How to Fix 'Location Services Not Working' on Android: A Complete Guide

TL;DR: If your Android's location services aren't working, start by toggling Location on/off, checking app permissions, rebooting your device, and ensuring Google Play Services is updated. For persistent issues, try clearing cache, resetting network settings, or performing a factory reset as a last resort.

I know how frustrating it can be when your Android phone's location services stop working—especially when you're relying on Google Maps for directions or trying to tag your location on social media. Over the years, I've dealt with this issue myself and helped many others troubleshoot it. In this guide, I'll walk you through practical, step-by-step solutions to get your GPS and location services back on track.

Why Are Location Services Important?

Location services on Android do more than just help with navigation. They enable features like:

Finding nearby restaurants or petrol bunks
Tracking your fitness activities
Allowing delivery apps to pinpoint your address
Providing local weather updates
Enhancing photo metadata with location tags

When these services malfunction, it can disrupt your daily routine and cause significant inconvenience.

Common Symptoms of Location Service Failure

Before we dive into fixes, let's identify the common signs that your location services aren't working properly:

Apps can't detect your current location
GPS signal keeps dropping intermittently
Location accuracy is poor or completely wrong
Maps show your location as a grey dot
"Location unavailable" or similar error messages

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Let's start with the simple solutions first. These quick fixes resolve most location service issues:

1. Toggle Location Services On and Off

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Swipe down from the top of your screen to access Quick Settings and tap the Location icon to turn it off. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This refreshes your device's connection to location services.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Location services often use Wi-Fi and mobile networks to assist GPS. Ensure you have a stable internet connection—either through mobile data or Wi-Fi. Try switching between them to see if one works better than the other.

3. Restart Your Android Device

A simple reboot can resolve many temporary glitches. Press and hold the power button, then select "Restart" or "Reboot." This clears temporary files and resets various services, including location.

4. Verify App Permissions

Each app needs explicit permission to access your location. Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions and ensure "Location" is toggled on. Some apps require this permission to be set to "Allow all the time" for proper functionality.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Issues

If the basic steps didn't work, try these more advanced solutions:

5. Update Google Play Services

Google Play Services is crucial for location functionality on Android. Outdated versions can cause location problems. Open the Google Play Store, search for "Google Play Services," and update if available. You can also go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > App Details in Store to check for updates.

6. Calibrate Your Compass

An uncalibrated compass can affect location accuracy. Open Google Maps and tap the blue dot that represents your location. Select "Calibrate compass" and follow the on-screen instructions to move your phone in a figure-8 motion.

7. Clear Cache and Data for Location Services

Accumulated cache data can sometimes corrupt location services. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Show system apps > Location Services > Storage & cache. Tap "Clear cache" first—if that doesn't help, try "Clear storage" or "Clear data" (note: this may reset your location preferences).

8. Check Location Accuracy Settings

Android offers different location accuracy modes. Go to Settings > Location > Location services > Google Location Accuracy. Ensure "Improve Location Accuracy" is turned on—this allows your phone to use Wi-Fi and mobile networks to enhance GPS data.

9. Reset Network Settings

Network issues can interfere with location services. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. Note: This will erase all saved networks and Bluetooth pairings, so you'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.

When All Else Fails: Last Resort Solutions

For stubborn location issues that persist despite trying all the above steps:

10. Boot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party app is causing the problem. Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears, then long-press the "Power off" option until you see "Reboot to safe mode." If location works in Safe Mode, a recently installed app is likely the culprit—uninstall apps one by one to identify the problematic one.

11. Check for System Updates

Software bugs in your Android version might be causing location problems. Go to Settings > System > System update to check for available updates. Install any pending updates, as they often contain bug fixes for location-related issues.

12. Factory Reset

As an absolute last resort, you can perform a factory reset. Before doing this, back up all your important data. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). This will return your phone to its original state, potentially resolving deep-seated software issues affecting location services.

Case Study: Resolving Persistent Location Issues

I recently helped a friend whose Samsung Galaxy phone couldn't maintain GPS signal during navigation. After trying basic fixes without success, we discovered the issue was related to Power Saving Mode—which was limiting background location access. Disabling Power Saving Mode for navigation apps specifically resolved the problem completely. This highlights how device settings that seem unrelated can significantly impact location functionality.

Common Mistakes People Make

Based on my experience, these are the most common mistakes people make when troubleshooting location issues:

Not checking app-specific permissions: Assuming location is enabled globally without verifying individual app permissions
Overlooking power saving modes: These often restrict background location access
Ignoring system updates: Failing to install updates that contain critical bug fixes
Using outdated maps data: Not updating navigation apps regularly
Testing indoors only: GPS signals are weaker inside buildings—always test location services outdoors

Comparison: GPS vs. Network-Based Location

Understanding how your phone determines location can help troubleshoot problems:

Method	How It Works	Pros	Cons
GPS	Uses satellite signals	Most accurate outdoors	Drains battery faster
Network-based	Uses cell towers and Wi-Fi	Works indoors	Less precise
Assisted GPS	Combines GPS with network data	Faster lock-on, works better in cities	Requires data connection

Most Android devices use a combination of these methods through Google's Location Services for optimal performance.

