Fix Inaccurate GPS Location on Google Maps and Android

Problem overview

Google Maps or other navigation apps place your location marker blocks away from where you actually are, or the blue dot fails to track your movement smoothly while driving.

Common causes

• Location mode set to battery-saving instead of high accuracy
• Uncalibrated internal compass
• GPS signal blocked by heavy clouds, tall buildings, or car windshield coatings
• Power management aggressively suspending GPS polling

Solution 1: Enable high-accuracy location

1. Go to Settings > Location.
2. Ensure the main Use location toggle is ON.
3. Tap Location services.
4. Turn on Google Location Accuracy. This allows the phone to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning alongside GPS satellites to pinpoint your location faster.

Solution 2: Calibrate the compass

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap the blue dot representing your location.
3. Tap Calibrate in the menu that appears at the bottom.
4. Move your phone in a figure-8 motion three times as shown on the screen until the compass accuracy is listed as ‘High’.

Solution 3: Check app restrictions and battery saver

1. Turn off Battery Saver via the Quick Settings tile, as it heavily restricts GPS usage.
2. Go to Settings > Apps, select your navigation app (e.g., Google Maps), and tap Battery.
3. Set the battery usage to Unrestricted to prevent the OS from killing the GPS lock when the screen turns off.