# 📡 How To Fix GPS Not Working – Complete Step‑By‑Step Guide
Is your GPS suddenly acting up, showing the wrong location, or not working at all? Whether you’re using an Android phone, iPhone, or a car navigation system, GPS issues can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you rely on it for travel, delivery, fitness tracking, or work.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
– ✅ Why GPS stops working
– ✅ How to fix GPS not working on Android
– ✅ How to fix GPS not working on iPhone
– ✅ How to troubleshoot car GPS / navigation systems
– ✅ Advanced tips, tools, and settings for more accurate GPS
Use this guide as a step‑by‑step checklist to quickly diagnose and fix your GPS problems.
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## 🧭 1. Understanding How GPS Works (And Why It Fails)
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to know what can cause GPS issues.
### 🔍 How GPS Works (In Simple Terms)
– Your device connects to satellites orbiting Earth
– It needs a clear line of sight to at least 3–4 satellites
– The GPS chip calculates your position based on timing signals
When anything interrupts that process, your location becomes inaccurate or stops updating.
### ❗ Common Causes of GPS Not Working
– 📴 Location/GPS is turned **off**
– 📡 Weak satellite signal (indoors, underground, between tall buildings)
– ⚙️ Wrong location settings (battery saver / low accuracy)
– 🧲 Magnetic or metal interference (car mounts, covers, etc.)
– 📱 Outdated software or app issues
– 💾 Corrupted cache or data of map/navigation apps
– 🔋 Battery optimization blocking GPS in the background
– 🔧 Hardware damage (GPS chip, antenna, water damage, drop)
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## 📱 2. Basic Checks Before You Start
These quick checks can save you a lot of time.
### ✅ Step 1: Test GPS in More Than One App
Your GPS might be fine—only one app is broken.
– Try **Google Maps**, **Apple Maps**, or **Waze**
– Use a fitness app or weather app that checks location
If only one app misbehaves, it’s likely an **app issue**, not GPS.
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### ✅ Step 2: Move to an Open Area
GPS works poorly:
– Indoors 🏠
– Underground parking 🅿️
– Inside large buildings 🏢
– Between skyscrapers 🌆
Go outside to an **open sky** area and wait a few minutes. If GPS starts working, the problem was weak signal, not your device.
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### ✅ Step 3: Turn Location/GPS Off and On
Sometimes a simple toggle resets the GPS module.
– Turn **Location / GPS OFF**
– Wait 10–15 seconds
– Turn it **ON** again
– Wait 1–2 minutes and check again in a maps app
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## 🤖 3. How To Fix GPS Not Working on Android
Follow these steps in order. Test GPS after each major step to avoid unnecessary changes.
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### 3.1 Make Sure Location Is Fully Enabled
1. Swipe down the notification bar
2. Tap the **Location** icon to enable it
3. Long‑press the icon to open **Location Settings**
or
– Go to **Settings → Location**
– Ensure **Use Location** is ON
—
### 3.2 Set Location Mode to High Accuracy
Android has different accuracy modes. For best GPS performance:
**Steps:**
1. Open **Settings → Location**
2. Tap **Location services** or **Mode** (varies by device)
3. Select **High accuracy**
This allows Android to use:
– GPS
– Wi‑Fi
– Mobile networks
– Bluetooth
to improve location precision.
—
### 3.3 Disable Battery Saver / Power Saving Modes
Battery saving features often restrict GPS usage in the background.
– Go to **Settings → Battery**
– Turn **Battery Saver** OFF
– Check any **Ultra Power Saving** or **Power Saving** modes and disable them
Also check **adaptive battery** or **background restrictions** for your GPS apps.
—
### 3.4 Allow Location Permission for Apps
If an app doesn’t have permission, it can’t access GPS.
1. Go to **Settings → Apps**
2. Tap the app (e.g., Google Maps, Waze, etc.)
3. Tap **Permissions**
4. Select **Location**
5. Choose **Allow all the time** or **Allow while using the app**
For navigation apps, **Allow all the time** is recommended.
—
### 3.5 Turn On Wi‑Fi & Bluetooth Scanning
Even if you don’t connect to Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth devices, the scanning helps refine your location.
1. Go to **Settings → Location → Location services**
2. Tap **Wi‑Fi scanning** → Turn ON
3. Tap **Bluetooth scanning** → Turn ON
This allows your device to use nearby networks and devices to improve GPS accuracy.
—
### 3.6 Calibrate the Compass (Important for Wrong Direction Issues)
If the map shows your blue dot pointing in the wrong direction, it’s a compass problem.
**Method via Google Maps:**
1. Open **Google Maps**
2. Move your phone like you’re drawing a big **figure 8 (∞)** in the air
3. Repeat for 10–20 seconds
You may see a prompt like “Improve location accuracy” – follow the instructions.
