All modern Android smartphones and tablets are equipped with a GPS module. This allows these devices to be used as GPS navigators. In addition, the presence of a GPS module allows you to leave GPS tags on photos and use many other useful functions. In this regard, many novice users are interested in how to enable GPS on Android. In this article we will briefly consider this issue.
As a rule, Android devices have a GPS module enabled. But, if you previously disabled this function, and now want to turn it back on, then you need to open Settings and go to the “Location” section.
At the top of the “Location” section there is a switch that is responsible for disabling and enabling GPS on Android.
If this switch glows blue, it means GPS is turned on. In addition to simply turning on GPS, you can change the navigation mode. To do this, go to the “Mode” section. Based on device sensors."
In the “Mode” section, you can choose one of three modes for determining your location.
Consider these modes:
- High accuracy. In this mode, all available information is used to determine location: data from a GPS sensor, data received using a Wi-Fi wireless network, as well as data received using a mobile network. If you turn on GPS in this mode, you will be able to determine your location with maximum accuracy.
- Save battery power. The operating mode intended for the device. In this mode, the GPS module. Instead, data obtained via Wi-Fi and mobile networks is used to determine location.
- Based on device sensors. In this mode, only information from the GPS module is used.
Also in the "Location" window, you can enable or disable the use of data about your location by Google services. To do this, go to the “Sending geodata” section.
In the “Sending Data” section there are two additional sections: “Sending Geodata” and “Location History”. Open each of these sections and turn off (or turn on) the use of your location data.
Incorrect operation of the GPS module is a fairly common problem with Android devices. The system can connect to satellites, but navigation will still not work. In some cases, the defect is associated with a breakdown of the gadget’s hardware, but most situations can be resolved using software methods. Below we describe what to do if GPS does not work on Android.
To diagnose yourself, take the test. The virtual assistant will identify the problem and tell you what to do.
GPS diagnostics
Problems with GPS
The first thing to do if the GPS sensor does not work is to restart your smartphone and scan it with an antivirus. It is possible that the device's RAM is full and there are not enough processor resources to activate communication with satellites. Or there was a glitch in the operating system.
First, let's determine how the navigator on the phone works. Yandex.Maps or navigation from Google contacts the system satellites and requests data about the user’s current location. Based on the information received, an optimal route is built or public transport is selected. If the GPS module stops functioning, normal navigation operation is impossible, even using A-GPS technology. The main causes of failure are usually software problems, but in some cases the source of the malfunction is the failure of a hardware module.
Geolocation services do not work on Android if the settings are incorrect. The defect may also be caused by the installation of incompatible firmware or the lack of necessary drivers.
The navigator from Google or Yandex does not work well even with a weak satellite signal. It is worth remembering that programs do not always display location correctly, and you should not rely on the system when hiking or off-road. To troubleshoot, let’s look at the causes and solutions to popular problems.
Reasons for no signal
There are two main groups of faults: hardware and software. The former can be fixed by qualified specialists in service centers, while the latter can be fixed at home.
- Hardware - a component can fail after a mechanical impact on the device body, for example, a fall or a strong blow. The cause of the breakdown may also be liquid entering the main board, followed by oxidation of the contacts.
- Software - infection with malicious software, incorrect firmware or update failures - all these malfunctions can damage the location driver.
Incorrect setting
Correctly setting the smartphone parameters is the key to the correct operation of the GPS system on Android.
- If Android does not find the location, go to the device settings, tab – “General”, and then open “Location and modes”.
- On the Location tab, specify your preferred location method. If you select Satellites Only, Android will not use A-GPS technology, which collects data from nearby cellular and Wi-Fi networks to improve geolocation accuracy.
- Try setting the “Mobile networks only” mode and check the functionality of the cards. If navigation turns on, there is a problem with the driver or hardware.
- When GPS on Android does not turn on (the system does not respond to switching the option), there is probably a problem in the firmware. Perform a full reset or contact a service center.
- To reset your location settings, click on the “Backup and reset” tab, then tap on “Reset network and navigation settings.” Sign in to your Google account to confirm.
Important! All saved passwords from Wi-Fi access points, as well as cellular network data will be deleted.
The described method helps eliminate most problems with the software.
