When the location is not displayed accurately in a map app, there may be various causes such as GPS settings, device environment, app permissions, and software problems.
Table of Contents
Cause and symptoms of GPS position error
Fixing problems quickly
Check GPS and Location Service Settings
Advanced and additional troubleshooting methods
frequently asked questions
1. Cause and symptoms of GPS position error
Smartphone GPS location errors can result in the following symptoms.
Map app shows current location differently than it really is
Positioning incorrectly in navigation, delivery apps, etc
Location is not located indoors, underground, in crowded areas of buildings, etc
Key causes:
Disabling GPS Features or Location Services
Unauthorized App
Weak satellite signals such as indoor environment, buildings and vehicles
Older Software and App Versions
Hardware issues (sensor abnormalities, etc.)
2. Fixing problems quickly
Enabling GPS and Setting Accuracy Mode
If the position setting is turned off or in low accuracy mode, the error can be large.
Change Settings > Location or Security and Location > Location Service ‘ON’
Select ‘High Accuracy’ from ‘Location Mode’ or ‘Advanced Accuracy’ (GPS+Wi-Fi+ Mobile Network Simultaneously)
Re-confirm app location privileges
Make sure you’ve granted location-related apps such as map apps, navigation, etc. “Allow at all times” or “Allow when using apps.”
Settings > Apps > Applications > Permissions > Check Location Permissions
3. Check GPS and Location Service Settings
Reboot the instrument and refresh location information
Errors caused by temporary errors or signal accumulation can be resolved by rebooting the device. It is also recommended to use the ‘Reset’ or ‘Renew’ feature of the Maps app.
Outdoor movement and obstruction removal
GPS signals weaken indoors, underground, and near high-rise buildings. Go outdoors and re-position yourself in plain view of the sky.
Enable Wi-Fi and mobile data simultaneously
When Wi-Fi is on, the location accuracy is increased by referring to the nearby router signal. Turn on all Wi-Fi and mobile data and check the location.
4. Advanced and additional troubleshooting methods
Latest updates for software and map apps
Keeping OS and map/location-related apps up to date can reduce location error issues.
Leveraging GPS Calibration and Testing Apps
You can check satellite signal status with free apps such as ‘GPS Test’ and ‘GPS Status’ and use GPS calibration (Reset/AGPS Data Refresh) to reduce errors.
Sleep/Battery Optimization Off
Sleep mode can limit GPS signal reception, so set location-related apps as ‘Battery Optimization Exception’.
Factory initialization and service center inspection
If the error persists after trying all the methods, consider factory initialization or hardware sensor inspection after backing up the device.
5. frequently asked questions
Q1: The location error is huge indoors and underground, so what’s the solution?
A: Go outside or turn on Wi-Fi to use signal assistance.
Q2: Does it work if I calibrate it with a GPS app?
A: Yes, it can improve satellite signal reception and reduce errors.
Q3: An error occurs even if the location permission is set to ‘Allow’.
A: We need to check additional power saving mode, battery optimization, old version of app/OS, hardware issues, etc.
Smartphone GPS location error problems can come from various causes such as settings, permissions, environment, software, hardware, etc. Step-by-step inspections and utilization of the latest technology minimize errors and use the location service safely.