Check if the compass is calibrated accurately or not
If the location that you are able to track on your phone isn’t precise or if it is slightly inaccurate or off-centered, it is quite possible that the compass embedded on your device has gone haywire and requires calibration. Although most smartphones have ‘8’ type calibration feature, you can always install apps like GPS Essentials or GPS Status and Tools to calibrate the compass accurately and obtain precise location.
Clear GPS cache files
Cache files save essential data that enables the phone to startup apps faster and reduce overheads. But since cache files are easily corruptible, it is recommended to clear it as soon as possible. Since clearing cache files have no impact on an app’ performance, it is simply easy to delete it. As we are talking about a possible GPS problem, you need to swipe off GPS cache files i.e. for both Google Maps cache and A-GPS cache that you’ll find within ‘Settings → Apps → All → Google Maps / A-GPS (these are two apps) → Clear Cache.
Update the Google Maps app
Google Maps is the most used map tool on Android smartphones and thus, we took an example of it although this applies for all other map tools. You need to keep these apps updated to ensure that you get latest features that are rolled out with each update while you also receive bug fixes, optimizations, etc. The GPS problem that we are talking about could be a byproduct of an outdated Google Maps app which makes it imperative to stick to updating apps as and when available.
Verify whether the GPS receiver is working properly
The GPS receiver mounted on a smartphone intercepts signals from both cell towers and satellites to project its location on Earth. Although this process is seamless since satellites and cell towers are active 24/7, it is possible that the receiver on your device is blocked or if it is damaged due to drops or water damaged, etc. I would recommend you to go through the next method to verify the issue and act accordingly.
This particular app works by determining if the Tecno GPS problem that you are facing is due to a hardware issue or is it due to software issue where the latter is easily solvable. You need to install the app on your device and tap on ‘Satellites’ from the menu. Here, you’ll see satellites on the screen which denotes that the hardware components are pretty much perfectly working which translates into the fact that the software is the fault.
On the contrary, if you cannot see satellites or just fewer satellites than required, the hardware is the problem and requires repair or replacement. Based on your observation, you can move towards restoring the phone to put an end to a software-borne issue or visit a nearby service center or get an external receiver to fix a hardware issue.
Install an external GPS receiver
An external GPS receiver works by connecting itself to the host device via Bluetooth providing ease of intercepting signals from satellites and project user’s location on a map. You can get a second opinion from a technician before buying it though.
Restore the phone
Putting the phone in a factory reset mode will remove all the data saved on your phone permanently without any chances to restore the lost data*. Now, you need to take a backup before proceeding with the procedure mentioned below to steer clear of any unwanted data loss.
- Firstly, you need to turn off your Tecno smartphone.
- The second step is to press the power button and volume up buttons together and hold it for some time until an Android logo isn’t displayed on the screen.
- Now, release the keys and follow the navigational instructions mentioned on the top of the screen.
- You need to tap on the menu item called ‘Clear data/factory reset’ from amidst the menu and finally, confirm the same by hitting on ‘Yes — delete all user data’.
- This will put the phone in restore mode and then, you can reboot the phone to set it up possibly without any signs of any GPS problem.
Turn towards a service center
Can’t get the GPS on your phone in working state? Turn for help from a technician and possibly visit an authorized service center instead of third-party shops to get the resolution it may cost you the warranty of the product which could drive down resell value as well.