Incorrect firmware
The consequences of careless firmware on Android can be quite unpredictable. Installation of third-party OS versions is performed to speed up the operation of the gadget, but as a result, the phone modules stop functioning.
If you decide to reflash your device, download firmware files only from trusted forums - XDA and w3bsit3-dns.com. Do not try to flash your smartphone with an OS version from another phone, as the drivers necessary for operation may no longer function. If the device has become a brick, perform a full data reset.
- Press the volume up and lock buttons for 5-7 seconds. When the Android logo appears on the screen of the turned off gadget, release Volume Up.
- The Recovery menu will load. Select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”, confirm Hard Reset.
- To reboot your smartphone, tap “Reboot system now”. Setup will take a few minutes when you turn it on.
The method is suitable for devices with damaged firmware. The GPS module will restore functionality after switching to the factory version of the OS.
Module calibration
In some cases, it is necessary to perform a quick calibration of the device.
- Open the “Essential setup” application, it can be downloaded for free from the Play Market.
- Click on the compass icon and place your smartphone on a flat surface.
- Tap the “Test” button and wait 10 minutes until testing ends. Once completed, try turning on satellite navigation.
Hardware problems
Cheap Chinese smartphones (Leagoo, Oukitel, Ulefone and others) are often equipped with low-quality satellite communication modules. The problem can be corrected by replacing the corresponding module at a service center. Malfunctions occur on both Android and iOS phones.
Sometimes the internal antenna (a small thing on the board) falls off, which also affects the quality of satellite signal reception. It's difficult to fix it yourself.
Conclusion
If navigation on Android does not work or you cannot connect to satellites in open areas, determine whether the cause of the defect is in the gadget’s parameters or whether the electronic board has failed. Repairs to hardware faults should only be carried out at authorized service centers.
Video
Today's navigation technologies are powerful tools that are used in many areas of life and support economic and social growth. The capabilities of satellite systems directly affect the efficiency of business expansion and help to conquer new heights. The use of current technologies of satellite navigation and mobile communications allows you to track in real time the exact location of objects and personnel, shows routes of movement and correct route following, determines movement data (mileage, speed), in addition, notes fuel consumption and analyzes the performance of units and components. Navigation systems are increasingly appearing in our everyday life, no longer becoming an elite thing, available not only to citizens, but also not to all enterprises, but a common means of daily monitoring of personnel and vehicles. Despite the obvious problems of operating systems of this kind, their use is becoming commonplace in an increasing number of enterprises. Since 2010, I have been professionally involved in the subject of satellite monitoring of transport and would like to consider the problem - how to deceive the GPS/GLONASS transport control system? This topic is topical for all drivers. I will try to answer the question objectively, from the perspective of an independent expert.
In the review, I collected and analyzed situations both from my personal experience and suggestions on forums on the topic of “GPS neutralization.”
Everyone knows that the monitoring system includes two components - a terminal (controller unit, recorder, car tracker, etc.) and a fuel level sensor, FLS. Let us consider in detail whether it is realistic to interfere with the processes of these two components together or separately.
Ways to influence the operation of the Glonass terminal
Method of influencing the operation of the terminal. The box with the electronic components inside is the external unit. Some models have a built-in backup battery, while others do not, but all models provide for an external connection to the vehicle’s on-board power supply. For the most part, for industrially produced monitoring systems, external GPS (GLONASS) and GSM antennas are used. Usually, the terminal block is sealed, and advice that you need to remove the SIM card for the required time and then return it to its place does not justify itself. Since the SIM is located just inside the block body. Some reckless drivers, having lost their composure, use a risky method - they pour water or other liquid onto the device. However, in practice it turned out that after a visit by representatives of the installer company in order to consider the reasons for the breakdown of the internal elements of the unit, the operating company had to part with the negligent driver, and the employee, in turn, begged not to fine him for the damage caused. I think it became clear to everyone that it is impossible to influence the terminal block unless you simply break it. There are also external antennas and connection lines to the vehicle’s on-board wiring. How can you really influence them?
