GPS Not Working on Android: 9 Fixes That Actually Work

Updated: June 2026

Quick answer: The most common reason GPS "doesn't work" on Android is the battery-saver mode or an OEM background-app killer (MIUI, ColorOS, OxygenOS) preventing the navigation app from polling location. Disable battery optimisation for your map app, re-enable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth scanning under Location settings, and walk in a figure-of-eight to recalibrate the compass.

TL;DR — Try these in order

  1. Toggle Location off and on.
  2. Turn off Battery Saver.
  3. Whitelist the app under Battery → No restrictions.
  4. Enable Wi-Fi & Bluetooth scanning in Location settings.
  5. Restart the phone.
  6. Reset AGPS by toggling airplane mode for 30 s.
  7. Walk a figure-of-eight to recalibrate the magnetometer.
  8. Clear cache of Google Maps.
  9. Update the OS and the app.

Why Android GPS gets confused

Android phones use Assisted GPS (AGPS) — they download satellite ephemeris from Google's servers to speed up first fix. If AGPS data is stale, fixes take 60–120 s instead of 5–10 s. Combined with aggressive battery optimisation and revoked permissions, GPS appears "broken" while the hardware is fine.

Detailed Guide

1. Toggle Location off and on

Pull Quick Settings → tap Location twice. Forces the system to re-initialise the location stack.

2. Disable Battery Saver

Settings → Battery → Battery saver → Off. With saver on, Android caps GPS to once every few minutes.

3. Whitelist the navigation app

  • Stock Android / Pixel: Settings → Apps → [app] → Battery → Unrestricted.
  • Samsung: Settings → Device care → Battery → Background usage limits → Never sleeping apps → add Maps/Waze.
  • Xiaomi MIUI/HyperOS: Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [app] → Battery saver → No restrictions; Autostart → On.
  • OnePlus/OPPO/realme: Settings → Battery → Battery usage → [app] → Allow background activity.

4. Enable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth scanning

Settings → Location → Location services → Wi-Fi scanning ON, Bluetooth scanning ON. Indoor fixes rely on these even with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth disconnected.

5. Restart the phone

Especially after Android updates. Clears stale state in the locationd service.

6. Reset AGPS

Enable airplane mode for 30 seconds; disable. Phone re-downloads fresh AGPS ephemeris. First fix should then take 5–10 s outdoors.

7. Recalibrate compass

Open Google Maps. Walk a figure-of-eight three times. The compass icon should stop showing the "calibration needed" message.

8. Clear Google Maps cache

Settings → Apps → Google Maps → Storage → Clear cache. Doesn't lose your saved places.

9. Update system and the app

System updates often include Qualcomm/MTK GPS firmware fixes. App updates patch their own bugs.

10. Hardware check

Dial *#*#4636#*#* (some phones) → GPS Info → request fix. If satellites are visible but no fix — software; if no satellites — antenna or shielding (thick case).

FAQ

Why does GPS work indoors at home but not at the office?
Office likely has fewer Wi-Fi signals known to Google Location Services. Outside windows, GPS satellites are blocked.

I just bought the phone — already broken?
Unlikely. Disable battery saver, enable Location, allow nav app full permission. Walk outside for first cold start.

GPS works in Maps but Strava doesn't track.
Strava needs "Allow all the time" permission and "Body sensors". Set both.

Custom ROM / LineageOS issues?
Vendor proprietary GPS libs (Qualcomm, MTK) may be missing. Use a "vendor blob" mirror or rooted GPS fix tool.

Should I install "GPS Status" app?
Useful as a diagnostic, not as a fix. Modern Android's locationd handles AGPS automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Battery saver and OEM app-killers cause most "broken GPS" reports.
  • Whitelist your nav app and enable Wi-Fi scanning before suspecting hardware.
  • Airplane mode toggle resets AGPS; a figure-of-eight recalibrates compass.
  • System updates include GPS firmware fixes — install them.

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