As of May 31, 2023, we have updated our Code of Conduct.

Questions tagged [gps]

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.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
80 votes
12 answers
58k 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 ...
Nicolas Raoul's user avatar
47 votes
5 answers
47k 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 ...
Mark McDonald's user avatar
42 votes
3 answers
50k 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 ...
Matthew Read's user avatar
  • 50.5k
24 votes
1 answer
16k views

Does Airplane Mode allow GPS location to pass through?

This is what I saw when my plane was taxing to the runway at CDG: Airplane mode was on and all other transmissions (except Location), including WiFi, mobile data, NFC and Bluetooth were off. ...
trejder's user avatar
  • 2,214
22 votes
2 answers
7k 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 ...
lalli's user avatar
  • 1,239
22 votes
5 answers
30k 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 ...
JCCyC's user avatar
  • 583
21 votes
8 answers
15k 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 ...
user avatar
21 votes
3 answers
3k 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 ...
user avatar
21 votes
3 answers
24k views

Location consent annoyance

I use the Power Control widget shipped with Android to quickly turn GPS on and off. Since update 4.4.1 or 4.4.2, which features WiFi-based location detection, it's been pestering me for this location ...
Soup's user avatar
  • 211
18 votes
2 answers
10k 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 ...
onik's user avatar
  • 16.2k
17 votes
3 answers
4k 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 ...
terry1769's user avatar
  • 950
15 votes
5 answers
26k 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 ...
greenoldman's user avatar
  • 1,158
14 votes
2 answers
6k 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 ...
R R's user avatar
  • 6,270
14 votes
1 answer
14k 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: */*, ...
nos's user avatar
  • 325
13 votes
2 answers
2k 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 Text-...
ale's user avatar
  • 19.7k
12 votes
3 answers
5k 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 ...
zkarthik's user avatar
  • 344
12 votes
6 answers
43k 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 ...
michelemarcon's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
3k 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 ...
Tim's user avatar
  • 231
11 votes
3 answers
14k 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 ...
c0da's user avatar
  • 278
11 votes
4 answers
1k views

Is there an Android app that can use the GPS to track my location, distance, and time traveled on a map? [closed]

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 ...
Thomas Owens's user avatar
  • 1,093
11 votes
6 answers
33k 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 ...
keithjgrant's user avatar
  • 2,404
11 votes
2 answers
9k 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 ...
Martin Geisler's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
15k 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 ...
Questioner's user avatar
  • 3,669
11 votes
2 answers
5k 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 ...
Questioner's user avatar
  • 3,669
10 votes
2 answers
6k 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 the ...
William C's user avatar
  • 1,474
10 votes
12 answers
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?
Nathan Fellman's user avatar
9 votes
4 answers
1k views

Does GPS signal quality influence battery life?

Does bad/weak GPS signal affect battery life? For instance, when in the city downtown with lots of tall buildings or in the woods or mountains, will running GPS drain the battery faster?
Kozuch's user avatar
  • 346
9 votes
3 answers
34k 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?
siyam's user avatar
  • 91
9 votes
2 answers
2k 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 ...
Adam's user avatar
  • 253
9 votes
1 answer
2k 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 - http:/...
Morin's user avatar
  • 93
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

What is assisted GPS?

This site describes the Galaxy as having "Assisted GPS". What does this mean?
justintime's user avatar
9 votes
5 answers
15k views

is it possible to have the gps location while offline with the nexus 7?

This is a mystery to me, I know that WiFi and GPS use different chips to work, but it seems I can't use the GPS location when there's no Internet access. I already tried to clear the cache, disable/...
jokoon's user avatar
  • 203
8 votes
2 answers
502 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?
badp's user avatar
  • 475
8 votes
7 answers
16k 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 ...
EnemyBagJones's user avatar
8 votes
6 answers
7k 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 "...
shimonyk's user avatar
  • 183
8 votes
2 answers
10k views

What are the implications of doing fastboot erase modemst1?

I installed a Cyanogenmod 12.1 snapshot on my Moto G 2014 when I got it, it previously has only had the stock ROM installed, no other custom ROMs. I soon discovered that the GPS wasn't working on ...
Superpelican's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
35k views

How can I use my android GPS in my notebook through USB?

How can I use my Android GPS in my notebook through USB? My notebook doesn't have bluetooth, and the wireless is not working.
Gavriel Bar-Netz's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
6k 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 ...
Adam's user avatar
  • 583
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Map internal Wi-Fi strength? [closed]

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 ...
Clinton Blackmore's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
6k 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 ...
Nicolas Raoul's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
2k 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 ...
Jorge Castro's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
5k 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 ...
Cheetah's user avatar
  • 241
7 votes
3 answers
947 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 ...
Edelcom's user avatar
  • 6,867
7 votes
5 answers
992 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, ...
user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
7k 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 ...
Ryan's user avatar
  • 179
7 votes
2 answers
2k 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...
LanceBaynes's user avatar
  • 1,341
7 votes
3 answers
11k views

Does Samsung Galaxy S keep GPS location in camera taken photo metadata?

Does anyone know if Samsung Galaxy S GT-I9000's camera taken photos keep information about GPS location from when they were taken? Thank you
Francisc's user avatar
  • 2,365
7 votes
7 answers
8k views

Battery drains even when plugged in while using Nav app on long road trips

I have a Nexus S running Android 4.0.3 and Google Maps 6.8.1. When I use the Google Maps navigation app, the battery slowly drains, even when plugged into my car charger. After 5-6 hours, the phone ...
Flimzy's user avatar
  • 549
7 votes
1 answer
12k 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 ...
Jay Cummins's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
1k 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 ...
Oak's user avatar
  • 3,706

1
2 3 4 5
8