1. Turn off the power. Many are confident that when the device is disconnected from the power supply, the driver will be able to move around in his own interests, and when returning to his place, turn on the power again, as if nothing had happened. Too primitive a technique. “Getting excited” in front of your superiors is like twice two. Firstly, the built-in battery is located in most units; it keeps the system in operation for up to several tens of hours. And, in turn, the dispatcher will receive a signal to turn off the external power. And also, if there is no battery, the dispatch center will still receive such a signal indicating the time to turn it off and on. Let us mention separately that all the wires of the terminal are connected to the board through knife terminal blocks, which are sealed, so it is simply impossible to disconnect the wire without damaging the seal. It became obvious that this method was not viable either. Let's think further.
2. Interference with the antenna. The option of disconnecting the antenna will not work, because these units have seals by default. The method of shielding the GPS antenna is of interest; it needs to be covered with a metal cup, foil or magnet. The signal from the satellites should, in theory, disappear. It seems we have found a solution! But again, not everything is so easy. I’ll explain it clearly - you can cover it with a saucepan, firewood, or a bulletproof vest - the result will be the same. Working with modern highly sensitive GPS receivers, the best that can be achieved with this method is to reduce the number of satellites visible to the terminal. For example, instead of twelve to thirteen GPS satellites, which are visible when the antenna is open, there will be five or six if you cover it with a 20 mm thick sheet of metal. But you need to understand that to obtain accurate coordinates, the device only needs to use signals from only three satellites. Thus, this method is also not applicable in real life. There is no point in shielding the GSM antenna, because this is equivalent to moving the car outside the GSM network coverage area. The device accumulates data in memory for several months, but after the network appears, every single byte of information will be transferred to the dispatcher on the server. If we try to disable the antenna, we will be faced with the following problems: The GPS antenna is sealed and without damaging the housing it is not possible to influence the internal elements in any way. GSM does not have any “brains” inside at all, representing strip conductor tracks in a plastic case - piercing them with a needle is pointless; there will be no harm. The most vulnerable place here is the cable - from the terminal to the antenna. You can pierce it with something sharp and, if you're lucky, it will stop working for a while. But you should be aware that this method is a contemporary of Ivan the Terrible, and the first GPS specialist who will restore its functionality will easily determine the cause and, having found the puncture site, will report it to your superiors. In the same way, facts of mechanical interference in the operation of high-voltage antennas will be determined with 100% certainty. Method for “two” on a five-point scale.
3. Special equipment. Perhaps the only fail-safe method of bypassing GPS monitoring systems is to use electronic devices to suppress GPS or GSM radio signals. The advantages of the method are that the effect occurs remotely, without direct penetrating contact in the device's wiring circuit or circuitry. What happens in the tracking system when we activate a GPS or GSM signal suppression unit nearby (for example, in the vehicle cabin)? We have already discussed that blocking the signal does not threaten anything serious, since you cancel the transfer of data to the dispatch server and are out of communication during this period. But at the moment the “jammer” is turned off, the data for the entire trip (during this period they were stored in the device’s memory) will be immediately received by the dispatcher. Accordingly, unauthorized driver routes will be displayed on the computer screen.
If the GPS signal is suppressed, things will look different. In this case, the location of the vehicle simply disappears from the monitor screen, while the coordinate data will not be stored in memory, since there are no satellite signals to create them. Everything would be great, but the method will only work with the simplest devices, called GPS trackers; they cannot additionally connect to vehicle signals, with the exception of power connections. GPS service specialists, without exposing you on the spot, will not be able to explain to the customer the riddle in which, upon leaving the garage, the car miraculously disappears from the monitor screen, and by the same miracle appears upon return. You can see through the driver's trick to the GPS installer's representative by driving with him during working hours. When a system that is slightly more complex than the simplest tracker is installed in a vehicle, there is no point in using a GPS jammer, since data from the signal wires - fuel system data, ignition, engine speed (tachometer) - will be transmitted and displayed on the computer screen, which will confirm the functionality of the system, thereby compromising the driver's actions. Certain systems, for example, Glonass GPS, can also be connected to the speedometer. And if the GPS system loses the signal, the dispatcher will see the real mileage on the screen! The method is not bad, but it is intended only for young, inexperienced systems installers. Seasoned representatives will see through the driver in an instant. The method earned a “C” on our scale.
There are probably no more ways to interfere with the terminal mechanisms at an amateurish level. Let us examine in detail the following component of the GPS control system:
Methods of intervention in the FLS - Fuel Level Sensor.
