Android: improve GPS signal - the best tips
GPS reception on some smartphones is more than poor. We'll show you how you can improve the location signal on Android devices and get to your destination safely.
Improve GPS signal: Activate A-GPS
A-GPS uses the cellular network to determine your approximate location. The location is not as precise as a bearing via GPS, but it helps to establish a GPS connection faster.
- Go into the settings, scroll down and open the "Location" item.
- Tap Mode, and then select High Accuracy. This activates A-GPS and the location works faster.
Improve GPS signal: eliminate disturbing factors
- Some smartphone covers can affect the GPS signal. While this is not the same for all devices, you should still try whether it works better without a case.
- Buildings also interfere with GPS reception. So if you are inside, your smartphone may not be able to receive a GPS signal. The location may take longer, even next to large buildings.
- There are also various confounding factors in nature. For example, large trees can affect the GPS signal.
Accelerate GPS location with the app
The Android app "FasterFix" requires root rights, but speeds up the location process enormously. This works by restricting the area in which the smartphone is located. So there are fewer possibilities where the device can be located, so the sand location search takes less time.
- Download and install the free "FasterFix" app.
- Open the app and grant root rights.
- Now all you have to do is select your region. After that, the GPS location should go much faster.
In the next practical tip we will explain how you can pretend another location on Android.