GPS and location test

When to test GPS

Test it when you look at a used phone or tablet (especially one used for ride-hailing or deliveries), when maps show the wrong position or take ages to find you, and after a housing or board repair. Go outside or stand by a window: indoors, every device's GPS struggles.

Common faults and their causes

• A long wait for a position: the first fix in a new place, or being indoors. A second try is usually much faster.
• A large error or a position that jumps around: a loose GPS antenna, a metal case blocking the signal, or precise location turned off.
• No position at all, even outside: the browser's location permission is blocked, or the GPS receiver has failed.

Wi-Fi-only tablets (without a SIM slot) usually have no GPS chip and only estimate location from Wi-Fi, so a large error is normal on them.

What to do if you find a fault

• Check permissions: allow the browser to use your location and turn on Precise Location.
• Remove any metal case, go outside, wait about a minute and test again.
• Compare with the maps app on the same device. Your location is only used to work out the error; it isn't stored or sent anywhere.