
- Set up your phone as new (avoid restoring from backup initially)
This eliminates deep software conflicts but should be used only after exhausting other options.
🛍️ When to Consider Hardware Repair
If your GPS still doesn’t work after all software fixes:
- Your GPS antenna may be damaged
- Internal components may be misaligned
- Water or drop damage could be affecting signal reception
Visit an authorized service center for diagnostics. For older phones, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade.
📝 Final Thoughts: Restore Confidence in Your GPS
GPS is more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline for navigation, safety, and daily coordination. When it fails, it can disrupt your routines and create unnecessary stress. But with the right knowledge, you can troubleshoot most issues yourself and restore full functionality.
By following this premium guide on how to fix GPS not working on Android/iPhone, you’ll be equipped to diagnose, resolve, and prevent future problems—ensuring your device is always ready to guide you, wherever life takes you.
