Step 5: Recalibrate the GPS
Sometimes calibration of GPS fixes GPS related issues. Calibration of GPS can be done using a compass app. A non-calibrated compass gives inaccurate or wrong location information by GPS. To perform recalibration, read or watch the instructions your compass app provides and follow the same. Check if compass recalibration worked or not.
Step 6: Turn ON High-Accuracy mode
To get higher accuracy in location detection, turn ON ‘High accuracy‘ mode. Although it uses a bit more battery than normal, this sacrifice is important to get correction location information through GPS. This can be done via the Settings app on your smartphone. You can always undo it when GPS is no more required.
Step 7: Check power saving mode
Power Saving Mode disables some functionalities like Wi-F, GPS etc. It is a battery saver but must not be used if you want to use GPS in your device. Navigate to Settings>>Battery/Power options. Select Power saving/battery saving mode and check if it enabled or disabled.
Step 8: Update applications and OS
All mapping services and applications having location access including Google Maps that has access to GPS must be updated. Delayed updates may be causing errors and have accumulated bugs leading to issues in identifying locations accurately. It is advisable to keep all the applications updated whether they are linked to GPS or not. For this, update the apps by navigating to Google Play Store >> My apps and games >> Update all. You also need to check if there is a firmware or OS update available on your smartphone. Developers often send updates in order to fix bugs and issues that may be related to GPS. Check by navigating to Settings>>About Phone>>Software Updates.
Step 9: Clear cache data
Wrong location or no location detection at all depends on your phone’s performance too. Accumulated cache files that are not cleared often affects the system’s performance and efficiency. Go to Settings >> Apps >> Downloaded. Tap on each downloaded app and press ‘Clear Cache’. You also need to clear the storage. This can be done by navigating to the Settings >> Storage >> Cache Memory. This should be done time to time even to prevent any issues on your smartphone.
Step 10: Refresh A-GPS/GPS
The A-GPS also was known as the Assistant GPS is the data that improves the GPS performance and efficiency of your device. The A-GPS can sometimes become corrupt or stuck. Refreshing may fix issues. For this, navigate to Settings>>Apps>>All. Select A-GPS, clear data and cache. You can also use an app like GPS Status & Toolbox to clear your GPS data and to start connecting to satellites from scratch as sometimes. It is possible that your device gets stuck on certain satellites, even if they’re not within range. This will lead to reconnection thus fixing your issue.
Unfortunately, if none of the above methods fixes GPS problems on your smartphone, go for a hard reset. This might resolve both hardware issue or a software bug due to a virus or malware. But before proceeding, back up all important data and files as hard reset would leave all your data to be wiped off. The given steps would perform a hard reset.
1) Switch OFF the phone.
2) Simultaneously, press and hold the Volume Up key and Power key.
3) As soon as you get onto the Android system recovery screen, release the keys.
4) Use the power button to make the selection and use volume keys as navigator to highlight the “wipe data/factory reset” option.
5) Selecting it will perform a hard reset and allow you to use your device from a fresh start.
Step 12: Get help from a technician
Unfortunately, if none of the above methods works, you have no option but to approach the service center of your smartphone. You might also be not sure if the issue is hardware related or software related. Avoid going to third-party service centers as it may void your warranty. Also, if you are often in areas where there is weak GPS signal such as rural areas, you can invest in an external GPS receiver. It would provide highly reliable and efficient results every time you use it. This would cost you money, but this investment will be worth and prevent you from being in such situations.