Theoretical information. The Fuel Level Sensor (FLS) is a structure consisting of: a measuring part - 2 tubes of different diameters (one is located inside the other) and a computing part (at the top there is a housing that carries the controller board, as a rule, it is filled with a gasoline-resistant compound that prevents the influence of an aggressive environment on radioelements (oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.). All sensors have the same operating principle for measuring liquid levels - a change in the electrical capacitance in the “capacitor plates” by the sensor tubes, depending on the medium being measured. And the output signal itself may vary. There are modifications with an analog signal at the output (0-5 V or 0-10 V), frequency (changing the frequency of the output signal from the sensor), and digital - RS-232. It is most protected from possible interference when transmitting data to the terminal. The computing part of the FLS is made either in a non-separable form, sealed (FLS Strela, FLS Control, etc.), or in disassembled form, and it is possible to seal the sensor cover (DUT-E from Technoton). It should be remembered that there is no “handle” in nature for adjusting the FLS readings. And there are the following “combinations”:
1. Short circuit of wires, which go from the FLS to the body of the vehicle - minus or to the plus of the vehicle. The system will be temporarily inoperable, but nothing major will happen. When the wires are put back, the sensor will become operational again thanks to the built-in protection against voltage changes in the on-board network and changes in power poles. To summarize, I will say: the method is ineffective or completely ineffective. All connection points are sealed by the installers, and it will not be possible to do without breaking the seals. The bosses will see through you instantly, the method gets the minimum score - “one”!
2. Watering with boiling water. Some believe that in winter you can take advantage of the temperature difference and thus upset the calculation unit by heating it with hot water and pouring it onto a cold sensor. One driver confessed to me in this unseemly matter. He had no doubt about the success of the technique, and organized a “bath” every day for six months, but he never saw the fruits of the experiment. Strela heroically withstood this torment. For the future, I want to explain to experimenters why the method is useless. The FLS body is made of metal and therefore quickly transfers the resulting heat to the fuel tank. There is also a plastic case, which makes it difficult for the sensor to heat up at all, because plastic is a poor heat conductor. Considering all that has been said, and remembering the gel-like compound that reliably fixes the board and protects it from contact with the sensor body, we can say for sure that such schemes will not work. It’s true that there’s not much chance of getting caught by management – we give the method a solid “B”.
3 . Another rather bold idea - physically break the sensor, which is mounted on a full-height tank, and desperate young people are trying to make it happen. We climb onto the tank (it’s not bad to have significant weight), and jump up, pushing through the lid of the tank with our weight. In this way we try to break the measuring tube on the sensor. Everything seems simple, but again it’s not so. The technology for installing a FLS in a tank always calculates a gap of one and a half to three cm between the bottom of the tube on the sensor and the bottom of the tank. And you need to make a lot of effort to dent the tank so deeply. In addition, individual sensors are equipped with a spring; it is installed at the end of the DUT tube and will resist the attempts of a jumping craftsman (such sensors are produced by Technoton). And, of course, it will not be possible to deceive the installer that “it broke on its own,” and the driver of the vehicle is innocent. You will have to pay - the guarantee does not apply here. Who will pay for the repairs depends on the decision of the vehicle owner.
I also include trivial cases when sensor tubes are bent by fittings when the fuel tank is not closed. The method is rated low for easy detection and a high penalty for broken equipment.
4.
Against the background of the simplest schemes to deceive the system, this method looks somewhat fresh: seal the holes at the air drainage, which is located at the top of the FLS, under the “intelligence” cover. One or more holes are used so that the liquid reading on the sensor can change along with the overall level in the tank. If we seal it, we get no changes in the amount of fuel over time. That is, the dispatcher will see a straight line on the fuel graph. The main inconvenience of this method is that you can only reach the holes if you disconnect the sensor mount on the tank. The Technoton company seals its FLS mount; this is provided for by its design and configuration. Other manufacturers such as Strela, Control, etc. They don’t put seals on their fastenings.
5.
A memorable incident from personal experience. The driver admitted that he found the following advice online and tried it in practice. In accordance with the found “guidance”, you should fill on moving equipment, and after a while drain about 20 liters of fuel from the tank. According to the author from the Internet, this trick is 100% correct: the device instantly goes crazy and then should freeze for good. But I will say with all responsibility, this is nonsense! Drivers, don’t create a circus by playing with fuel and lubricants on the go - this way you can “kill” the car without achieving any results. There is a much more “intelligent” option, discussed below...
