Google Maps - Tap to Improve Accuracy?

[SoulSilver IV]

Hi all,

I've been using Google Maps and Navigation perfectly fine on my phone just over the mobile network, up until about a week ago. Now, Google Maps refuses to find my location to anything more accurate than about 1-2km, whilst Navigation constantly searches for the GPS. It informs to to tap my location to improve accuracy, but doing so only advises me to turn on wifi. A bit useless if I want to go out on the road and use my phone as a sat nav.

Is there some way to solve this? Using the GPS Test app, my phone can see satellites but refuses to lock, despite the fact up until about a week ago it could get a lock in about 10-15 seconds. I can't take the phone back as I have unlocked it, debranded it and rooted it (hence pretty much obliterating my warranty xD). Any advice?

Network: 3 UK
OS: Android 2.1

 

[Stuntman]

The GPS on phones generally rely on WiFi to accurately pinpoint your location. You mentioned you got a message to turn on WiFi. I suggest you try turning it on.

I noticed that my old phone did the same thing. I no longer use it for anything but a music player now. I tried the GPS and it locked on OK while at home, but did not lock on when away from home. Later I found that if I set up my new phone as a WiFi hotspot and connect my old phone to it with WiFi, my old phone's GPS app locks on quickly.

 

[SoulSilver IV]

The GPS on phones generally rely on WiFi to accurately pinpoint your location. You mentioned you got a message to turn on WiFi. I suggest you try turning it on.

I noticed that my old phone did the same thing. I no longer use it for anything but a music player now. I tried the GPS and it locked on OK while at home, but did not lock on when away from home. Later I found that if I set up my new phone as a WiFi hotspot and connect my old phone to it with WiFi, my old phone's GPS app locks on quickly.

See, with regards to the wifi, as I mentioned in the original post my phone worked fine just over the cellular network, pinpointing it as accurately as it would do on wifi. This isn't something it's been doing since I had it, this is literally something that's only started happening recently. Possibly due to a google maps update?

 

[Stuntman]

It appears there is a new update for Google Maps. I generally don't update my apps immediately. I usually read the comments for a few days to ensure others are not having issues with the new update. Also, I generally only update if there is something new that I want.

I've had some difficulties with a previous Google Maps update in the past where it seemed to have some difficulty obtaining a lock or obtaining an accurate lock. It is possible that there is some issue with this new update that is causing your difficulties. Perhaps, you should try to undo the update and see if it fixes your issue.

 

[mrsbelpit]

You don't have to turn on Wifi, but make sure that when you go to settings-location and security-Use wireless networks is checked. Also, you may just want to do a reboot/battery pull

 

[SoulSilver IV]

Just tried stuntman's suggestion of removing updates. Tried again and the phone locked on within seconds. Cheers for the advice!