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How to Improve GPS Location Accuracy on Your Phone

Tap a step to follow along in order.

  1. Turn on "High accuracy" location mode

    In Settings β†’ Location, choose "High accuracy" mode, which uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks together.

  2. Check your location under open sky

    Location accuracy is much better outdoors with a clear view of the sky than indoors or underground.

  3. Clear the map app's cache

    If outdated location data is stuck in the cache, clearing it in the app's settings forces it to recalculate with fresh information.

  4. Turn location services off and back on

    Toggling location services off and back on often makes your phone re-acquire the GPS signal and improves accuracy.

  5. Why this is useful

    When navigation or delivery apps show your location off from where you actually are, these steps can help pin it down much more precisely.

When your location shows up in the wrong place

If you've been frustrated by a navigation or delivery app showing your current location somewhere it clearly isn't, checking a few settings can often fix it and get you a much more accurate fix.

Signal strength depends heavily on your surroundings

GPS accuracy naturally drops in dense downtown areas with tall buildings, in tunnels, or on lower floors of large buildings, since satellite signals get blocked or bounced around. Moving closer to a window or stepping outside briefly can noticeably improve the fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is location so inaccurate indoors?

GPS signals weaken when blocked by buildings or roofs, so indoors your phone relies more on Wi-Fi and cell tower data, which can reduce accuracy.

Does toggling Airplane Mode on and off also refresh location?

Yes β€” toggling Airplane Mode resets all wireless connections, including GPS, which often refreshes your location data too.