What to do if the location information is inaccurate on my smartphone

Last Update date : 2023-11-20

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 , to resolve this issue it is recommended that you check out the current GPS signal setting first and then check the other settings outlined below.

Check the GPS signal settings on your mobile device

The accuracy of your location may vary depending on your environment. The GPS sometimes doesn't work well when you are inside a house or a building. That is because buildings themselves are potential obstacles that may hinder satellite connection.

Please note the following instances where your GPS signal may get lost:

  • GPS signal settings are turned off.
  • The devices' screen has been turned off.
  • The mobile device is held in a manner that blocks the antenna. This case occurs especially for the Galaxy Z Flip when it is folded.
  • The mobile device is in an area with tall buildings that block direct view of the sky.
  • Obstructed view of satellites caused by an oncoming storm.

To increase the accuracy of your location information, set your phone to use the WI-FI and Bluetooth feature . The Improve accuracy feature lets you find your location more accurately, while disabling the feature saves data usage and battery power.

Bluetooth feature

Go to Settings > Apps and follow the steps outlined below and refer to images for further assistance.

Step 1. From the list of apps, select an app that uses a GPS signal such as Google Maps.

Step 2. Tap on Permissions.

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Step 3. Tap on Location.

Step 4. From the list, select Allow all the time.

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Improve accuracy

Set your phone to use the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth feature to increase the accuracy of your location information, even when the features are deactivated. The Improve accuracy feature lets you find your location more accurately, while disabling the feature saves data usage and battery power.

Step 1. Select Improve accuracy, in the Location settings menu.

Step 2. Tap the switches to activate Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.

Note: According to Google's new policy regarding location from Android 10 Q OS, each application that uses the GPS information is required to allow the location permission.

When your phone is in power-saving mode or if its screen is turned off, the GPS apps may not be provided with data in real-time. Go to Settings and make sure to change your power-saving mode to 'high performance' or 'optimized. 

Step 1. Go to Settings > Device care.

Step 2. Tap on the Battery icon.

Step 3. Tap on Power mode.

Step 4. Select either the High performance or Optimized power mode that you want to apply to your mobile device or turn it off.

 

If you have added the target application using GPS signal to the sleeping application list on your mobile device, you may not receive updates or notifications related to the target application because it is not running in the background. To exclude the target application from the sleeping app list, please follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Device care.

Step 2. Tap on the Battery icon.

Step 3. Tap on App power management.

Step 4. Tap on Sleeping apps.

Step 5. Tap on the Trash icon located on the upper right-side.

Step 6. Select the target app that needs location information and tap on Remove.

 

 

GPS works best where signals can be received. It requires a direct, open view of the sky in order to communicate with satellites.

Note: If you experience the same problem consistently even after updating the device to the latest software version and trying the methods mentioned above, please contact our Service Center  for more assistance. 

Note:

  •  Device screenshots and menu may vary depending on the device model and software version.
  •  For further assistance or questions, please Contact us.

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