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.