Android GPS not accurate? 8 ways to fix your location

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Google Maps works out where you are from three sources: GPS satellites, nearby Wi-Fi networks and mobile masts. Google gives GPS an accuracy of around 20 metres, and mobile masts alone only a few thousand metres. The more sources the phone may use, the better the blue dot.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Read the blue dot

   The blue dot is your position. A light blue circle around it means Maps is unsure, and you could be anywhere inside the circle. A grey dot means Maps cannot find you and shows your last known position.

   Done

2. Switch on Wi-Fi

   Open Settings, tap Network and Internet, then Internet, and switch on Wi-Fi. The phone does not need to be connected to a network. It uses the networks around you as landmarks.

   Done

3. Turn on Location Accuracy

   Open Settings and tap Location, then Location services, then Location Accuracy, and switch it on. With it off, the phone uses GPS only, which is slow and weak indoors.

   Done

4. Turn off Battery Saver

   Battery Saver limits how often the phone checks its position, and the dot starts to jump. Swipe down from the top of the screen and switch Battery Saver off.

   Done

5. Check aeroplane mode and mobile data

   Aeroplane mode must be off and mobile data should be on.

   Done

6. Calibrate with Live View

   In Google Maps, tap the blue dot, then tap Calibrate. Point the camera at buildings and signs around you, not at trees or people, and follow the instructions.

   Done

7. Or calibrate the compass by hand

   Hold the phone and move it in a figure of eight a few times, until the beam at the blue dot becomes narrow and points the right way.

   Done

8. Move and restart

   GPS is weak indoors, underground and between tall buildings. Go outside or near a window. If the dot is still wrong, restart the phone.

   Done

Good to know

Check that Google Maps is allowed to use your precise location: how to see which apps can use your location, camera and microphone on Android.

For areas with no reception at all, save the map beforehand: how to download offline maps in Google Maps on Android.

On Samsung phones, Location is a main entry in Settings, and Location Accuracy is under Location services there too.

In short: Wi-Fi on, Location Accuracy on, Battery Saver off, mobile data on, Calibrate in Maps, figure of eight, go outside, restart.