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GPS does not work on Android 5.0. How to set up GPS on Android? Global positioning system in smartphones and tablets

Incorrect operation of the GPS module is a fairly common problem with Android devices. The system can connect to satellites, but navigation will still not work. In some cases, the defect is associated with a breakdown of the gadget’s hardware, but most situations can be resolved using software methods. Below we describe what to do if GPS does not work on Android.

To diagnose yourself, take the test. The virtual assistant will identify the problem and tell you what to do.

GPS diagnostics

Problems with GPS

The first thing to do if the GPS sensor does not work is to restart your smartphone and scan it with an antivirus. It is possible that the device's RAM is full and there are not enough processor resources to activate communication with satellites. Or there was a glitch in the operating system.

First, let's determine how the navigator on the phone works. Yandex.Maps or navigation from Google contacts the system satellites and requests data about the user’s current location. Based on the information received, an optimal route is built or public transport is selected. If the GPS module stops functioning, normal navigation operation is impossible, even using A-GPS technology. The main causes of failure are usually software problems, but in some cases the source of the malfunction is the failure of a hardware module.

Geolocation services do not work on Android if the settings are incorrect. The defect may also be caused by the installation of incompatible firmware or the lack of necessary drivers.

The navigator from Google or Yandex does not work well even with a weak satellite signal. It is worth remembering that programs do not always display location correctly, and you should not rely on the system when hiking or off-road. To troubleshoot, let’s look at the causes and solutions to popular problems.

Reasons for no signal

There are two main groups of faults: hardware and software. The former can be fixed by qualified specialists in service centers, while the latter can be fixed at home.

  • Hardware - a component can fail after a mechanical impact on the device body, for example, a fall or a strong blow. The cause of the breakdown may also be liquid entering the main board, followed by oxidation of the contacts.
  • Software - infection with malicious software, incorrect firmware or update failures - all these malfunctions can damage the location driver.

Incorrect setting

Correctly setting the smartphone parameters is the key to the correct operation of the GPS system on Android.

  • If Android does not find the location, go to the device settings, then “General”, and then open “Location and modes”.
  • On the Location tab, specify your preferred location method. If you select Satellites Only, Android will not use A-GPS technology, which collects data from nearby cellular and Wi-Fi networks to improve geolocation accuracy.
  • Try setting the “Mobile networks only” mode and check the functionality of the cards. If navigation turns on, there is a problem with the driver or hardware.
  • When GPS on Android does not turn on (the system does not respond to switching the option), there is probably a problem in the firmware. Perform a full reset or contact a service center.
  • To reset your location settings, click on the “Backup and reset” tab, then tap on “Reset network and navigation settings.” Sign in to your Google account to confirm.

Important! All saved passwords from Wi-Fi access points, as well as cellular network data will be deleted.

The described method helps eliminate most problems with the software.

Incorrect firmware

The consequences of careless firmware on Android can be quite unpredictable. Installation of third-party OS versions is performed to speed up the operation of the gadget, but as a result, the phone modules stop functioning.

If you decide to reflash your device, download firmware files only from trusted forums - XDA and w3bsit3-dns.com. Do not try to flash your smartphone with an OS version from another phone, as the drivers necessary for operation may no longer function. If the device has become a brick, perform a full data reset.

  • Press the volume up and lock buttons for 5-7 seconds. When the Android logo appears on the screen of the switched off gadget, release Volume Up.
  • The Recovery menu will load. Select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”, confirm Hard Reset.
  • To reboot your smartphone, tap “Reboot system now”. Setup will take a few minutes when you turn it on.

The method is suitable for devices with damaged firmware. The GPS module will restore functionality after switching to the factory version of the OS.

Module calibration

In some cases, it is necessary to perform a quick calibration of the device.

  • Open the “Essential setup” application, you can download it for free from the Play Market.
  • Tap the compass icon and place your smartphone on a flat surface.
  • Tap the “Test” button and wait 10 minutes until testing ends. Once completed, try turning on satellite navigation.

Hardware problems

Cheap Chinese smartphones are often equipped with low-quality satellite communication modules. The problem can be corrected by replacing the corresponding module at a service center. Malfunctions occur on both Android and iOS phones.

Sometimes the internal antenna (a small thing on the board) falls off, which also affects the quality of satellite signal reception. It's difficult to fix it yourself.

Ask a question to a virtual expert

If you still have questions, ask them to a virtual expert, the bot will help you find the problem and tell you what to do. You can talk to him about life or just chat, it will be interesting and informative!

