Google Maps Location - Help

[jaydee82]

My location on Google Maps will not work unless I use the GPS setting. It always says my location is unavailable if I want to just use the wireless networks for an approximate location. Anyone else having this problem?!!

I dont want to have to keep GPS enabled as it drains too much battery

 

[jd914]

GPS works on demand when a certain app calls for it. I doubt it will run down your battery just by having it enabled.

 

[jaydee82]

I still dont see why it would not work using just the wireless location.

 

[PDT816]

Have you tried this in multiple locations?

Could be that the location information associated with the wifi's WAN IP you are using isn't available because the internet service provider doesn't pass along the information.

I think I would see if it works other places that have wifi connections or ATT hotspots and you will have your answer.

 

[jaydee82]

I have tried this in several locations. When WIFI or GPS is on it is fine. It's only when I *only* want to use the network to determine my location. My boyfriend has the Inspire and he has the same problem. My friend on T-Mo using a MyTouch 4g does not.

 

[Ricky Babalu]

My location on Google Maps will not work unless I use the GPS setting. It always says my location is unavailable if I want to just use the wireless networks for an approximate location. Anyone else having this problem?!!

I dont want to have to keep GPS enabled as it drains too much battery

Do you have "Use Wireless Networks" in your Settings enabled?

Settings>Location & Security>check "Use wireless Networks".

 

[annihilator_4]

The cellular triangulation is very finicky I have found. I find it's best to use the GPS and save the inaccuracy/inaccessibility.

 

[jaydee82]

Do you have "Use Wireless Networks" in your Settings enabled?

Settings>Location & Security>check "Use wireless Networks".

Yea I have it enabled. I have wifi disabled, GPS disabled, and Use Wireless Networks enabled. My Location will not work with that set up

 

[Ricky Babalu]

Might be a dumb question since the Atrix is so new, but are you running the latest version of Maps?

Maps: Version 5.2.1

Also, go into "Maps" and clear data. Restart your phone.

 

[jwolfe99]

Mine works fine here, no gps or wireless and it comes up with like 80meters accuracy, with wifi and wireless it goes down to like 30meters and with all enabled it gets down to like 3-5 meters... Could be that you only have one cell tower and its hard to triangulate with only one tower posting to the phone. No expert here just trying to help.

Julian

 

[jaydee82]

Mine works fine here, no gps or wireless and it comes up with like 80meters accuracy, with wifi and wireless it goes down to like 30meters and with all enabled it gets down to like 3-5 meters... Could be that you only have one cell tower and its hard to triangulate with only one tower posting to the phone. No expert here just trying to help.

Julian

wow....yea i have no idea whats going on. I've tried in several different locations too. I'm wondering if I should send it back and get a replacement. The odd thing is, my fiance's HTC Inspire on ATT has the saaame problem. Maybe its an ATT Tower thing where we live

 

[jess.hickey]

i had a similar problem with my 2g iphone. they put up a new tower right here by my house shortly after i got the phone and the phone insisted that i was somewhere in california. it had something to do with the settings with the tower. once the tower was "updated", things were fine.

 

[Jonneh]

I guess I am the only other one experiencing OP's same problem. Maps only finds my location if my GPS enabled. Otherwise, it can't find me, even with GPS off and the "use wireless networks" or whatever turned on. GPS is more accurate though so I guess it's not a big problem for me..and with the power control widget on one of my homescreens, turning GPS on/off is just a tap away, but still, thought I'd throw in that I have the same issue.

 

[PDT816]

Thought of another thing you might try.....

Access Google Maps from a computer and see if it can find your location. That would take your phone, the cellsites, etc completely out of the equation and tell us how close of an estimate Google can make (if at all).

If you don't know, it's the small circle icon in a button between on the left of the map between the zoom slider/control and the button you use to pan the map area.

FYI, just tried and you have to click "share information" when asked or it won't work.