Step-by-Step: How to Improve Location Accuracy

Follow this detailed process to enhance your phone's location precision:

Enable high accuracy mode: Go to Settings > Location > Mode > High accuracy
Calibrate compass: Open Google Maps, tap your location dot, select "Calibrate"
Update Google Maps: Open Play Store, update Maps to latest version
Clear AGPS data: Use an app like GPS Status & Toolbox to reset and update GPS data
Ensure clear sky view: When using GPS, try to be outdoors with minimal overhead obstruction
Keep location history on: This helps Google improve your location accuracy over time

Checklist: Troubleshooting Location Services

Use this quick checklist to methodically address location issues:

Toggle Location off/on
Check internet connection
Restart device
Verify app permissions
Update Google Play Services
Calibrate compass
Clear location cache
Check location accuracy settings
Test in Safe Mode
Update system software
Reset network settings
Factory reset (last resort)

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Android show wrong location?
This is usually due to poor GPS signal, outdated maps data, or incorrect location permissions. Try updating your apps and calibrating your compass.

How do I reset location settings on Android?
Go to Settings > Location > Location services > Google Location Accuracy > toggle off then on. For complete reset, clear data for Location Services in Apps settings.

Can a phone case affect GPS signal?
Yes, particularly metal cases or thick materials can interfere with GPS reception. Try removing your case to see if location accuracy improves.

Why does location work in some apps but not others?
This typically indicates an app-specific permission issue. Check that each problematic app has location access enabled in Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions.

How often should I calibrate my compass?
I recommend calibrating whenever you notice decreased location accuracy, or about once a month for maintenance.

Will factory reset definitely fix location issues?
While it often resolves software-related problems, there's a small chance hardware issues could persist after a reset.

Conclusion

Dealing with location services not working on Android can be frustrating, but in most cases, the issue is resolvable with methodical troubleshooting. Start with the simple solutions like toggling location services and checking app permissions before moving to more advanced fixes. Remember that environmental factors, device settings, and software updates all play crucial roles in location functionality.

If you've tried all these steps and your location services still aren't working properly, it might indicate a hardware problem with your device's GPS antenna. In this case, I recommend visiting an authorized service center for professional diagnosis and repair.

Have you successfully fixed your location services using these methods? Share your experience in the comments below—I'd love to hear what worked for you!

Glossary

GPS: Global Positioning System – satellite-based navigation system
AGPS: Assisted GPS – uses network resources to improve GPS performance
Location Services: Android's framework for handling location data
Calibration: Process of improving accuracy of sensors like compass
Safe Mode: Diagnostic mode that runs only essential system apps
Factory Reset: Restoring device to original system state

References

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

When I troubleshoot location issues on my Android device, I follow this systematic approach:

Check Basic Settings: First, I ensure Location is turned on by swiping down the notification shade and tapping the location icon. If it's already on, I toggle it off and back on.
Test Different Apps: I open multiple apps that use location (like Maps, Weather, and a rideshare app) to see if the problem is app-specific or system-wide.
Switch Location Modes: I go to Settings > Location > Location services and try switching between "High accuracy" (uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks) and "Device only" (GPS only) modes^3.
Restart Device: A simple reboot often resolves temporary glitches that might be affecting location services.
Check for Interference: I move to an open area away from tall buildings and dense structures, as these can block GPS signals.
Update Apps and System: I check for pending updates in Google Play Store and system updates in Settings > System > System update.
Clear Cache: For problematic apps, I go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache (this won't delete my data).
Safe Mode Test: I boot into Safe Mode (hold power button, then long-press "Power off" option) to check if a third-party app is causing the issue.
Factory Reset: As a last resort, I backup my data and perform a factory reset through Settings > System > Reset options.

Pros and Cons of Different Location Modes

Based on my experience and research^2, here's what I've found about Android's location modes:

High Accuracy Mode

Pros: Fastest location acquisition, works indoors and outdoors, uses multiple sources (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular)
Cons: Higher battery consumption, uses mobile data for AGPS assistance

Battery Saving Mode

Pros: Significant battery conservation, good for general location needs
Cons: Less precise (can be off by hundreds of meters), relies on network availability

Device Only Mode

Pros: Most accurate outdoor positioning (3-5 meter accuracy), works without network connection
Cons: Doesn't work indoors, slower to get initial fix, higher battery drain than Battery Saving mode

I typically keep my device on High Accuracy mode for daily use and switch to Battery Saving when I need to conserve power but still want approximate location services.

How to Fix ‘Location Services Not Working’ on Android: A Complete Guide