Most Android devices have a built-in GPS receiver. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and is a space-based satellite navigation system mainly used to obtain the device's current location, but it also provides time information.
56
votes
12answers
28k views
How to use GPS/Maps without an Internet connection?
I need a way (possibly a third-party application) that allows me to use maps and GPS without an Internet connection.
I don't use it by car, just for walking in cities. It would be nice if I could ...
33
votes
3answers
16k views
How can I fix the GPS on my Samsung Galaxy S?
As has been well documented, the Galaxy S phones have terrible GPS functionality. It works for a minority, but it is slow/inaccurate for some and for others it just doesn't work at all. How can I ...
19
votes
5answers
6k views
What's using my GPS?
On my Android phone (a Desire HD), the GPS indicator is currently on & flashing away.
How can I find out which app is responsible for using the GPS? I have my suspicions but would like to know ...
18
votes
3answers
24k views
New Facebook app activates GPS when launched — how to disable?
This started happening with the latest Facebook app update.
I don't want to disable my GPS outright -- I like that it comes up automatically when I call Google Maps. (Which usually is in a "where the ...
14
votes
8answers
3k views
Can I turn off wifi, GPS, etc. on Android phone overnight?
I'd like for my Android phone to automatically turn off some features overnight to save battery, and re-enable them in the morning. Among the things I'd like to turn do:
Turn off wifi
Turn off the ...
14
votes
2answers
2k views
Why does google maps need WiFi?
Sometimes google maps gives a notification that goes something like:
"for increased accuracy please turn on the Wifi"
I can understand if it said "For faster loading of map layers....", but how can ...
14
votes
3answers
2k views
How accurate is the GPS in my Mobile Phone?
I was wondering how accurate is the GPS is in my HTC Desire Android compared to a dedicated hand held GPS unit or in car satnav?
The reason I ask is that I have read articles complaining that the ...
12
votes
3answers
764 views
How can I determine which app is accessing GPS?
I have an Evo 4G with one app that I allow to access GPS periodically so I leave GPS enabled. However I see the GPS icon show up far more frequently than is scheduled for that app. I've shut down ...
12
votes
2answers
932 views
How can I change the voice used for the Navigation app on Android?
I love the Navigation app on Android. The voice it uses is fine, but I'd like a little variety. I'd settle for it using the British voice that's available on the phone. However, I've changed the ...
11
votes
2answers
606 views
How can I find out the make and model of the chips in my device?
I'm trying to find out what kind of GPS receiver is in my phone. Every spec sheet is vague on this. I can easily find out what kind Soc or CPU it has, but parts like GPS and FM receivers, Bluetooth ...
11
votes
1answer
2k views
Why is my Android fetching http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin upon start?
I notice my HTC Desire fetches http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin when it boots (and before I enter the PIN).
What is that ?
Here's the HTTP Request sent:
GET /xtra.bin HTTP/1.1
Accept: */*, ...
11
votes
12answers
17k views
Does Froyo fix Samsung Galaxy S I9000's GPS problem?
There have been reports that Samsung Galaxy S has problems with its GPS that render the GPS almost unusable. Does the Android 2.2 update fix that?
10
votes
4answers
461 views
Is there an Android app that can use the GPS to track my location, distance, and time traveled on a map?
I have a few use cases for this - running or walking to track distance and time, hiking to know if I'm backtracking on myself, and driving aimlessly (well, when gas prices are cheaper than they are ...
10
votes
3answers
960 views
Does GPS require clear view of sky to lock satellites?
I have been reading conflicting information about the GPS signal lock in the XDA Developers Forums.
Certain users say they have to be outdoor to get any lock in to satellites, others say they could ...
10
votes
2answers
882 views
Can I open a route I created in Google Maps in Navigation?
I'd love to be able to open that map on my phone in such a way that I can get turn-by-turn navigation, like what is available in the Navigation app.
However, despite my experiments, this seems to be ...
9
votes
3answers
2k views
How does the GPS work on Android phones?
Today I used the GPS on my Android for the first time, and I was wondering how it actually works.
