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How to Calibrate Google Maps on Android and iPhone

Quick Tips
  • Open Settings on iPhone > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > enable the Compass Calibration toggle.
  • Open the Google Maps app on Android > directions page > location icon > move your phone at least 3 times in an 8 motion.
  • Ensure Location services are enabled and Low Power Mode/Battery Saver is disabled on your phone.

How to Calibrate Google Maps on iPhone

Using the iOS Settings menu, you can ensure that your device’s compass is calibrated. You can also improve GPS accuracy by turning on the precise location. Here’s how to do it.

Method 1: Check Compass Calibration

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Privacy & Security. Tap on Location Services.

Step 2: Tap on System Services and enable the Compass Calibration toggle.

Also Read: How to use the Compass app on iPhone

Method 2: Enable High Accuracy Mode

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Privacy & SecurityLocation Services.

Step 2: Tap on Google Maps. For the Allow Location Access section, select Always.

Step 3: Then, ensure the Precise Location toggle is turned on.

The Google Maps iOS app will now be able to access the precise location data at all times.

Also Read: How to get Live View on Google Maps

How to Calibrate Google Maps on Android

While it can be confusing to figure out which setting is misaligned, you can go about checking the directional accuracy in the Google Maps mobile app itself. If the results are less than stellar, proceed to calibrate Google Maps. Here’s how to do it.

Method 1: Check Direction Accuracy in Google Maps

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app and open the directions page for the relevant destination.

Step 2: Tap the location icon on the map page.

Step 3: If you see the Tilt and move your phone box, move your phone at least 3 times in a figure-of-eight motion corresponding to the image shown.

Once this is done, it should change the Compass accuracy to high. If that doesn’t happen, you will need to calibrate the GPS on your Android device again. Here’s how.

Method 2: Recalibrate GPS

Step 1: On the directions page, tap on the blue dot (your location icon). Tap on Calibrate.

Step 2: Once again move your phone in a circular 8 motion at least 3-4 times.

Step 3: Stop once the Compass accuracy changes from medium to high.

This will again calibrate the compass in the Google Maps app on your Android device.

Method 3: Enable Improved Accuracy on Android

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Location. Tap on Location services.

Step 2: Turn on the toggle for Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.

Step 3: Then, go back to the Location page and tap on App permissions.

Step 4: Tap on Maps and select Allow all the time. Enable the Use precise location toggle.

This will give Google Maps complete access to location data while ensuring precise location data is available.

Tips for Improving Location Accuracy on Google Maps

While the abovementioned ways will help you in calibrating GPS on your Android and iOS devices, there are other ways to help improve the accuracy of Google Maps. Let’s check out a few of them.

Method 1: Turn on Location Services

As mentioned above, before using the Google Maps mobile app, location services must be turned on. This will allow Google Maps to know exactly where you are, helping in setting a starting point and other directional features for your trip.

Tip: In case your location services are not working on Android and iOS, try restarting your device. Once done, turn on location services again from the quick settings menu.

Method 2: Connect to Wi-Fi

Our devices make use of nearby Wi-Fi networks and other hotspot points to try and pinpoint the device’s location. Also known as the Wi-Fi positioning system, this can help improve GPS accuracy when using Google Maps. So, turn on Wi-Fi whenever possible and ensure your device is connected.

Method 3: Turn off Low Power Mode or Battery Saver

Battery Saver on Android and Low Power Mode on iPhone are great ways to prolong battery life. However, this can impact location and calibration services on your device. So, if you’re facing issues with Google Maps, turning off Low Power Mode or Battery Saver might help fix them.

Method 4: Check for Software Updates

Every software update brings about its fair share of bug fixes, security patches, and introductory new features. This means that if your Google Maps issues are software-based, downloading and installing the latest software update for your Android or iOS device might help fix them.

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Last updated on 12 July, 2024

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