Galaxy S9 Plus GPS is glitchy

[vinays84]

Just recently, I'm having problems with my GPS on my Galaxy S9+.
The GPS sporadically works (more off that on).
I've tried restarting my phone, turning Location off and on, making sure Improve Accuracy has both features checked, and clearing my Google Maps cache, as suggested in https://techreen.com/how-to-fix-gps-problem-on-the-samsung-galaxy-s9-and-s9-plus/

I'm using Google Fi as my service, and others in my family (on the same plan) are not seeing issues on their phone.

Has anyone experienced this or have suggestions for what I can do to fix the GPS issue?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Do you mean that your location is frequently inaccurate, or that the GPS radio is actually turning off on its own?

Does this happen only in certain areas (like downtown in a big city, or in certain buildings)?

 

[vinays84]

The latter - the GPS is turning off and on (happens on Google Maps and Waze). I'm noticing this everywhere when I'm driving. As a result, I'll frequently need to use other navigation methods.
I've also tried going to the "secret" menu (phoning *#0*#) and looking at the compass under Sensor. Sometimes it's blue and sometimes it turns red (needs calibration) but will turn blue again if I move the phone in a figure eight.

 

[B. Diddy]

See if it happens in Safe Mode as well: https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/android/samsung-galaxy-s9/safe-mode-samsung-galaxy-s9. (You'll only be able to test Google Maps in Safe Mode.)

 

[mustang7757]

The latter - the GPS is turning off and on (happens on Google Maps and Waze). I'm noticing this everywhere when I'm driving. As a result, I'll frequently need to use other navigation methods.
I've also tried going to the "secret" menu (phoning *#0*#) and looking at the compass under Sensor. Sometimes it's blue and sometimes it turns red (needs calibration) but will turn blue again if I move the phone in a figure eight.

Have you tried to calibrate the compass in Google maps doing figure 8 ? Try also resetting network in settings>general management>reset>reset network

 

[EnthalpiousKitten]

Re: GPS issues on Samsung Galaxy S9+

Try using it somewhere out in the open. I don't know where you live, but I know in some countries around government buildings they do have GPS jamming for security reasons (I've experienced the effects of this first hand when travelling and it's extremely annoying).

 

[B. Diddy]

Duplicate threads merged.

 

[vinays84]

It also occurs in Safe Mode. When the compass goes out while driving, the GPS will reactivate if I re-calibrate by moving the phone in a figure 8 but then it fails again within minutes.

 

[mustang7757]

It also occurs in Safe Mode. When the compass goes out while driving, the GPS will reactivate if I re-calibrate by moving the phone in a figure 8 but then it fails again within minutes.

How old is your sim card ?

 

[vinays84]

How old is your sim card ?

Just under 2 years old.

 

[mustang7757]

Just under 2 years old.

If you test another sim from family or friend to see maybe something going on with sim card ?

 

[vinays84]

If you test another sim from family or friend to see maybe something going on with sim card ?

Thanks, family is in other states right now but they're not experiencing problems. I went to a store and they suggested a I do a factory restore to see if that solves the issue. I'll post if it helps. Thanks for your advice!

 

[cheezz]

Look if your power setting is Optimized. I had problems like that before.

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks, family is in other states right now but they're not experiencing problems. I went to a store and they suggested a I do a factory restore to see if that solves the issue. I'll post if it helps. Thanks for your advice!

Ok keep us posted

 

[vinays84]

Ok keep us posted

I had the phone factory reset by an electronics shop and, unfortunately, the GPS wasn't fixed, which means it's likely an issue with the board.
So looks like I'll need to get a new phone if I want GPS. Any suggestions?

 

[B. Diddy]

Depends on what's important to you in a phone. Do you want to stay with Samsung or branch out?

 

[mustang7757]

I had the phone factory reset by an electronics shop and, unfortunately, the GPS wasn't fixed, which means it's likely an issue with the board.
So looks like I'll need to get a new phone if I want GPS. Any suggestions?

Maybe try reflash the firmware?