**Manual method:**
– Rotate your phone on all three axes (like rolling, tilting, and spinning it)
This recalibrates sensors used for GPS direction.
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### 3.7 Clear Cache & Data of Maps Apps
Corrupted cache can cause GPS lag or wrong location.
1. Go to **Settings → Apps**
2. Find **Google Maps** (or the problematic app)
3. Tap **Storage & cache**
4. Tap **Clear cache**
5. Then tap **Clear storage / Clear data** (you may need to sign in or reconfigure the app afterward)
Restart your device and test again.
—
### 3.8 Turn Off Fake GPS / Developer Options
If you used any mock location apps, games, or hacks, they can break real GPS.
1. Go to **Settings → System → Developer options** (or **About phone → tap Build number 7 times** to enable)
2. Scroll to **Select mock location app**
3. Set it to **None**
4. Uninstall any **fake GPS** or **mock location** apps
Restart and test GPS again.
—
### 3.9 Update System Software & Apps
Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
– Go to **Settings → System → Software update**
– Install any available updates
– Open the **Google Play Store → Manage apps & device → Updates available**
– Update **Google Maps**, **Google Play services**, and any navigation apps you use
—
### 3.10 Reset Network & Location Settings (Advanced)
If nothing has worked, reset network/location settings.
1. Go to **Settings → System → Reset options**
2. Tap **Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth**
3. Confirm
On some Android versions, there’s also a **Reset Location Settings** option. Use it if available.
Note: You’ll need to re‑enter Wi‑Fi passwords afterward.
—
### 3.11 Check for Hardware Problems
If your phone was recently:
– Dropped
– Exposed to water
– Repaired (screen/battery replacement)
the internal GPS antenna may be damaged or disconnected.
Signs of hardware issue:
– GPS **never** locks, even in open spaces
– All apps fail to get location
– Factory reset doesn’t help
In this case, contact a professional repair center or your device manufacturer.
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## 🍏 4. How To Fix GPS Not Working on iPhone (iOS)
If you’re on an iPhone, use this dedicated section.
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### 4.1 Make Sure Location Services Are Enabled
1. Go to **Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services**
2. Turn **Location Services** ON
—
### 4.2 Check Location Permission Per App
1. Go to **Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services**
2. Scroll down and tap the app (e.g., **Maps**, **Waze**, **Google Maps**)
3. Select one of:
– **While Using the App**
– **Always** (for navigation apps)
4. Turn ON **Precise Location** for accurate GPS positioning
If **Precise Location** is OFF, your iPhone may show a rough area instead of your exact position.
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### 4.3 Turn Off Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode can sometimes limit background GPS activity.
1. Go to **Settings → Battery**
2. Turn **Low Power Mode** OFF
Also avoid using extreme battery‑saving profiles from third‑party apps.
—
### 4.4 Enable Background App Refresh
If apps need to track your location in the background:
1. Go to **Settings → General → Background App Refresh**
2. Make sure it’s **On (Wi‑Fi & Mobile Data)**
3. Scroll and enable it for your navigation app
—
### 4.5 Reset Location & Privacy Settings
If permissions or services were misconfigured:
1. Go to **Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset**
2. Tap **Reset Location & Privacy**
3. Confirm with your passcode
After this, apps will ask for location permissions again. Make sure you allow them.
—
### 4.6 Update iOS and Apps
1. Go to **Settings → General → Software Update**
2. Install available updates
3. Open the **App Store → Profile icon (top right) → Update All**
Updated software often contains GPS and connectivity fixes.
—
### 4.7 Check Date, Time & Region Settings
Incorrect time or region can affect GPS services.
1. Go to **Settings → General → Date & Time**
2. Turn ON **Set Automatically**
Make sure your region and time zone are accurate.
—
### 4.8 Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
A simple radio reset can fix temporary GPS glitches:
1. Open **Control Center**
2. Tap **Airplane Mode** ON
3. Wait 10–20 seconds
4. Tap it OFF
Test GPS in **Maps** or another app.
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### 4.9 Restore Network Settings (Advanced)
1. Go to **Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset**
2. Tap **Reset Network Settings**
3. Confirm
This resets Wi‑Fi, cellular, VPN, and Bluetooth settings (you’ll need to re‑enter Wi‑Fi passwords).
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### 4.10 Suspected Hardware Damage
If:
– GPS never works
– Apps always show “Searching for GPS”
– Problems started after physical damage or repair
you may have a faulty GPS antenna or related component. In this case:
– Book a diagnostic with **Apple Support** or an authorized repair center
– Avoid DIY repairs unless you’re experienced
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## 🚗 5. How To Fix GPS Not Working in Car Navigation Systems
If your **in‑car GPS** or **infotainment system** is failing, try the following.
