Smartphone GPS and location service issues can disrupt navigation apps, location-based services, and emergency features. The most common solutions involve adjusting device settings, verifying app permissions, and performing basic hardware resets. For Android users, enabling High Accuracy Mode (which combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks) resolves 60-70% of accuracy problems, while iOS users should ensure Location Services is toggled on in Privacy settings ^[1][6]. Hardware-related fixes like toggling Airplane Mode or restarting the device address temporary signal disruptions, and clearing app caches can resolve software conflicts ^[2][5]. Persistent issues may require resetting GPS data via third-party apps or contacting manufacturer support.

Key findings from the sources:

• Android devices benefit most from High Accuracy Mode and disabling Power Saving features ^[2][3]
• iOS devices frequently encounter post-update location failures, often requiring system resets ^[7]
• App-specific permissions are a top cause of malfunction, requiring manual checks in Settings ^[1][9]
• Environmental factors (obstructions, weak signals) significantly impact GPS performance ^[3]

Troubleshooting GPS and Location Services

Basic Settings and Permissions

Most GPS issues stem from incorrect device settings or restricted app permissions. Start by verifying the foundational configurations that control location access. On Android, navigate to Settings > Location and ensure the master toggle is enabled. For iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and confirm the feature is active ^[1][6]. These steps are critical because location services act as the gateway for all GPS-dependent functions.

For Android devices running Android 9.0 or later, select High Accuracy Mode under Location settings. This mode integrates GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and device sensors for optimal precision, whereas Battery Saving Mode relies only on Wi-Fi and mobile networks (reducing accuracy by up to 30%) ^[1]. iOS users should enable Precise Location for individual apps in Location Services settings, as this grants access to exact GPS coordinates rather than approximate areas ^[6].

App-specific permissions often override system settings. To resolve this:

• Open Settings > Apps > [Select App] > Permissions and ensure "Location" is set to Allow all the time or While in use ^[1][9]
• For Android 12+, check Settings > Location > App Permission to manage which apps can access location data ^[1]
• On iOS, scroll through the Location Services list to verify each app’s permission status (e.g., "Always," "While Using," or "Never") ^[6]

Environmental factors also play a role. GPS signals weaken near tall buildings, dense foliage, or underground areas. For accurate tracking:

• Maintain a clear line of sight to the sky when possible ^[3]
• Avoid using GPS indoors unless Wi-Fi positioning is enabled ^[1]
• Older devices (pre-2018 models) may struggle with signal acquisition due to outdated hardware ^[3]

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

When basic adjustments fail, deeper system interventions are required. Clearing cache and data for location-dependent apps (e.g., Google Maps, Uber) resolves corrupted temporary files that may cause malfunctions. On Android, navigate to Settings > Apps > [Select App] > Storage > Clear Cache/Clear Data ^[2][5]. For iOS, uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic app often achieves the same result, as iOS does not expose cache-clearing options to users ^[7].

Network-related fixes address signal interference:

• Toggle Airplane Mode: Enable Airplane Mode for 30 seconds, then disable it to reset all wireless connections ^[2][9]
• Restart the device: A full reboot clears system memory and reinitializes GPS hardware ^[2][5]
• Disable Power Saving Mode: Battery optimization features frequently throttle GPS performance. Turn off Battery Saver or add location apps to the unoptimized list in Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization ^[3]

For persistent Android GPS issues, resetting GPS data via third-party apps like GPS Status & Toolbox can force a fresh satellite data download. This process, known as AGPS reset, is particularly useful after firmware updates or prolonged inactivity ^[4]. Steps include:

1. Install a GPS status app from the Play Store
2. Open the app and tap Manage A-GPS state > Reset
3. Select Download to fetch updated satellite information

iOS users facing post-update location failures (common after iOS 16.6+) should attempt:

• Reset Location & Privacy: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy ^[7]
• Force restart: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears
• Check for carrier settings updates: Navigate to Settings > General > About and install any available updates

If all else fails, Safe Mode (Android) or DFU Mode (iOS) can isolate software conflicts. Booting into Safe Mode disables third-party apps, helping identify if an installed application is interfering with GPS. For Android:

1. Hold the Power button until the power menu appears
2. Long-press Power off until the Safe Mode prompt appears
3. Tap OK to reboot into Safe Mode ^[9]