I know that Android phones have a GPS chip in them, but does the phone establish a direct connection ...
9
votes
1answer
1k views
How GPS works in android phone
I want to know how GPS works on android phone. Does it send any identification data to service providers/phone manufacturers/Map providers?
I recently read a new about IPhone tracking users - ...
9
votes
1answer
4k views
Can I block specific apps from using GPS?
I like to leave GPS enabled so that it's ready to go when I open Maps or certain other location based apps.
However, one app that I don't want to access GPS is Facebook. There is, as far as I can ...
9
votes
1answer
1k views
How to check which app uses GPS on Galaxy Nexus?
I'm constantly seeing the Searching for GPS... icon in my status bar, and would like to check which app is trying to access my location. I checked the similar questions on the site and all suggested ...
8
votes
5answers
1k views
Easiest way for testing the internal GPS
What is the easiest way to verify that the internal GPS module of an android device works correctly (possibly before buying some expensive navigation software)?
Geotagging a foto?
Running some free ...
8
votes
1answer
647 views
What do “faster GPS fix” apps do?
There are at least a dozen "Faster GPS Fix" apps in the Play Store -- one is even a $5 paid app -- and they remind me of those RAM Booster/Optimizer utilities of the 1990s.
What do they do -- and ...
8
votes
2answers
874 views
Power draw from GPS - Does granularity affect amount of power drawn?
We all know that GPS draws a considerable amount of battery power. Does anyone know of any studies that test the "granularity" of a GPS signal with how much battery is consumed?
I'm not talking ...
8
votes
3answers
4k views
How do I set Google Latitude to auto-update with location regularly?
When I use Google Maps it sets my Google Latitude location, but once I turn Maps off it stops. I'd like it to update with my location on a regular basis. I don't want to drain the battery by always ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
GPS app to follow a prepared itinerary
I am preparing a 1-week bicycle trip. We can't use high-traffic roads, so I am preparing a quite complex route on small country roads, using Google Maps.
With my phone saddled on my bicycle, is there ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Why does Android have such problems remembering last know location?
I've never been able to figure out the manner in which Android remembers its last know location. If seems to remember the location from several hours ago but not several seconds ago. I think its best ...
8
votes
2answers
645 views
Asus EEE Transformer never gets a GPS fix unless I reboot it
I have an Asus EEE Transformer (not the prime) that has unreliable GPS performance. I usually just fire up Google Maps in my car and use the navigation but the tablet always gets stuck with "Searching ...
7
votes
3answers
659 views
Why does it take so long for a program like Mapdroid to use the GPS to track you on a map
I was in London last week (which is outside my country, so I did not use roaming to connect to the internet to be able to use the maps application from Google). In stead , I used Mapdroid to find my ...
7
votes
5answers
522 views
Enabling GPS flag on android preferences: what is the battery impact?
Even if there are many questions regarding Android and GPS my doubt is really specific to the user level location settings.
Supposing I've enabled the GPS settings, say from the Power Control widget, ...
7
votes
4answers
4k views
How to get maps for off-line usage?
I spent almost entire day looking for decent apps for maps (decent = free, up to date, being open-source is a plus).
I ended up with TrekBuddy, GoPenS, RMaps, Maverick, OruxMaps (the emphasized ones ...
7
votes
2answers
319 views
Does Android come with free navigation in non-US contries?
The fact that free gps turn-by-turn navigation is available for new enough Android devices using Google-owned map data is well known.
Does Android offer free navigation in non-US countries as well?
7
votes
2answers
754 views
Talking GPS software for Android?
I need a GPS when I use ride my bike. :\
Holding my phone in my hand is not really a solution....
Can somebody help me to find a talking GPS Android app?
Thank you...
7
votes
2answers
517 views
What uses most power: GPS or WiFi?
When playing Ingress I find that both GPS and WiFi (each by themselves) provide an acceptable location accuracy. My question is what draws the most power?
I'm interested in technical information ...
7
votes
5answers
6k views
Can I automatically check in to Foursquare?