Type your question in the field and press Enter or Submit.

Conclusion

If navigation on Android does not work or you cannot connect to satellites in open areas, determine whether the cause of the defect is in the gadget’s parameters or whether the electronic board has failed. Repairs to hardware faults should only be carried out at authorized service centers.

Video

07.05.2017 Frank 6 comments

Android is one of the two (the second IOS) most common operating systems for tablets and smartphones Samsung Galaxy, LG, Lenovo, etc.

Its advantage is a large number of free applications that support GPS navigation. Unfortunately, the quality of many of them leaves much to be desired.

Some of the most popular and free gps applications running on a phone running Android 6.0, 5.1, 4.4, 4.4 2 and so on are Google Maps, Yanosik, MapaMap, Navatar.

Your Android tablet or smartphone offers enormous possibilities and can serve as an ideal travel guide.

It can take you directly to your place of residence using various audio-visual aids.

To enable the GPS module on your Android, make sure that it is built into your phone.

This can be determined by the GPS Test application and then run the global positioning system on our device.

How to check that a tablet or smartphone has GPS and turn it on

The easiest way to find out if your phone has built-in GPS and turn it on is to use a special GPS Test application.

If you know that your device has it, then you can proceed directly to enable it.

If you are not sure, download the application from the play market, which automatically determines the signal level. Once installed, you should see a screen similar to the one below.

If there is a green icon in the status window in the upper left corner, this means that GPS is turned on. If the icon is red, then it is turned off - then you need to enable geodata.

The application will automatically take you to the geolocation options where you must enable GPS (geodata). Please note that the location of this menu may vary depending on the device and operating system version.

How to enable GPS on a smartphone with Android 6.0 and Android 5.1

If you have not installed the application, open “Settings” and go to the “Privacy and Security” section.

Then click on the “Geodata” item.

Now just move the slider to the right to enable the built-in GPS module in your Android phone.

NOTE: the above images are from a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone running Android 6.0.1.

How to enable GPS on a tablet with Android 4.4 and Android 4.4.2.

To enable navigation, open “Settings”, go to the “My location” section and check the appropriate boxes.

Then log into your desktop, go to “Menu” and click on the “Navigation” icon.

How to enable voice GPS on an Android phone

There are many GPS navigation programs on the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, most of them either have very limited functionality or require payment.

Open the application, read the terms of use and accept them. On the next green screen, click Next.

Then select a country from the list and click "Import" to download road maps. You can download more later.

Maps take up many megabytes and downloading them using mobile internet (eg 3G) can be quite expensive. Therefore it is better to use wifi.

Maps may take a few minutes to download, depending on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the map. Once loaded, you will see a green screen, slide it to the left and then click "Let's get started"

To make using the application easier, I recommend starting with your home address (or the one you will use most often).

To do this, go to the home screen in the top left corner and enter the address in the search field, then select an item from the list and press Enter.

The map will open. Click the gray block with the address. In the new window, click set as “Home” from the list below. In the new window, click set as “Home”.

The application will display a map. To return, click on the three lines icon in the lower right corner.

Over time, you will discover that Navfree has many additional options. For example, the route can be changed in many ways. You can add stops, select a tour and set a security mode.

If you are traveling internationally, I recommend downloading additional maps in the update.

Navfree settings also allow you to switch to pedestrian mode, which is useful when walking.

The night mode is also noteworthy. Thanks to it, your smartphone or tablet will not distract you with too high brightness.

How to turn on GPS without internet

When using GPS, it takes data from antennas. The accuracy and quality of such navigation is not ideal.

It is much better if the data comes directly from satellites. Then navigation occurs without the Internet.

For me, the best application for this is the “Navitel Navigator” application; it uses the locator built into the phone, but is paid.

Despite the growing infrastructure in our country, you can still find places where wireless Internet access is not possible, so GPS without a navigator will come in handy and not only in places without Internet coverage.

Today there are many applications that allow you to download previously selected maps to your smartphone or tablet for later use.

Programs for GPS navigation and their brief characteristics

  • Google Maps is one of the most popular apps on your phone. Works quite well on line and has the ability to display Google orthomosaics.
  • Yanosik - works on the Internet, the service is a little complicated, but the user has access to current information about traffic jams, accidents and radars.
  • MapaMap - works offline (without the Internet), but the most useful feature is only available with a subscription.
  • Navatar works online and has many useful features.
  • OviMpas - work via the Internet. Available for Nokia phone users.
  • Route 66 - works offline (without the Internet), and the online version is available after purchase.
  • Vito Navigator - works offline (without the Internet), the basic version (free) is very modest.
  • NaviExpert - works online, free trial version only.
  • Skobbler - free version, offline only, limited selection of features.

