Troubleshooting GPS and location issues on an Android tablet involves a systematic approach to identify and resolve common problems affecting accuracy, signal strength, and tracking performance. Most issues stem from incorrect settings, outdated software, or app-specific permissions, though hardware limitations or software bugs (especially after updates) can also play a role. For example, users frequently report that Google Maps fails to track movement despite GPS being enabled, or that location accuracy degrades indoors or after system updates.

Key findings from the sources include:

• High Accuracy Mode (combining GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data) significantly improves location precision, but must be manually enabled in settings ^[1][3].
• Software updates—both for the OS and apps like Google Maps—are critical, as outdated versions often introduce bugs or lack optimizations for newer GPS satellites ^[2][4].
• App permissions and cache frequently cause tracking failures; clearing the cache for Google Play Services or resetting location permissions can restore functionality ^[5][6].
• Physical obstructions (buildings, dense foliage) and power-saving modes can disrupt GPS signals, requiring users to adjust settings or move to open areas ^[9][10].

Step-by-Step GPS and Location Troubleshooting for Android Tablets

1. Verify and Optimize Location Settings

Before diving into advanced fixes, ensure the tablet’s location services are configured correctly. Many issues arise from disabled features or incorrect modes.

Android tablets offer multiple location accuracy modes, each balancing precision with battery consumption:

• High Accuracy: Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks for the most precise location. This is ideal for navigation but drains battery faster ^[1].
• Battery Saving: Relies on Wi-Fi and cellular towers only, reducing accuracy but extending battery life.
• Device Only: Uses GPS exclusively, which is power-intensive and may struggle indoors or in urban canyons ^[3].

Critical steps to optimize settings:

• Open Settings > Location and ensure the toggle is enabled. If missing, check under Security & Location (varies by Android version) ^[1].
• Select Mode > High Accuracy to activate all available signals. This is essential for apps like Google Maps or ride-sharing services ^[3].
• Enable Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning under Google Location Accuracy (even if Wi-Fi/Bluetooth are off). These features improve indoor accuracy by detecting nearby networks and devices ^[1][3].
• For shared tablets, verify that location access isn’t restricted for your user profile (Android 12+ allows per-user settings) ^[1].

Common pitfalls:

• Power Saving Mode can disable GPS or limit background location updates. Disable it temporarily in Settings > Battery ^[6][10].
• Airplane Mode turns off all wireless signals, including GPS. Toggle it off if accidentally enabled ^[6].

2. Resolve App-Specific and Software-Related Issues

Even with correct settings, apps like Google Maps may fail to track movement or update locations due to permissions, cache corruption, or outdated software.

Update and clear app data:

• Outdated versions of Google Maps or Google Play Services often lack fixes for GPS bugs. Update them via the Play Store ^[4].
• Clear the app’s cache and data: 1. Go to Settings > Apps > Google Maps (or problematic app) > Storage. 2. Tap Clear Cache, then Clear Data (note: this resets app settings) ^[5]. 3. For systemic issues, clear Google Play Services cache (critical for location APIs) ^[5].

Reset GPS and location services:

• Recalibrate GPS by using a dedicated app like GPS Status & Toolbox (available on Play Store). These apps force a fresh download of satellite data, which can resolve stale or corrupted GPS almanac files ^[5].
• Reset location permissions for problematic apps: 1. Navigate to Settings > Location > App Permission. 2. Select the app (e.g., Google Maps) and set permission to Allow all the time (for continuous tracking) ^[10].
• Restart the tablet to refresh system processes. A simple reboot resolves temporary glitches in 30% of GPS-related cases, per user reports ^[2][6].

Address post-update bugs:

• Software updates can introduce GPS regressions, as seen with Lenovo TB311FU tablets where users lost GPS functionality after an OTA update ^[7]. If issues arise post-update:
• Check for a patch or hotfix from the manufacturer (e.g., Lenovo’s community forums).
• Roll back updates if possible (settings vary by device; some require factory reset).
• Perform a hardware diagnostic (if available in settings) to rule out physical GPS module failure ^[7].

Hardware and environmental checks:

• GPS signals weaken near tall buildings, dense forests, or underground. Move to an open area to test accuracy ^[9][10].
• Older tablets (pre-2018) may lack support for modern GPS satellites (e.g., Galileo or BeiDou), leading to slower fixes. Consider external GPS receivers if precision is critical ^[10].
• Wi-Fi interference can disrupt location services. Disable Wi-Fi temporarily if testing GPS-only mode ^[3].