Have you ever been using Google Maps on your phone to navigate to somewhere new and noticed that the compass seems to be off?
You can turn left but the arrow tells you to go right, or you end up facing the wrong direction despite what your phone tells you.
Consequently, if this has happened, the Google Maps compass may need to be calibrated.
Fortunately, calibrating your Google Maps compass only takes a few minutes and involves a simple 4-step process.
By following the 4 quick steps mentioned below, you can realign the digital compass with true north, ensuring that the arrow you see is pointing you precisely in the right direction.
- Firstly, open the Google Maps app and tap the menu button (three lines) at the top left. Select “Settings” and then “Calibrate Compass.”
- Secondly, slowly rotate your phone in a figure 8 at chest level at least 10 times. This allows Maps to get accurate compass readings from all angles.
- Thirdly, once complete, Maps will display a confirmation that the calibration is complete.
- Finally, to test that it worked, open Maps and slowly rotate your phone; the blue dot representing your location should rotate smoothly around the map.
Just taking a few minutes to calibrate by following these simple steps will get your Google Maps compass back on track.
How to calibrate Google maps compass (Android and iPhone) ?
Calibrating the compass in Google Maps is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. It’s essential to follow the calibration method to ensure accurate navigation guidance.
Here are the easy steps to align Maps’ compass with true north, whether you’re using an Android phone or iOS device:
Calibrate Google maps on Android
It can be difficult to determine which setting is causing problems with Google Maps, but you can check directional accuracy within the Google Maps mobile app itself.
If the results are not satisfactory, you can proceed to calibrate Google Maps.
Furthermore, if you are still not sure, make sure that all the necessary settings are enabled on your device.
Follow below mentioned steps to do it:
Verify direction accuracy in Google Maps
- Firstly, launch Google Maps on your Android device.
- Secondly, select the search bar and enter the address of your destination. Then open the instructions page.
- Thirdly, next, select the blue location icon.
- Next, if you see a box that says “Tilt and pan your phone” with average compass accuracy, pan your phone in a figure eight at least 3 times.
- Lastly, tap “Done” once you have completed this step.
Compass accuracy should now change to high. If not, you may need to calibrate your Android device’s GPS again.
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Recalibrate your GPS
- Firstly, on the directions page, tap the blue dot that represents your location.
- Secondly, from the options that appear, select ‘Calibrate‘.
- Thirdly, move your phone in a circular motion at least 3-4 times.
- Lastly, stop once the compass accuracy changes from medium to high and tap “Done“.
The compass in the Google Maps application on your Android device will be reset by performing this action.
Activate improved accuracy on Android
- Firstly, open the Settings app on your device and select “Location”.
- Secondly, tap “Location Services.”
- Thirdly, turn on controls for both Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.
- Next, go back to the Location page and select “App Permissions” to manage app location permissions.
- In the list of applications, choose “Maps“.
- Finally, select the “Allow all time” option and make sure the “Use precise location” option is turned on.
This will give Google Maps full access to your location data and will ensure accurate location data is available.
Calibrate Google maps on iPhone
You can calibrate your device’s compass and improve GPS accuracy using the iOS settings menu. To do this, turn on the precise location option.
Check compass calibration
- Firstly, launch the Settings application on your device.
- Secondly, navigate downwards and choose the ‘Privacy and security’ option.
- Thirdly, tap on “Location Services”.
- Next, scroll to the bottom and select “System Services“.
- Finally, ensure that the ‘Compass Calibration’ feature is activated.
This will ensure that your device’s compass is automatically calibrated at all times.
Activate high accuracy mode
- Firstly, open the Settings app on your device and select “Privacy and security“.
- Secondly, tap on “Location Services”.
- Thirdly, browse through the list of applications and choose ‘Google Maps’.
- Next, in the “Allow location access” section, choose “Always.”
- Lastly, verify that the ‘Precise location’ feature is activated.
This will allow the Google Maps app for iOS to access accurate location data at all times.