6. Draining fuel from the return line. In fact, perhaps a unique way to “competently” bypass almost any control system that uses a fuel level sensor (FLS). The idea of the method is that with a small amount of fuel taken, it will not be possible to automatically distinguish between drainage and increased consumption of fuel and lubricants. The usual version is to insert a tee with a tap, through which fuel flows in a thin stream into the canister. During a shift, a lot can be filled, but the system will not catch the drain. The same action occurs when fuel is taken from a “stove” that uses diesel fuel as fuel. This method is correct only under 2 conditions: an illiterate dispatcher who is too lazy to understand situations in detail and a careless mechanic (garage manager) who turns a blind eye to what is happening and fully understands where and which driver placed the tee. If luck favors you, and the mentioned persons do not come to an agreement with the drivers, then draining from the return line is unlikely. The dispatcher will quickly note the increased consumption of the vehicle, and the mechanic will, without wasting time, catch the driver red-handed on the road. If unsuccessful, it will not be easy for the driver to explain the reason for the “intrusion” into the vehicle’s fuel line. The “five” method on our scale.
7.
We should also remember the riskiest way to deceive GPS/GLONASS monitoring systems. I call it “Riding in Russian”. The essence of the idea is that while the vehicle is moving, disconnect the ground, the diesel engine will continue to function and the car will be completely de-energized, as well as the navigation unit. If the system has an internal battery, the device will detect the coordinates of movement along the route, but when there is no battery, the system will display a “jump” from one point to another. This method requires a highly qualified driver, since only an experienced, and in some way crazy, driver can afford to drive a completely de-energized car, with electrical appliances turned off.
To summarize the review on this issue, I would like to note the following: any of the listed options for deceiving the navigation system and satellite control will be successful only when the driver control department works carelessly. We have a fairly wide range of client companies that are negligent in operating their equipment, and this is wasted money. However, there are also enterprises that monitor the operation of the system in an exemplary manner; their money spent paid off in 1-2 months, and the rest of the time the money will be saved. Time, as we know, is money, and a lot of it.
When it comes to modern technology, there can often be a trade-off between privacy and convenience. The same location feature that can recommend a good coffee shop near you or show your boarding pass at the airport can also cause trouble. But we will tell you how to turn off location tracking in Android OS if you no longer want the device to know where you are.
What locations does Android track?
The very first time you start your Android device, you will be asked if you want to share your location with others. If you select Yes, Google will automatically add your movements to your location history, which you can view in your Google Account.
According to Google, location history “helps you get useful information, such as automatic suggestions for your daily trips or improved search results. To do this, a personal map is created with the places you visit.
But if the card has limited access, what's the problem?
We didn't say there was any problem! But not everyone feels comfortable knowing that their every move is being monitored. If you lose your device, the information could be obtained by people with criminal intentions. If you were a burglar, we think you would be interested in knowing where a person lives, when he leaves and when he returns from work.
In addition, it is likely that information about your movements could sooner or later be used against you in court, especially if it indicates that you were somewhere you should not have been. And of course, some people are simply uncomfortable knowing that some private companies are aware of their every move.
What could be the disadvantages of disabling location tracking?
You'll lose some of the functionality that makes Android so convenient. A Google Now that doesn't know your favorite places won't be as useful as apps that rely on location services. On the other hand, by turning off GPS, you save your battery power.
How to disable location tracking in Android OS
There are 2 ways to stop tracking your movements. On your computer, follow the link https://www.google.com/settings/accounthistory> Places you've visited > Manage history, then click on “Disable history”; A pop-up window will display information about which services will be affected by disabling history, and will show a link where you can delete your entire travel history at once.
It's even easier on an Android device.
- Open the Settings menu
- Scroll down to Location
- In the top right corner, you will see an On/Off switch. Using this, you can turn the location service on or off.
- Tap on Location > Location History
- In the same upper right corner you will find a switch with which you can turn off the history of your movements
If you want to delete an already saved history, you can do the following: while in the “Location History” section, click on the “Delete Location History” button located at the bottom of the screen. Once deleted, this information cannot be restored.
