FAQs
GPS Accuracy Settings
The GPS is set to Battery saving mode by default. This setting gives you the best of both the worlds, however, can result in GPS related issues like the Improve location accuracy pop-up.
Why is my Android phone location wrong? ›
For Samsung smartphones running Android 10 OS, the location information may appear inaccurate if the GPS signal is obstructed, location settings is disabled, or if you are not using the best location method.
Why is my location accuracy always low? ›
Disable and Re-enable Location services
Refreshing Location services can help your device clear any GPS errors from previous readings. Another trick to improve compass accuracy is to simply disable and re-enable Location services. Open the “Settings” app. Tap “Location”.
What does location accuracy mean? ›
All locations generated by the LocationManager include an accuracy. So basically, if it returns 1, that means there is a 68% probability that you are within 1 meter of the GPS location reported. Follow this answer to receive notifications.
How do I calibrate my location on Android? ›
Calibrate Location on Android
- On your child's Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app ⚙.
- Tap Location.
- At the top, switch location on.
- Tap Mode > High accuracy.
- If present, enable Google Location Accuracy. In that section, there's also Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning that you should enable.
How do I stop improve location accuracy messages? ›
Turn your phone's location accuracy on or off
- Swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Touch and hold Location . If you don't find Location : Tap Edit or Settings . Drag Location into your Quick Settings.
- Tap Location Services. Google Location Accuracy.
- Turn Improve Location Accuracy on or off.
Does Wi-Fi improve location accuracy? ›
Turning on WiFi on your device dramatically improves location accuracy, even if you are not actively connected to a WiFi network. Your device uses the WiFi sensor to detect nearby WiFi base stations and narrow your exact location based on that information.
How do I fix location tracking? ›
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone and scroll down to tap on Location. Step 2: Go to Location services and tap on Google Location Accuracy. Step 3: Toggle on Improve Location Accuracy. Once enabled, check to see if location accuracy has improved by using an app like Google Maps.
How do I fix my location on my Samsung phone? ›
Launch the Settings app, and then select Location. Step 2. If the switch at the top is Off, turn it On. Alternatively, you can swipe down on the screen to bring up the Quick panel, and then tap the Location icon to enable or disable location services.
Why does my location say I'm somewhere else? ›
Android typically uses the Network Location permission to locate your phone's present location. If you are connected via your home's Wi-Fi then the location permission is not always able to pinpoint your location other than the general area such as town. It could be a nearby town as well.
This metric is computed by measuring the absolute distance between the reported location estimate and the exact location of the target device. To use CDF effectively, you need to determine the latitude and longitude that is classified as ground truth yourself, and need to be very confident in their accuracy.
How accurate is phone location tracking? ›
For example, GPS-enabled smartphones are typically accurate to within a 4.9 m (16 ft.) radius under open sky (view source at ION.org). However, their accuracy worsens near buildings, bridges, and trees. High-end users boost GPS accuracy with dual-frequency receivers and/or augmentation systems.
Is someone's location accurate? ›
It is as accurate as the location information their phone is getting. And that can vary a great deal. GPS signals are subject to interference from buildings, trees, weather. The phone may be getting location information from a WiFi network that is inaccurate.
How do I calibrate my GPS location? ›
Return to the Google Maps app. Hold the device right-side up, then move it in a figure-8 motion a few times. The calibration is complete when the beam becomes narrower and points in an accurate direction.
Can you manipulate your location? ›
Android Location Spoofing
One app that doesn't need your phone to be rooted—so long as you're using Android 6.0 or newer—is called FakeGPS Free, and it's really easy to use it to fake your Android phone location.
How do you trick your location app? ›
Apps to Fake GPS on Android Device
- GPS JoyStick. GPS JoyStick has been around for some time and it helps you fake your GPS location on your Android-based devices. ...
- Fake GPS 360. ...
- VPNa - Fake GPS Location. ...
- Fly GPS. ...
- Fake GPS GO Location Spoofer App. ...
- Fake GPS Run. ...
- Hola - Fake GPS Location App.
How do I delete location history on Android? ›
Delete all Location History
- On your Android device, open the Google Maps app .
- Tap your profile picture or initial Your Timeline .
- In the top right, tap More. Settings and privacy.
- Under "Location settings," tap Delete all Location History.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Can your location be tracked through WiFi? ›
Wi-Fi is a radio-frequency technology for wireless communication that can be leveraged to detect and track the location of people, devices and assets, and can be easily activated for indoor positioning with existing Wi-Fi access points (APs) and hotspots.
Which location data is likely the most accurate? ›
GPS data provides the highest-quality data because it is both accurate (can identify user location within 10 to 100 meters) and precise (reporting exact lat/long coordinates).
Does location work without data or WiFi? ›
Yes, GPS works because it is completely independent of any WiFi or Cellular data connection. A GPS is just a radio that receives location data from satellites, so its radio is separate from any WiFi, Cellular, or Bluetooth radio. Pre-loaded maps need no internet connection to work.
The best way to block phone tracking is to use a VPN. But you can also change a few settings on your phone or switch to a different browser to stop tracking. You can hide your location via settings, block ad tracking with a dedicated private browser, and encrypt all of your internet traffic with a VPN.
Can someone track your phone if your location is off? ›
The answer is yes, it's possible to track mobile phones even if location services are turned off. Turning off the location service on your phone can help conceal your location. This is important if you don't want third parties knowing where you are or being able to track your movement.
Can someone track your phone? ›
Regardless of whether you use an iPhone or an Android smartphone, it is possible for someone to install spyware onto your phone that secretly tracks and reports on your activity. It's even possible for someone to monitor your cell phone's activity without ever even touching it.
What do I do when the location information is inaccurate on my Samsung smartphone? ›
Your location may appear incorrect due to various reasons: obstructed GPS signal, disabled location settings, or not properly set location option. The settings and menu items may vary depending on your device model and software version.
...
- Go to “Settings” and select “Location”
- Set to "On"
- Go to “Improve accuracy”
Can someone track your location from a text? ›
With their GPS radios and constant data connection, smartphones are technically capable of tracking our location and monitoring our activity, which is enough to raise privacy concerns among users. Few people know, however, that phones can be tracked using little more than a text message.
Why does my location notification keep popping up? ›
It means some application you have given location permission is running in the background and is checking your location to update data.
How do I permanently turn off location accuracy on Google? ›
However, if you want to disable the feature to cut back the location tracking on your Google account, do the following:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Security.
- Select Find My Device.
- If the Use Find My Device setting is on, disable it by switching the button on the right to the off position. 2 Images. Close.
How do I fix my location accuracy on my iPhone? ›
To help Google Maps find your location with the most accurate blue dot, turn on location services.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap Privacy. Location Services.
- Make sure Location Services is turned on.
- Scroll and select Google Maps.
- Choose While Using the App or Always.
How do I stop my location from popping up on my iPhone? ›
To stop sharing your location with all apps and services, for even a short period of time, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and turn off location sharing. This stops all apps on your device, such as Maps, from using your location.
How do I stop someone from tracking my phone? ›
Go to Settings > Location, and toggle the location button to Off. That will turn off all location tracking on an Android. You can manage location tracking permissions for specific apps by tapping Location services in your location settings (see the screenshot above).
The average person can't easily track someone's exact location with just a phone number. However, there are “find my device” apps that allow users to track their lost phone using their number and Google or Apple ID.