Symptoms
- Location shows as searching or no fix for a long time
- Map position is wildly wrong or frozen in one spot
- Signal works outdoors but not near buildings or in the car
Likely causes
- CommonObstructed view of the skyBuildings, trees, car roofs, and tinted windows can block the weak GPS signal.
- CommonOutdated satellite almanac dataA device unused for a long time needs several minutes outdoors to redownload orbit data.
- PossibleWeak or failing GPS antennaOlder units or ones that have been dropped can have antenna connection issues.
- PossibleSoftware or firmware bugSome units get stuck after an update and need a reset.
- Less commonExtreme cold affecting battery or electronicsVery low temperatures can slow chip performance temporarily.
What to do
- Move to an open outdoor area away from tall buildings, trees, or a vehicle roof.
- Give the unit 5–15 minutes stationary to acquire its first fix after being off for a while.
- Restart the device fully rather than just waking it from sleep.
- Check for and install any pending firmware or map updates.
- Reset the GPS data or 'clear cache' option if your device has one in settings.
- Try a factory reset if the problem persists across multiple locations.
- Test a second GPS device or your phone's GPS in the same spot to rule out a location issue.
When to call a pro
If it never gets a fix outdoors in open sky after a reset and firmware update, the antenna hardware is likely faulty and needs manufacturer repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.