Improve the accuracy of your location

If your GPS, position, or location on the map is wrong, follow these steps to help fix the problem.

Turn on Wi-Fi

Your location is most accurate if Wi-Fi is turned on.

Check your location settings on your Android device

1. Open the Google Maps app .
2. Touch the menu > Settings > Location accuracy tips.

Try going outside

Your GPS signal is strongest under the clear blue sky. If you can’t see the sky, you might have a weak GPS signal and your position on the map might not be accurate.

If Maps isn’t sure about your location

When Google Maps isn’t sure about your location, you’ll see a light blue circle around the blue dot. You might be anywhere within the light blue circle. The smaller the circle, the more certain we are about your location.

If you see a gray dot, this means that we can’t find your current location and we’re showing you the last location you visited.

How Maps knows your location

Your location is approximated by using this information from your phone:

• GPS: This uses satellites and knows your location within a few meters.
• Wi-Fi: The location of nearby WiFi networks helps Maps know where you are.
• Cell tower: Your connection to a cellular network can be accurate up to a few thousand meters.
• Other information: Your location can be improved with an accelerometer, compass, gyroscope and barometer in your phone.

• Apple Location Services: This may be used on iPhone & iPad if GPS isn’t available. Learn more about Apple Location Services.