GPS Not on Phone: How to Fix the Issue

If you find that GPS not on phone is a problem you’re facing, don’t worry. This guide is designed to take you through the troubleshooting process step-by-step.

Check Your Phone Settings

The first and most essential step in resolving the “GPS not on phone” issue is to scrutinize your phone’s settings. Many times, the problem could be as straightforward as having the location services disabled on your device. For Android devices, you can go to Settings > Location and ensure that it’s turned on. On iPhones, this can be checked by going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and making sure the toggle is in the ‘On’ position.

If the setting was off, turn it on and test your GPS again by using a GPS-dependent app like Google Maps. If it works, your problem is solved.

Restart Your Phone

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. If you find that the GPS is not working on your phone, try restarting your device. To do this, hold the power button until you see the ‘Power off’ option. Tap it, wait for the device to shut down, and then power it back on after a few seconds. Test the GPS once your phone has restarted.

Restarting can clear minor software glitches and could potentially resolve your GPS issue.

Source: Apple Support

Click here for more articles like this one – GPS Problems: Your Complete Guide to Common Issues and Solutions

Update Apps and Software

Keeping your device’s apps and operating system updated is not just about accessing new features; it’s also critical for optimal functionality and security.

Outdated apps and software may contain bugs that can affect various services, including GPS. Below are detailed instructions on how to update your apps and system software on Android and iPhone devices:

Updating Apps

Android

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap on the three horizontal lines at the top-left corner to open the menu.
3. Select ‘My apps & games’.
4. Here, you will see a list of apps with available updates. Tap Update next to each app or Update All to update them all at once.

iPhone

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile icon at the top-right corner.
3. Scroll down to see available updates and tap Update next to each app, or tap Update All at the top of the list.

Updating Operating System

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on About Phone.
3. Select System Updates.
4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install and follow the on-screen instructions.

Calibrate GPS

If you’ve tried all the previous steps without success, calibrating your GPS may resolve the issue. Calibrating the GPS refreshes and improves the GPS functionality by resetting and reconfiguring its internal settings. Here’s how to do it on Android and iPhone devices:

Android Devices

On Android, the process to calibrate your GPS can vary depending on the device manufacturer and the Android version. However, one common method is to use the ‘Location’ settings:

1. Go to Settings on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Location.
3. Tap on Advanced, if available.
4. Look for an option to calibrate or reset your GPS settings.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Alternatively, some Android phones offer a ‘GPS Status & Toolbox’ app, or similar, where you can reset the GPS data and re-calibrate the sensors.

iPhone Devices

Calibrating GPS on an iPhone is generally less customizable than on Android. However, you can reset your location settings to refresh all location-based services, including GPS:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Scroll down to Reset.
4. Tap on Reset Location & Privacy.
5. Enter your passcode, if prompted, to confirm the action.

After resetting, your location-based apps will require permission again to access location services. Make sure to grant the necessary permissions and then test the GPS functionality.

Consider Hardware Issues

If all else fails and you still face the ‘GPS not on phone’ issue, it’s time to consider the possibility of a hardware problem. Visit an authorized service center to get your phone inspected. They can accurately diagnose and fix any hardware-related problems that could be affecting your GPS functionality.

Conclusion: GPS Not on Phone

Dealing with a “GPS not on phone” issue can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you rely on GPS for navigation or other crucial tasks. This guide has walked you through a systematic approach to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue. From checking your phone settings to considering hardware issues, each step is designed to bring you closer to a solution.

By following this guide, you’re equipping yourself with the knowledge and techniques to resolve the problem effectively. Remember, technology issues are often solvable; it just takes a bit of time, patience, and the right guidance.