Is there any app or setting that will automatically check in to foursquare when I arrive at a venue without having to take out the phone and click the app? Preferably something where I can mark ...
7
votes
3answers
5k views
Do I need internet/3G to use GPS?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 that has some problems with the GPS:
If I use internet my navigation works but when I turn the 3G off, GPS does not work.
Do I need internet/3G to use GPS?
7
votes
1answer
974 views
7
votes
1answer
709 views
Stop Facebook using GPS
I have set location to off but I can see it is still trying to use GPS from the icon in the top left corner.
Where in the settings can I switch this off for Facebook only? Despite Messenger location ...
7
votes
1answer
376 views
Map internal Wi-Fi strength?
I'm a system administrator for a school division, and we are upgrading our Wi-Fi network. Is there a way that I can map the strength of the Wi-Fi signal at different places inside a building (where ...
7
votes
2answers
462 views
Not enough time for GPS lock for geo-tagging when taking a photo
I turned on geo-tagging for photos, but the problem is that the GPS locking procedure seems to only start when I open the camera app - but it takes minutes for it to lock on a location and by that ...
6
votes
3answers
4k views
How to make certain apps turn on GPS automatically?
Is there any way to have certain apps automatically turn on GPS when they launch (or at least prompt me if I want to)?
For example, if I use voice commands to ask for navigation directions, and GPS ...
6
votes
2answers
280 views
Automatically notify people when I leave/reach a location
Does anyone know of a way to automatically send a notification when I arrive or leave a location?
For example, I'd like to send a notification to my wife whenever I leave the office.
Does anyone ...
6
votes
5answers
17k views
How do I get my GPS working in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean?
Recently I've been having all sorts of troubles with audio and GPS and the compass... I tried different ROMs, different kernels, different patches.
The short story is that after a long time spent ...
6
votes
1answer
2k views
Is there a way to display Interstate Rest Areas on Google Maps Navigation?
I've had several instances where this information would have been useful when navigating w/ Moto Droid, but I haven't been able to figure out a way to get to interstate (USA) rest areas in Google Maps ...
6
votes
1answer
196 views
How do I share latitude & longitute of a starred location in Google Maps?
The question title speaks for itself. How the heck do I do that in Google Maps. If I try to share a starred location, I get a link but not the coordinates.
6
votes
2answers
907 views
Does Nexus S Wifi and GPS have issues?
So there I was, happily reading reviews about Google's/Samsumg Nexus S building my judgement whether to buy it or not after my Nexus 1 got stolen. Happily enough there were very few posts on issues ...
5
votes
9answers
19k views
Galaxy Gio doesn't find GPS satellites after minutes of searching
I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy Gio (GT-S5660). When I try to connect to the GPS satellites, 75% of the time the built-in GPS is unable to locate me within a few minutes. I keep seeing the blinking ...
5
votes
2answers
656 views
When the GPS is enabled but not in use, does it drain battery?
If the GPS is enabled (in the notification view at the top, the GPS icon is enabled), but the app doesn't use it, does it drain battery? I understand that GPS drains battery because it requires a ...
5
votes
5answers
922 views
Can I disable geotagging and delete prior geotag information in photos?
My phone is a rooted Samsung Captivate (Galaxy S) running a 2.2.1-based ROM. Another question touched on this, but I want to do 2 things
Be able to take pictures that are not geotagged. According ...
5
votes
2answers
4k views
GPS not working on Galaxy S II
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2. My GPS doesn't work. It just says "Waiting for location" the whole time. At first when I bought the phone, I think it worked correctly, but now it doesn't. I tried: ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
GPS calibration?
I am using the sportstracklive app on my EVO to track my fitness activities. One issues is that elevation profiles are incorrect. For example, a riverfront section of a recent bike ride was recorded ...
5
votes
1answer
149 views
Is my phone's GPS limited by US regulations? [closed]
Apparently any GPS module made in the US and exported is classified as a munition if it is:
Capable of providing navigation information under the following operational condition:
At speeds ...
