GPS is one of the significant features that Android users often use to navigate from one place to another. However, some Android users find it challenging to turn on GPS on their devices. If you are also facing this issue, then this blog post is for you. In this article, we will learn how to turn on GPS on Android phones and discuss the possible reasons why GPS won’t work on your device.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Turn on GPS on Android Phone
GPS is a handy feature for Android users, as it helps navigate to unknown places. However, when the GPS doesn’t work, it can be an issue for the users. Some Android users find it challenging to turn on GPS on their device. The GPS may not work due to poor network connectivity, outdated hardware, or settings issues. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to fix this issue.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you move forward with the different methods, there are a few things that you should prepare. Firstly, make sure that your device is charged or plugged in, as these methods require some battery power to get started. Secondly, check your device’s software and see if it’s updated or not. In case of any new update, install it as it may fix the GPS issue. Finally, make sure that you have a strong internet connection as some methods require an internet connection to work.
Method 1: Via Device Settings
Method 1 is the easiest and most common way to turn on GPS on an Android phone. Here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Go to your device’s settings and tap on "Location" or "Location Services."
Step 2: Make sure that the toggle switch next to "Location" or "GPS" is turned on.
Step 3: Tap on "Mode" or "Location Mode," and then select "High Accuracy" or "GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks."
Step 4: Now, come back to the Home screen and open an app that uses GPS, such as Google Maps.
Step 5: Follow the prompts and allow the app to access your device’s location.
Step 6: Once the app has access to your device’s location, you will see your location on the map.
Pros:
– It’s easy and quick.
– You do not need any external app or tool.
Cons:
– It may not work on older Android versions.
– Sometimes, this method requires an internet connection.
Method 2: Via Google Maps
Method 2 involves using Google Maps to turn on GPS on your Android phone. Here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your device.
Step 2: Tap on the three horizontal lines on the top left corner.
Step 3: Tap on "Settings" and then select "Location."
Step 4: Make sure that the toggle switch next to "Location" is turned on.
Step 5: Tap on "Mode" or "Location Mode," and then select "High Accuracy" or "GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks."
Step 6: Come back to Google Maps and allow the app to access your location.
Step 7: Once the app has access to your device’s location, you will see your location on the map.
Pros:
– It works on almost all Android versions.
– Google Maps is a pre-installed app on most Android devices.
Cons:
– It requires an internet connection.
– If GPS is turned off, it may take some time to locate your current location on the map.
Method 3: Via Third-Party App
If the above methods didn’t work for you, you can use third-party apps to turn on GPS on your Android phone. Here are the steps to use a third-party app:
Step 1: Install a GPS enabling app such as GPS Toggle & Widget from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and tap on the "GPS" button to enable the GPS on your device.
Step 3: Once the GPS is enabled, open a GPS-enabled app and allow it to access your device’s location.
Pros:
– It works on almost all Android versions.
– Third-party apps offer more customization options.
Cons:
– It may require an internet connection.
– Some third-party apps may contain ads.
Method 4: Reset Network Settings
If the above methods didn’t work for you, you can try resetting your network settings. Here are the steps to reset your network settings:
Step 1: Go to your device’s settings and tap on "System."
Step 2: Tap on "Advanced" and then select "Reset options."
Step 3: Tap on "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth."
Step 4: Tap on "Reset Settings" and enter your device’s password to confirm.
Step 5: Once the settings are reset, try turning on GPS using the above methods.
Pros:
– It can fix other network-related issues along with GPS.
– It’s easy and quick.
Cons:
– It may erase saved Wi-Fi passwords.
– It may erase Bluetooth device pairings.
Why Can’t I Turn On GPS on My Android Phone?
There can be several reasons why GPS won’t work on your Android phone, such as:
1. Hardware issues:
If your device’s hardware is not functioning correctly, then GPS won’t work.
Fix:
Contact your device manufacturer or an authorized service center to diagnose and repair the issue.
2. Poor network connectivity:
If your device has poor network connectivity, then GPS may not work correctly.
Fix:
Turn on airplane mode and then turn it off again. It may help fix the issue.
3. Outdated software:
If your device’s software is outdated, then GPS may not work correctly.
Fix:
Go to your device’s settings and check for any new software updates. Install the updates to fix GPS issues.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips that you can follow to improve GPS accuracy on your Android device:
1. Calibrate your device’s compass:
Calibrating your device’s compass can help improve GPS accuracy.
Steps:
Step 1: Open Google Maps.
Step 2: Wave your device in a figure 8 motion until the compass is calibrated.
2. Check for obstructions:
Your GPS may not work correctly if there are obstructions like tall buildings, trees, or tunnels.
3. Use the GPS Test app:
The GPS Test app can help you find the best location for GPS connectivity.
5 FAQs about How to Turn on GPS on Android Phone
Q1: Why is my Android GPS not working?
A: There can be several reasons why your Android GPS is not working. It may be due to poor network connectivity, outdated software, or hardware issues.
Q2: How do I know if my GPS is working correctly?
A: You can use any GPS-enabled app like Google Maps to know if your GPS is working correctly. If your location is displayed accurately, then your GPS is working fine.
Q3: Does GPS use a lot of battery on my Android device?
A: Yes, GPS uses a lot of battery on your Android device. To save battery, you can turn off GPS when you don’t need it.
Q4: Do I need an internet connection to use GPS on my Android device?
A: In some cases, GPS requires an internet connection, but it can work without it. However, it’s recommended to have an internet connection for better accuracy.
Q5: Can I use GPS offline on my Android device?
A: Yes, you can use GPS offline on your Android device by downloading offline maps. However, make sure to download the maps before going offline.
In Conclusion
GPS is a critical feature for Android users. However, some users may find it challenging to turn on GPS on their devices. In this article, we discussed several methods to turn on GPS on Android phones. You can use any of these methods to fix the GPS issue on your device. Additionally, we listed some possible reasons why GPS won’t work and provided some tips to improve GPS accuracy on your device.