How to turn off location tracking on iPad and iPhone
If you have an Android phone and an iOS tablet, or vice versa, then you will also need to check the location settings of the second device. Apple devices can also store your location and share it with apps. To turn off location tracking, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. If location services is turned on, you'll see a list of apps with the following information: first, you'll see whether location services is turned on for the individual app, and second, whether that app has recently accessed your location.
There is also another section here - System Services - which allows you to disable the use of location information at the system level, i.e. for functions such as geolocation advertising, browser search suggestions, setting time zones, etc. Just disable any services you don't need.
How to re-enable location tracking on Android
If you suddenly find yourself missing Google Now, or realize that your movements aren't interesting enough for strangers, you can easily turn location tracking back on. This time you will need:
- Open the Settings menu
- Scroll down the screen to “Location”
- Tap on Location > Google Location Settings
- In the upper right corner, drag the slider to the “On” position.
- Click on “Location History” and also drag the slider in the upper right to the “On” position.
You'll have to do similar things with Apple devices: go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and use the buttons to turn location tracking back on.
What do you think? Do the benefits of location services outweigh the potential hassles that may arise from using them? Share your opinion in the comments!
Increasingly, smartphones are used by their owners as navigators, since it is very convenient to always have a compact device on hand that allows you to determine your location or build a route to the desired object.
It communicates with satellites in orbit, receiving signals from them, and shows its coordinates on the map. Sometimes, due to various circumstances, detecting available satellites can be difficult and take a long time. This occurs in buildings, tunnels, and also near sources of electromagnetic radiation. Even outdoors in large cities with dense buildings may experience interruptions in the satellite signal.
To correct this situation, the A-GPS function is used, which is found in most modern smartphones.
A-GPS technology
A-GPS is a technology that provides the GPS module with additional information about the most accessible satellites and their signal strength. When you turn on navigation, the smartphone almost instantly determines its location on the map, and searching for satellites is possible even in enclosed spaces, and interfloor ceilings are not a hindrance.
The successful launch of A-GPS occurred in the United States in the fall of 2001 as part of the communication networks of the national rescue service (911).
How does A-GPS work?
To obtain up-to-date information, this technology uses alternative communication channels. In the case of our smartphones, this is the Internet provided by a cellular operator or via Wi-Fi.
A-GPS communicates with its servers, transmitting location information, which is determined by the operator’s base stations (towers). In response, these servers receive fresh messages about active satellites in the area. Using them, the smartphone’s geolocation module quickly establishes contact with the necessary satellites, without wasting time searching for all of them. The more base stations there are around the smartphone, or the closer the user is to the cell tower, the more accurately the location of the smartphone is recorded, which means the more accurate the information about the available satellites.
Pros and cons of A-GPS
As we can see, the benefits of having A-GPS are undeniable. This is both a quick establishment of communication with satellites and battery saving, since during a “cold” start and searching for signals, the GPS module intensively consumes battery power. At the same time, communication with servers consumes very little Internet traffic - up to 10 kilobytes per session. It is important that A-GPS does not require user participation, and data is updated automatically as needed.
But this function also has disadvantages, albeit minor ones. It will not provide fast communication with satellites in areas with a shortage of cell towers or their absence. Therefore, far from civilization, A-GPS is useless.
Despite modest internet consumption, regular frequent A-GPS updates and synchronization will result in increased traffic. And when you are in roaming, especially international, communication costs can increase significantly.
How to enable or disable A-GPS?
When activating the “Geodata” function (GPS navigation, geolocation), the smartphone prompts you to select a determination method. The user can prioritize battery conservation or geolocation accuracy. Typically, the following methods are available (menu item names may vary depending on the Android version and phone manufacturer):
- According to all sources (high accuracy). Location determination occurs using GPS, Wi-Fi and Internet traffic of mobile networks. A-GPS technology is active.
- By network coordinates (conserving battery charge). The location is detected using Wi-Fi and mobile networks. GPS protocol is disabled, A-GPS is active.
- By GPS satellites (device only). Determining location solely by satellites without using additional communication channels. A-GPS technology is disabled.
A-GPS technology is necessary for normal navigation using a smartphone - it can be used regularly.