That's all. Good luck.

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GPS-nastroyka..png 400w, http://androidkak.ru/wp- content/uploads/2016/09/GPS-nastroyka-300x178.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px">
Navigation modules in currently manufactured Android smartphones are built in at the production assembly stage. As a rule, these useful additional devices function well. Just turn on GPS using the settings menu and launch the downloaded “maps” application. In a couple of minutes the device will determine its location.

With GPS always on, determining coordinates will not take even one minute. However, sometimes this feature does not work in the android gadget. Most often, the problem lies in incorrect or completely absent GPS settings.

Required additional services

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/EPO-Mediatek.png" alt="epo-mediatek" width="100" height="100" srcset="" data-srcset="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/EPO-Mediatek..png 150w, http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/EPO-Mediatek-120x120.png 120w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px"> !} In order to determine your location, you use the satellite receiver in your smartphone, but it is recommended to set up auxiliary services. They run without any problems on an Android phone:

  1. a-gps (a service that additionally loads location data from the Internet, using the services of cellular operators. The accuracy of determination of this option is of course worse, but thanks to its functioning, accurate satellite determination is accelerated);
  2. wi-fi;
  3. EPO (a service from Mediatek that pre-calculates the movement in the orbits of navigation satellites.

However, the pre-installed EPO data in phones is designed for Asian countries and may only work with glitches in Europe. During 2012-2014, Mediatek began producing chipsets with excellent characteristics, which are now used in the brands Sony, LG, and HTC in their products. Thus, in Android smartphones with an MTK processor, there is a problem with navigation, which consists in the incorrect functioning of GPS).

Today, almost every smartphone is equipped with a GPS module, and in some cases, tablets are also equipped with this module. Thanks to this, the device can be used as a GPS navigator and more. Right now you will learn how to enable the GPS module on devices based on Android OS. There are different ways to turn on GPS.

The easiest way is to lower the curtain. Here you need to find the GPS icon or “Location Data”, as in our example, and click on it.

See how the icon has changed color? This indicates that the feature is enabled.

What else? You can press and hold this button to open additional location settings. This is what the menu looks like:

Please note that in the example above, the location mode is specified over Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Yes, it allows you to save battery power, but the location accuracy suffers. We advise you to indicate all sources for the highest accuracy of data. Like this:

Here you can also view your location history if the feature is enabled by the user.

The second way to enable GPS is through an application that requires access to your location. Any card is suitable for this - ours is from Yandex.

Click on the “Location” button in the application.

We see a request to enable geolocation. You need to click OK to turn it on.

There is another way - yes, yes. Go to "Settings".

Click on the "Advanced Settings" item.

Tap on the “Location Data” line.

Turn on GPS.

All modern Android smartphones and tablets are equipped with a GPS module. This allows these devices to be used as GPS navigators. In addition, the presence of a GPS module allows you to leave GPS tags on photos and use many other useful functions. In this regard, many novice users are interested in how to enable GPS on Android. In this article we will briefly consider this issue.

As a rule, Android devices have a GPS module enabled. But, if you previously disabled this function, and now want to turn it back on, then you need to open Settings and go to the “Location” section.

At the top of the “Location” section there is a switch that is responsible for disabling and enabling GPS on Android.

If this switch glows blue, it means GPS is turned on. In addition to simply turning on GPS, you can change the navigation mode. To do this, go to the “Mode” section. Based on device sensors."

In the “Mode” section, you can choose one of three modes for determining your location.

Consider these modes:

  • High accuracy. In this mode, all available information is used to determine location: data from a GPS sensor, data received using a Wi-Fi wireless network, as well as data received using a mobile network. If you turn on GPS in this mode, you will be able to determine your location with maximum accuracy.
  • Save battery power. The operating mode intended for the device. In this mode, the GPS module. Instead, data obtained via Wi-Fi and mobile networks is used to determine location.
  • Based on device sensors. In this mode, only information from the GPS module is used.

Also in the "Location" window, you can enable or disable the use of data about your location by Google services. To do this, go to the “Sending geodata” section.

In the “Sending Data” section there are two additional sections: “Sending Geodata” and “Location History”. Open each of these sections and turn off (or turn on) the use of your location data.