How to fix GPS signal loss or inaccurate location on your Samsung Galaxy device
Your Samsung Galaxy device may not be able to determine your location accurately if GPS signals are weak, location settings are configured incorrectly, or battery-saving features are limiting location services. Follow the steps below to improve GPS accuracy and resolve location-related issues.
Note: Menu names, settings, and screen layouts may vary depending on the model and software version.
GPS works best in areas where signals can be received clearly, such as open outdoor environments.
The following are some situations that can result in a lost or disruption of GPS signal:
- Tall buildings are blocking a direct view of the sky or there is no clear view of the sky.
- There is a storm disrupting the GPS signals.
- The GPS settings are turned off.
- The device's screen is turned off.
- The device is being held in a manner that blocks the antennas.
- The phone is set to a Power saving mode.
- The device is connected to a weak Wi-Fi network.
- The device uses non-genuine cases or accessories that are not certified by Samsung
- The app that uses GPS is listed as a sleeping app. You'll need to remove it from the list.
- Metallic tinting on vehicles can obstruct GPS signals.
- The cable used to connect a mobile phone to the vehicle's internal display may have a low data transfer rate, and noise from the vehicle's internal display (LCD) can interfere with the GPS signal.
Note: Although the GPS on your device will work inside a building or a house, it is not recommended to use GPS while indoors.
If your device cannot determine your location accurately, make sure that location services are turned on and configured correctly to improve GPS accuracy.
Turn on location services
Step 1. Open Settings > select Location.
Step 2. Tap the switch at the top of the screen to enable location services.
Improve location accuracy
Step 1. Open Settings > select Location.
Step 2. Tap Location services.
Step 3. Turn on Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.
Step 4. Select Location Accuracy.
Step 5. Turn on Improve Location Accuracy.
Location-based apps require the appropriate permissions and battery settings to access location information reliably.
Allow location access for an app
Step 1. Open Settings > select Location.
Step 2. Tap App permissions.
Step 3. Select the app experiencing the issue.
Step 4. Choose Allow all the time if the app needs to access your location in the background.
Note:
- Due to Android operating system requirements, apps must be granted location permission to access location (GPS) data.
- Depending on the location permission selected, location information may be less accurate when the device screen is turned off. Review the available options and select the one that best suits your needs.
- Allow all the time: The app can access your location even when running in the background.
- Allow only while using the app: The app can access your location only while it is in use.
- Ask every time: The app requests location access each time it is opened.
- Don't allow: The app cannot access your location.
- If GPS issues continue, check whether the same issue occurs in other location-based apps.
- The available location permission options may vary depending on the Android version and app. Some apps may require continuous location access to provide real-time navigation, tracking, or location-based services.
Remove apps from Sleeping apps
If a location-based app is added to the Sleeping apps list, GPS-related functions may not work correctly.
Step 1. Open Settings > select Device care.
Step 2. Tap Battery.
Step 3. Select Background usage limits.
Step 4. Tap Sleeping apps.
Step 5. Tap More options (three dots).
Step 6. Tap Remove.
Turn off Power saving mode
Power saving features may restrict location services and background activity.
Step 1. Open Settings > select Device care.
Step 2. Tap Battery.
Step 3. Select Power saving.
Step 4. Turn Power saving off.
Check for accessory interference
If GPS issues continue, check whether the problem is related to accessories. Some third-party cases, covers, or accessories may affect GPS performance.
- Remove any non-Samsung or non-certified accessories.
- Check whether GPS accuracy improves.
Note: Samsung official accessories and accessories certified through the Samsung Mobile Accessory Partnership Programme (SMAPP) are designed to meet Samsung's quality and compatibility standards.
Where to place your Samsung Galaxy device or device holder when in a vehicle
Placement of your Galaxy device
A device holder is the best location for your Galaxy device when using its GPS. Placing your Galaxy device in a cup holder or near electronic items that emit any type of signal can interfere with your GPS signal.
Position of the device holder
Place the device holder in an open area, away from other electronics, with a direct view of the windshield or windows.
* Vehicle displays, electronics emitting any signal (such as toll tags and dash cameras), and wireless charging environments can interfere with your device's GPS signal.
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