Having location services enabled but still not working can be frustrating. There are a few common reasons why this happens and some steps you can try to get location working again.
GPS Not Finding Your Location
The most common cause of location issues is that your device’s GPS is not able to pinpoint your exact location. There are a few reasons why this may occur:
- Weak GPS signal – Buildings, dense tree coverage, weather, and other interference can block or weaken GPS signals.
- GPS sensor issues – Faulty GPS hardware in your device could prevent getting a lock on your location.
- Outdated A-GPS data – Assistance GPS (A-GPS) data helps your device find satellites quicker but can become outdated.
If the GPS signal is lost or inaccurate, your location services will not work properly even if enabled. Try moving outdoors with a clear view of the sky, allowing more time for GPS to lock on, or checking for system/app updates that may improve GPS functionality.
Restricted App Permissions
Even with location turned on at the system level, individual apps may not have permission to access your location. Apps need to be granted location permissions in your device settings to be able to pinpoint your current location.
To allow location access for an app:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services
- Find the app and select Allow While Using App
Granting precise location access will allow the app to use your exact GPS coordinates when the app is open. If location still doesn’t work, the app may have a bug or need updating.
Outdated Software
Having outdated software on your device can prevent location services from working properly. Older versions of iOS, Android, and apps may have bugs that affect GPS functionality.
Be sure your device’s operating system and all location-enabled apps are updated to the latest versions. Check the App Store or Play Store for any available updates. Installing the newest updates can resolve bugs and other issues that may be interfering with getting your location.
Incorrect Location Settings
Your device’s location settings could be configured incorrectly, preventing access to your GPS coordinates even if location services are turned on.
Check that these settings are properly enabled:
- Location Services or Location Access is turned on for the device.
- Mode is set to High Accuracy (Android) or While Using the App (iOS).
- Location history and reporting is enabled.
- Individual app permissions are allowed.
Correcting any incorrect settings can help get a more precise lock on your location.
airplane mode is Enabled
When Airplane Mode is activated on your device, it disables all wireless connections including WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and GPS. Location services relies on GPS satellite connections to pinpoint your coordinates.
Turn off Airplane Mode in your device settings to re-enable all wireless connections including GPS. Location services should start working again once GPS satellites are accessible again.
Third-Party Apps Causing Conflicts
Some third-party apps, particularly virtual location or GPS spoofing apps, can interfere with system-level location services. These apps hijack GPS data to fake your location, which can prevent the real location from working properly.
Try disabling or removing any third-party location apps or GPS spoofers. Reset all location settings to default if needed to clear out any conflicts. This should allow regular location services to regain control of GPS and find your current location.
Out of Data Range
Being outside of cellular data or WiFi range can cause location difficulties since many services rely on data connections to transmit GPS coordinates. Remote areas without data coverage will limit the location services available.
Make sure your device has cellular data enabled and is connected if available in your region. Connecting to WiFi can also improve location accuracy by assisting with GPS. Moving closer to areas with better connectivity can help re-establish location capabilities.
Android Services Disabled
Some Android devices have separate toggles to enable/disable specific services associated with location access. If these services are turned off it could prevent getting your precise location.
Enable these specific Android location services if currently disabled:
- GPS satellites
- Assisted GPS
- WiFi scanning
- Bluetooth scanning
Re-enabling disabled services can restore full functionality of location services on Android.
Defective Hardware
In some cases, hardware defects with the GPS radio or antenna can cause intermittent or complete failure of location services. Issues like broken antenna connections, faulty wiring, or damage to the GPS receiver can prevent signal lock.
If no other troubleshooting fixes the problem, it may indicate a hardware defect. Contact the device manufacturer or cell provider for assessment or repair options if you suspect hardware damage.
Incorrect Date/Time/Timezone
The date, time, and timezone settings on your device can affect functionality of location services. Incorrect information can interfere with the GPS satellite signals used to determine location.
Make sure to set the correct current date, time, and timezone on your device. Automatically updating these settings over network connection is recommended for accuracy.
Additional Location Troubleshooting Steps
If your location is still not working, try these additional troubleshooting steps:
- Check for device OS and app updates
- Toggle location services off and then back on
- Reboot your device
- Reset network settings
- Factory reset device (if needed)
Using a GPS status app can also help diagnose issues by displaying detailed information about connected satellites, signal strength, and accuracy.
When to Get Support
If you have tried all applicable troubleshooting without success, your device likely requires professional support or repair:
- Contact device manufacturer if under warranty
- Visit a service center or repair shop
- Connect with your cell carrier for assistance
Support can test for hardware defects, replace defective parts, or provide other solutions if standard troubleshooting does not restore location services.
Conclusion
Location issues can occur even when the setting is enabled due to problems like weak GPS signals, incorrect permissions, or software bugs. Following device troubleshooting, updating software, changing location settings, removing third-party apps, and moving into range of better connectivity can typically resolve most common location problems. For persistent or complex issues not fixed by standard troubleshooting, professionals may need to repair or replace faulty device hardware components to fully restore location functionality.