GPS signal loss or inaccurate location on Samsung Galaxy device

• 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.

Turn on location services

1. Open Settings, then select Location.
2. Tap the switch at the top of the screen to enable location services.
   

Improve location accuracy

1. Open Settings, then select Location.
2.  Tap Location services.
   
3. Turn on Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.
4. Select Location Accuracy. 
5. Turn on Improve Location Accuracy.
   

Allow location access for an app

1. Open Settings, then select Location.
2. Tap App permission.
3. Select the app experiencing the issue.
4. Choose Allow all the time if the app needs to access your location in the background.
   

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.

Remove apps from Sleeping apps

If a location-based app is added to the Sleeping apps list, GPS-related functions may not work correctly. 

1. Open Settings, then select Device care.
2. Tap Battery.
   
3. Select Background usage limits.
4. Tap Sleeping apps.
5. Tap More options (three dots).
   
6. Tap Remove.

Turn off Power saving mode

Power saving features may restrict location services and background activity.

1. Open Settings, then select Device care.
2. Tap Battery.
   
3. Select Power saving.
   
4. Tap the switch to 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.

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.


 

Download updates manually

1. On your device, navigate to and open Settings. Swipe to and tap Software update or System updates. It will vary between models.
2. Tap Download and install or Check for software updates. If an update is available, it will begin downloading, though you may need to tap Download now on some devices.
3. When the download is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

You can also check for updates using Smart Switch.

Make sure your device has enough space

• Make sure the phone or tablet is connected to the internet and charged to at least 50% before installing a software update.

• Some carriers require a Wi-Fi network connection and will not allow you to update using mobile data.

• If an error occurs during a software update and your phone or tablet keeps restarting, learn how to get out of a boot loop.

• If your phone or tablet doesn't have enough storage space, you can clean up your storage with Device care. You can also back up extra files using Smart Switch or your Samsung or Google account.