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### 5.1 Check for Signal Obstructions
GPS antennas in cars can be affected by:
– Metalized or heat‑reflective windshields
– Roof racks or large cargo
– Aftermarket dashboard covers
Make sure:
– The GPS receiver/antenna has a clear view of the sky
– No metallic items or devices are directly placed over the GPS antenna
—
### 5.2 Restart the Navigation System
– Turn the engine and car infotainment system off completely
– Wait 1–2 minutes
– Restart and check GPS again
Some systems have a **soft reset** option in their settings or via a specific button combination. Check your car manual.
—
### 5.3 Update Maps and Firmware
Outdated maps or system software can cause location bugs.
– Visit the car manufacturer’s website
– Look for **Navigation / Infotainment Updates**
– Download updates to a USB stick or SD card (as instructed)
– Install them via your car’s system
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### 5.4 Check External GPS Antenna (If Present)
Some cars and aftermarket GPS units use an external antenna:
– Ensure it’s firmly connected
– Look for visible damage to the cable
– Try repositioning the antenna on the dashboard with a clearer view of the sky
If the antenna is faulty, replacing it often fixes the GPS.
—
### 5.5 Factory Reset the Navigation Unit (Last Resort)
Most systems offer a **factory reset** or **restore default settings** option.
– Go to **Settings → System → Factory Reset** (names vary by brand)
– Confirm the reset
Note: This will erase saved locations, paired phones, and customized settings.
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### 5.6 Professional Diagnosis
If GPS still doesn’t work:
– The internal GPS module, antenna, or wiring may be damaged
– Visit your **car dealership**, **audio/navigation specialist**, or **authorized service center**
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## 🧪 6. Advanced Tips for Better GPS Accuracy
Even if your GPS works, these tips can improve accuracy and performance.
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### 6.1 Use a GPS Status/Tool App (Android)
On Android, you can use apps like:
– **GPS Status & Toolbox**
– **GPS Test**
These apps help you:
– See how many satellites are visible
– Check signal strength
– Reset A-GPS data (assisted GPS)
**To reset A‑GPS (varies by app):**
1. Open the GPS tool app
2. Look for options like **Manage A-GPS state** or **Reset A-GPS**
3. Tap **Reset**, then **Download** new A-GPS data
This helps speed up satellite lock.
—
### 6.2 Avoid Thick or Metal Phone Cases
Some bulky or metal cases can weaken signal.
– Test GPS with the case **removed**
– If performance improves, consider a thinner, non‑metal case
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### 6.3 Keep a Clear View While Navigating
When using GPS:
– Avoid keeping the phone deep inside bags or pockets
– Use a **dashboard** or **windshield** mount
– Keep the phone away from other large metal/electronic devices
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### 6.4 Check for Interfering Apps
Some apps (especially security, VPN, or “phone booster” tools) can interfere with GPS.
– Uninstall or disable any recently installed “optimizer,” “cleaner,” or “location spoofing” apps
– Restart and test GPS again
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## 🧾 7. Quick GPS Troubleshooting Checklist
Use this summary as a fast reference:
### For Android
– [ ] Location is ON
– [ ] Location mode = **High accuracy**
– [ ] Battery saver is OFF
– [ ] App has **Location permission** (Allow all the time / While using)
– [ ] Wi‑Fi & Bluetooth scanning are ON
– [ ] Compass calibrated (figure 8 motion)
– [ ] Maps/Navigation app cache & data cleared
– [ ] No mock location / fake GPS apps running
– [ ] System & apps updated
– [ ] Network/location settings reset (if needed)
– [ ] Tested outdoors in open sky
– [ ] Checked for hardware damage
### For iPhone (iOS)
– [ ] Location Services ON
– [ ] App location permission set to **While Using** or **Always**
– [ ] **Precise Location** enabled
– [ ] Low Power Mode OFF
– [ ] Background App Refresh ON
– [ ] iOS and apps updated
– [ ] Date & Time set automatically
– [ ] Network & Location/Privacy reset (if needed)
– [ ] Tested outdoors in open sky
– [ ] Checked for physical/hardware issues
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## 🏁 Final Thoughts
GPS not working can seem complicated, but most issues are caused by:
– Disabled or restricted location settings
– Battery optimization or power saving modes
– App permission or cache problems
– Weak satellite signal due to environment
By working through the steps in this guide—from basic checks to more advanced fixes—you can usually restore accurate, reliable GPS on your phone or car system.
If, after trying everything, your GPS still won’t lock or shows wildly inaccurate positions in any app and any location, it’s likely a **hardware problem**—and a professional repair or device replacement may be required.
Use this guide whenever your GPS misbehaves, and keep it bookmarked as your go‑to **GPS troubleshooting checklist**.
