S5 GPS Problems

[Warren246]

Since I purchased my S5 ( currently running Android 6.0.1/ on Straight Talk Wireless) from Amazon it has been having problems with different apps that use GPS. Google maps (It shows my car off the road and doesn't have me in the right location, slowly changes/ jumps around where I am). Same applies for Waze.

Pokemon GO is having a similar issue, the GPS never shows me in the right location/ jumps around where I am.

I have tried calibration/ resets/ tightening of screws. All to no avail.

Lastly I tried GPS Status and Toolbox, the compass is working great but it is constantly "Looking for GPS location"

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bg260]

Hello, welcome to Android Forums.
The S5 was just recently updated to MM if I remember right. How long have you had it? When did this problem begin?

 

[Warren246]

Hello, welcome to Android Forums.
The S5 was just recently updated to MM if I remember right. How long have you had it? When did this problem begin?

I purchased it in February, the problem has existed since then

 

[Bg260]

I'm going to go ahead and link this:

http://androidforums.com/threads/gps-fix-s5-dummies-guide.907733/

@ironass is our expert on such things.

 

[Warren246]

I'm going to go ahead and link this:

http://androidforums.com/threads/gps-fix-s5-dummies-guide.907733/

@ironass is our expert on such things.

That is the exact guide that included the GPS Toolbox, unfortunately I have tried those steps! I appreciate the link though. Im not sure my phone is even capable of finding my gps location.

 

[Bg260]

You followed the entire guide? If so it doesn't look good. Seems like this might be a known issue. Have you had better results on any other device?

 

[Warren246]

Yes I followed the guide step for step, I haven't tried it on another Android device but an Iphone 5 and 6s have no problems picking up GPS in my area.

 

[Bg260]

It seems like a hardware issue. But I'm not 100%. If it is then there isn't much we can do. Let's wait and see if someone else will chime in.

 

[Deleted User]

same.

 

[Bg260]

If it's a hardware problem. Then there is not much we can do.

 

[Bg260]

there are a couple of things that you can do which may help... although it will not fix a broken/damaged GPS antenna or improve your GPS if your government offers a degraded or non existent service.

 

[Bg260]

Alright, here's the deal. There are a few potential fixes for the GPS. Most require a rooted device. I think you can try this without it. However there is always a risk when changing settings in the service menu. That being said. If you decide to try this and your device is damaged. Not my fault. You have been warned.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2211690

If it works... Go check out our Pokémon GO thread.

 

[Warren246]

Agreed, I have come to the conclusion that it is a broken antenna. Thanks for your help, time for an upgrade it seems.

^^^
Thank, I will try it! nothing to lose. Already bought a new phone haha

 

[Bg260]

Agreed, I have come to the conclusion that it is a broken antenna. Thanks for your help, time for an upgrade it seems.

^^^
Thank, I will try it! nothing to lose. Already bought a new phone haha

It's worth a try isn't it?

 

[Terry Barnaby]

Just for anyone who sees this thread in a search for Samsung S5 GPS issues. I have seen two phones where the GPS has gone bad. Has low level GPS signals when a GPS test application is used and GPS worked to a degree but slow to lock and in-accurate (> 200m). In both of these phones it was due to damage to the GPS antenna. It looks like this is outside of the water seals of this phone ... If you replace the "middle frame" of the phone (about £4) this has the chrome plastic edge and buttons but also contains the GPS and all other antennas and fixes the problem. You do have to dismantle the phone to do this including unglueing the LCD panel with heat, but it is reasonable easy for those that can DIY.