During navigation, Google Maps tracks your location to give turn-by-turn directions. However, you may receive a "GPS Signal Lost" message if your location cannot be reliably determined. Sometimes this is expected, as GPS signals are not available indoors or underground. However, if you receive this message too often, it may indicate a problem, such as low battery, or even a fault in the phone or GPS unit.
Tip: Google Maps will only display "GPS Signal Lost" after your device has had a chance to acquire a GPS signal.
Check if the problem is specific to Google Maps
- Try installing a third-party GPS status application.
- If your device cannot acquire a GPS signal when fully charged and outside with a clear sky, it may need to be repaired.
- We recommend a GPS status application rather than a different navigation app, particularly on Android devices, as another navigation app might use non-GPS location signals.
Tip: If Google Maps shows your location when you’re not navigating, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your phone has a GPS signal. Modern phones have several ways of determining your location, but Google Maps requires a GPS/GNSS location for active navigation.
Check for other reasons you may lose GPS signal
- If you have location permissions set so that Google Maps can only get your location under specific conditions, then it may report "GPS Signal Lost" at other times.
- Certain types of car window films that reduce glare have a metallic base that blocks GPS signals from reaching your phone inside your car.
- Some phones have a battery saver feature, which turns off the GPS when their battery is low.
- Some phones only do this in particular situations, such as when both the battery is low and the screen is off, or Google Maps is in the background.
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As someone deeply entrenched in the field of technology and software functionalities, especially in navigation and mapping systems, I've been privy to the intricacies of how tools like Google Maps operate. My understanding isn't merely theoretical; I've had hands-on experiences and have helped users troubleshoot various issues, including the "GPS Signal Lost" problem on Google Maps.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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GPS Signal Lost: This is a notification users receive when Google Maps cannot determine their location through the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS relies on satellites to provide location data, and if this connection is interrupted, lost, or weak, the message appears.
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Indoor or Underground Limitations: GPS signals can't penetrate most solid objects effectively, which means they often don't work indoors or underground. Buildings, tunnels, and other structures can obstruct the signal.
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Potential Causes for Frequent Notifications:
- Low Battery: A device with a low battery might not allocate power to maintain a consistent GPS connection.
- Faulty Device or GPS Unit: There could be hardware issues with the phone or GPS component.
- GPS Status Application: Installing a third-party GPS status app can help diagnose if the problem lies with the device or the Google Maps application itself.
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Alternative Navigation Apps: Some apps might use different methods or rely on other location services besides GPS. However, Google Maps primarily relies on GPS/GNSS for active navigation.
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Location Permissions: If location permissions are restricted on Google Maps, it might not be able to access your location under certain conditions, leading to the "GPS Signal Lost" message.
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Car Window Films: Specific types of car window films with metallic bases can block GPS signals, causing interruptions when navigating.
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Battery Saver Features: To conserve battery, some phones have features that turn off GPS when the battery is low or under specific conditions, such as when the screen is off or when Google Maps is running in the background.
The article also provides additional resources and troubleshooting steps, such as:
- Seeking community help.
- Checking speed, requesting rides, setting reminders, and more features within Google Maps.
- Using Google Maps on various platforms like Apple Watch, Wear OS, and CarPlay.
- Pinning trips, finding parking locations, and using eco-friendly routes.
- Addressing voice navigation issues, playing music during navigation, and more.
In essence, while Google Maps is a robust tool for navigation, users might encounter challenges related to GPS connectivity due to various reasons ranging from hardware limitations to software configurations. Understanding these intricacies can help users troubleshoot issues effectively.
FAQs
Sometimes, the cache files and data files that build up on your device for Maps may have been corrupted. This can cause a problem for your GPS and it may begin behaving abnormally. To solve this problem, you must delete the cache and data for Maps and check if the problem is fixed.
How do I fix my Google map GPS? ›
If your location is still wrong, here are some things you can try.
- Turn on Wi-Fi.
- Restart your phone or tablet.
- Calibrate your phone or tablet.
- Orient yourself with Live View.
- Improve accuracy of your location with Live View.
We will explain how to fix Google Maps not working in this article.
- Method 1: Check the Internet Connection.
- Method 2: Update Google Maps.
