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Mobile GPS Troubleshooting

GPS troubleshooting tips for mobile devices.

Rachel avatar
Written by Rachel
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Overview: GPS information is pulled from a combination of satellites, wifi, and cellular data. If you're having trouble getting accurate or any GPS information at all, please use the steps below based on your mobile device.

Instructions:


iPhone (iOS)

A few simple setting changes on your iPhone should restore GPS accuracy—here’s how:

1. Enable Precise Location

  • Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services → select your GPS/mapping app → toggle Precise Location on.

2. Toggle Location Services & Airplane Mode

  • Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services → turn Off, then On.

  • Swipe down Control Center → tap Airplane Mode on (wait 5 s) → off.

3. Check Date & Time

  • Settings > General > Date & Time → enable Set Automatically.

4. Calibrate Compass in Maps

  • Open Apple or Google Maps → tap the location arrow/blue dot → follow on-screen prompts (figure-8 or Live View).


For Android Users

A few simple setting changes on your Android device should restore GPS accuracy—here’s how:

1. Turn On Location & Improve Accuracy

  • Settings > Location → toggle On.

  • Tap Improve accuracy → enable Wi-Fi scanning & Bluetooth scanning.

  • Tap Google Location Accuracy → ensure Improve Location Accuracy is on.

2. Quick-Panel GPS Toggle

  • Swipe down Quick Settings → tap Location off → wait 5 s → on.

3. App Permissions & Sleeping Apps

  • Settings > Location > App permissions → set your navigation app to Allow all the time.

  • Settings > Battery & device care > Battery > Background usage limits > Sleeping apps → remove GPS apps.

4. Step Outside & Restart

  • Move to an open area with a clear sky view.

  • Reboot the device and retest.


For Google Pixel Users

A few simple setting changes on your Pixel should restore GPS accuracy—here’s how:

1. High Accuracy Mode

  • Settings > Location > Locating method → select High accuracy (GPS + Wi-Fi + mobile networks).

2. Calibrate in Google Maps

  • Open Maps → tap the blue dot → Calibrate → follow Live View or figure-8 instructions.

3. Toggle & Restart

  • Turn Location off/on via Quick Settings, then reboot.

4. Disable Battery Saver & Remove Case

  • Ensure Battery Saver is off and no app-level restrictions for your GPS app.

  • Remove metal or magnetic phone cases.


For Huawei Users

A few simple setting changes on your Huawei should restore GPS accuracy—here’s how:

1. Enable Location & Wi-Fi Scanning

  • Swipe down and long-press Location, tap Advanced settings, then turn on Wi-Fi scanning.

2. Grant App Permissions

  • Go to Settings > Permissions, find your GPS/navigation app, and ensure Location access is allowed.

3. Use GPS + Wi-Fi + Mobile Networks

  • In older EMUI versions (8.x or earlier), on the app’s permission screen select Use GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks for best accuracy.

4. Step Outside & Restart

  • Move to an open-sky area, remove any obstructions, then reboot your phone and retest.

5. Remove Metal Case & Update Software

  • Take off any metal or magnetic case and check Settings > System > Software update for the latest patches.


For Motorola Users

A few simple setting changes on your Motorola should restore GPS accuracy—here’s how:

1. Enable “Improve Location Accuracy”

  • Settings > Location > Google Location Accuracy → toggle On.

2. Toggle GPS & Airplane Mode

  • Quick Settings → Location off/on; Airplane Mode on (15 s) → off.

3. Remove Case & Disable Power Saving

  • Take off thick/metal cases; Settings > Battery → ensure Power Saver off.

4. Reboot Device

  • Hold Power button → Restart.


For LG Users

A few simple setting changes on your LG should restore GPS accuracy—here’s how:

1. Enable High Accuracy GPS Mode

  • Settings > General > Lock Screen & Security > Location > Mode → select High accuracy.

2. Enable Wi-Fi Scanning

  • Settings > Network > Wi-Fi (On) → back to General > Lock Screen & Security > Location > Scanning → Wi-Fi scanning On.

3. Toggle Mobile Data

  • Settings > Network > Mobile data Off → wait 5 s → On.

4. Reset Location Settings

  • Settings > General > Lock Screen & Security > Location off/on; verify Scanning and High accuracy remain enabled.

5. Restart Device

  • Hold Power button → Power off & restart.


For Sony Users

A few simple setting changes on your Sony Xperia should restore GPS accuracy—here’s how:

1. Turn On Location Services

  • Settings > Lock screen & security > Location → toggle On.

2. Enable Google Location Accuracy

  • Settings > Location > Google Location Accuracy → toggle Improve Location Accuracy On.

3. Ensure Clear Sky & Unblocked Antenna

  • Move outdoors with unobstructed sky; remove any obstructing case.

4. Calibrate Compass & Reset Networks

  • Google Maps → tap blue dot → Calibrate (figure-8 or Live View).

  • If needed: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

5. Restart Device

  • Hold Power button → Restart.


FAQ

Q: What GPS accuracy can I expect, and is it audit-ready?

A: Buddy Punch relies on each device’s built-in GPS hardware, typically accurate to 5–10 meters outdoors (indoor accuracy may vary). Every GPS stamp is saved with a precise timestamp and latitude/longitude, so you can confidently use these records for internal audits and compliance checks.

Q: What happens in low-signal environments—will punches still record basic GPS?

A: If Basic GPS is set to Required and an employee's device does not have a signal, they will not be able to punch in, out, or switch between jobs.

Q: What happens in low-signal environments—will real-time GPS coordinates still be recorded?

A: If Real-Time GPS is On and an employee's GPS signal is lost or otherwise does not have a strong enough signal strength to successfully report GPS coordinates, they won’t be able to punch in, out, or switch between jobs.

If the employee is already punched in and loses signal, there will be no coordinates reflected on the GPS Activity Report or on the Map section of an employee's timecard during that timeframe.

Once there is a stable, strong connection again, the coordinates will be recorded from that point forward. This could appear as large gaps in the data points on the GPS Activity report and the employee's Map, as if an employee is "teleporting" from one location to another, rather than following a continuous route.

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