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What are some tips for improving location accuracy on Google Maps ?
In addition to the methods mentioned above to calibrate GPS on your Android and iOS devices, there are other ways to improve the accuracy of Google Maps.
These include understanding your current location, following the calibration process, using navigation apps for accurate directions, and performing a figure-eight motion to enhance Google location accuracy.
It’s essential to ensure your approximate location and location tracking settings are correctly configured for optimal performance.
Check software updates
Each software update includes bug fixes, security patches, and new features.
Consequently, if you’re experiencing difficulties calibrating Google Maps, you can verify if there is a software update available for your Android or iOS device.
Similarly, if an update is available, feel free to download and install it. Once your device has restarted, launch Google Maps and verify the GPS accuracy once more.
Restart your phone
Restarting your smartphone can be a simple fix for many problems, including inaccurate location data.
Consequently, when you reset your device, it erases old and temporary information and refreshes the data.
You can learn how to reset your iPhone or Android device to improve the accuracy of your location data.
Turn On Location
It is important to have location services enabled before using the Google Maps mobile app.
Consequently, this allows Google Maps to accurately determine your location and provide precise directions for your trip.
Furthermore, if you’re having problems with location services on your Android or iOS device, try restarting your device.
Once it has rebooted, turn location services back on from the quick settings menu
Connect to WiFi
Connecting to Wi-Fi may seem like an unrelated way to improve location accuracy, but it can actually be quite effective.
Similarly, our devices use nearby Wi-Fi networks and access points to help determine our location, a process known as Wi-Fi positioning.
Consequently, this can improve GPS accuracy when using Google Maps. So when you’re at home or in an area with Wi-Fi connectivity, make sure to turn Wi-Fi on and connect your device.
However, be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Turn Off battery saver
Using Battery Saver on Android or Low Power Mode on iPhone can help extend battery life when you don’t have access to a charger.
However, these modes may also limit other services on your device, including location and calibration services.
Therefore, if you are having problems with the Google Maps mobile app, try turning off Low Power Mode or Battery Saver.
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Why Is Google Maps Location Not Accurate ?
In general, the location determined by Google Maps is quite accurate, usually within a few meters or yards.
However, there may be times when the accuracy of your location data drops, which can be frustrating and confusing.
Similarly, this can happen when your Smartphone’s compass feature gets misaligned, but it can be fixed using the methods outlined above.
Furthermore, other factors that may affect the accuracy of your location data on Google Maps include having location services or Wi-Fi turned off, or experiencing hardware or software issues.
Conclusion
Calibrating your device’s compass on Google Maps takes just a few minutes and can help you get accurate navigation directions.
Consequently, following the simple steps outlined above will realign the digital compass to true north.
Furthermore, you can also check the accuracy of your location right in the Maps app and improve it by enabling location services and Wi-Fi scanning.
Similarly, keeping your device software and the Google Maps application up to date also helps maintain optimal GPS performance.
Therefore, with a quick calibration and a few tweaks to your location settings, you can get your Google Maps compass back on track for reliable navigation anywhere.
Regularly checking and calibrating your compass will prevent frustration caused by inaccurate arrows and help you easily reach your desired destination every time you use Google Maps for directions.
Reference:
tomsguide.com/how to calibrate google maps/(third party website)
google support/improve location accuracy
androidpolice.com/google maps callibration guide/(third party website)
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)
No, Google Maps is not 100% accurate. Consequently, the accuracy of Google Maps can vary depending on a number of factors, including: availability of GPS, quality of device GPS receiver, weather condition, number of satellites.
There are a few reasons why your GPS might not be accurate. Here are some of the most common causes Obstructions to the GPS signal, Low battery, damaged GPS receiver, Interference from other electronic devices.
Globes provide a more accurate representation of the Earth than maps because they are three-dimensional, just like the Earth itself. Consequently, maps, on the other hand, are flat and two-dimensional, which can cause distortions when representing the earth’s surface.
