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Google Maps Current Location

pm5544

pm5544

Android Enthusiast
I have the latest version of Google Maps on my phone, and have noticed when outside if I go and check the location on maps it doesn't seem to want to report where I am currently, and will report where I was previously, in other words it's not following me around, it will only pick up my current location when I click on the My Location button at bottom right. It behaved the very same prior to updating the app, so it can't be anything to do with the current version.

I have GPS enabled, and have the option enabled for Google location reporting.

When I am at home it will find my location every time, so perhaps it's a packet data mobile network issue, any ideas as I thought that when you click on google maps it should always report your current location.
 
If you're near a wifi network (like inside), it'll report the location of the network. If you're outside it'll have to wait for a GPS lock to report your location. Install GPS Essentials and see how long it takes to get a lock when you're outside. (It'll show your lat/lon when it gets a lock.) Evidently, until Maps gets a location, it shows your previous location instead of ... showing you a blank screen? Showing you a "wait for GPS lock" message? What else can it do when it doesn't know where it is?
 
I've noticed that if I go into maps a second time within a short space of time without moving anywhere the my location button always is greyed and needs to be centered again, is this normal on home Wi-Fi?

Btw, I was using packet data outside as I dont like giving out personal info for a particular places wifi router.

I prefer using wifi outside when it connects without having to sign in or register.
 
See what happens with GPS off (network location should remain checked). I'm not on VM, but I find that with these settings when I open Maps it will almost always go to my current location.
To see if it's a GPS issue, as suggested install GPS app (I use GPS Test) and see what it tells you. You'll be able to see how many satellites it's seeing and using and what the accuracy is.
 
pm5544 said:
I prefer using wifi outside when it connects without having to sign in or register.
Click to expand...

Just because your phone shows it has a wifi connection doesn't mean it's actually connected to the internet. The network may still require a login or be otherwise restricted even though no notification pops up. Try using other data apps on the phone to see if they work, or open a browser and try to load a web page. If you don't really have a full connection the location service probably won't work.
 
When you say network location should remain checked are you referring to the google search and location under the phones settings?
 
Fox Mulder said:
Just because your phone shows it has a wifi connection doesn't mean it's actually connected to the internet. The network may still require a login or be otherwise restricted even though no notification pops up. Try using other data apps on the phone to see if they work, or open a browser and try to load a web page. If you don't really have a full connection the location service probably won't work.
Click to expand...

I use packet data in these circumstances.
 
I will leave Use GPS sats unticked and see if that helps.

The button still shows as grey though.
 
The grey location button isnt an issue as a friends is the same.

I just want to make sure that maps location moves with me, especially if i'm on a bus etc.
 
I watched it when i'm on a fast moving vehicle and sometimes it will jam in a location then move to my current point when I hit the location button.
 
Download GPS Test from the play store. It will show you your GPS signal strength from the various satellites in view. It can also update your AGPS (mobile network assisted GPS position) data.

It may not be a GPS issue but at least you'll be able to rule that out.
 
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