- Method 3: Restart the App.
- Method 4: Clear the App's Cache & Data.
- Method 5: Calibrate Google Maps.
- Method 6: Enable Location Accuracy.
- Method 7: Enable Background App Refresh.
Walls, vehicle roofs, tall buildings, mountains, and other obstructions can block line of sight to GPS satellites. NOTE: A GPS signal is strongest under the clear sky. If you can't see the sky, you'll have a weak GPS signal and your position on the map might not be correct.
Why does my Google Maps keep searching for GPS? ›
Look for a section labeled “Location” or “GPS,” and make sure that the GPS is enabled. You may also want to try setting the GPS accuracy to “high” to ensure that your phone is receiving the strongest possible signal. If adjusting the GPS settings doesn't fix the issue, try turning off and on your GPS.
How to fix GPS signal lost on Android Auto? ›
This GPS handshake is presumably the cause of some location issues.
- On your phone, open your app drawer and long-tap the Google Maps icon.
- Tap App info or the info button.
- Find Permissions and tap it.
- Hit Location.
- Switch to Allow all the time.
Clear app data
- Open your Settings app .
- Tap Apps or Application manager (depending on your device, this may be different).
- Select Maps.
- Tap Storage.
- Tap Clear data.
On both iPhone and Android, turning on Wi-Fi will make Google Maps more accurate, as it scans nearby Wi-Fi signals to locate you. If that doesn't work, try restarting your iPhone or Android. Your phone's GPS sensors may simply need to be rebooted.
How do I recalibrate my Google Maps? ›
How to calibrate Google Maps on Android and iOS
- Open Google Maps and find your current location.
- Tap the blue dot and press Calibrate.
- Hold your camera up and scan your surroundings with Live View.
- (Android only) Choose the Use Compass option.
- (Android only) Spin your phone in a figure of eight motion.
Google Maps may run into issues due to software or hardware-related issues on your phone that are difficult to pinpoint. Some common reasons the app may not work are slow network speed, low GPS accuracy, pending updates, and server downtime.
Click on the question mark enclosed in a gray speech bubble on the bottom right of the map. You'll see this dialog where you can get help. At the bottom there's an option to Return to classic Google Maps. Click it.
Is there a problem with Google Maps right now? ›
User reports indicate no current problems at Google Maps.
Why is my GPS signal always lost? ›
If your device cannot acquire a GPS signal when fully charged and outside with a clear sky, it may need to be repaired. We recommend a GPS status application rather than a different navigation app, particularly on Android devices, as another navigation app might use non-GPS location signals.
What blocks GPS signal? ›
The short answer is any dense material of sufficient size can easily block a GPS signal. Aluminum paper, concrete, and any wooden cover can scramble the GPS signals. However, GPS signals can penetrate plastics and fiberglass, which is why GPS systems can have signal strength even when hidden inside a vehicle.
What is the most common cause of GPS location error? ›
Common causes include: Satellite signal blockage due to buildings, bridges, trees, etc. Indoor or underground use. Signals reflected off buildings or walls ("multipath")
Why does my GPS keep losing signal on my iPhone? ›
Causes of iPhone GPS Not Working. Some settings on the iPhone intentionally prevent GPS from working. Other causes for GPS not working are a weak signal, outdated maps data, or hardware failure. Although iPhone GPS issues are not common, they can occur after you update the iOS.
How to fix GPS signal lost Samsung? ›
If you are indoors, move outdoors to re-activate GPS. Avoiding obstacles like standing between walls or in poor weather conditions can be helpful to receive GPS signals. Re-activate GPS by turning off and on the Location icon in Quick Panel. And then, go to the app Maps to see if the current location is accurate.
Why is Google Maps not tracking my location? ›
Calibrate Google Maps on Android
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device and ensure the location is toggled On. Step 2: Tap on Mode and Select High Accuracy. Step 3: Open the Google Maps app and tap the blue dot representing your present location.
What is the error of GPS signal? ›
The position accuracy is primarily dependent on the satellite position and signal delay. , or approximately 10 nanoseconds for the C/A code. Since GPS signals propagate at the speed of light, this represents an error of about 3 meters. or about 30 centimeters.
