GPS Problems on Nexus 7 (2013)

[Diknak]

I actually have never had a drop when I am walking. I use it to play Ingress and when I am walking around town (tethered to my N4), I have been able to walk around for an hour+ and not have a drop. The only time that I get a drop is when I am driving in my car.

 

[carbon fibre]

In my case: "or this will stay in store".

To decide it, I'd like to ask:

Has anyone tried the N7's GPS offline? Like for hiking? And with other nav. programs and/or maps than Google?

 

[carbon fibre]

I did yesterday on a bike ride. Used Google maps. Searched for destination in WiFi range. A pop up asked if I wanted to save this map section for offline use. Answered yes. Started nav. Voice prompts called out turns as expected on the ride.

Worked well.

 

[ka4wwv]

Yes I have navigator loaded and are experiencing the same problems slow lock on and dropped connections with plenty of SATs in view. Sure hope it's a software issue that can be fixed!

- - - Updated - - -

Yes I have navigator loaded and are experiencing the same problems slow lock on and dropped connections with plenty of SATs in view. Sure hope it's a software issue that can be fixed!

 

[ew800]

Can anyone advise whether or not Google/Nexus has actually recognized this as an issue yet?

 

[ka4wwv]

Out with Navigator running (8-10 sat showing) and when it stopped I noted no sats showing, so either the receiver stops due to a possible hardware problem or the software is telling the receiver to turn off. Only way I have found to get it going again is to turn off tablet and restart. BUMMER

 

[Diknak]

Can anyone advise whether or not Google/Nexus has actually recognized this as an issue yet?

Google has said that they are aware of the issue and looking into it.

 

[J schmidt]

I am finding it almost impossible to get a location in Google Maps unless I am logged on to a WiFi network or near a network. If I turn off WIFI, my unit never seems to be able to find my location. My main interest in the Nexus 7 was to allow me to use Avenza to load custom maps and track my location on them in the field, far from any WiFi connection. So far, my unit appears incapable of that. I have logged several calls to Google Play User Support, but no one seems aware of this problem or to understand how to correct it. Re-setting the tablet and loading all the latest updates has not solved the problem.

I have initiated the process to return the unit, but Google is demanding a 15% re-stocking fee. (I bought it direct from Google). On their website Google states that returns will require a shipping and handling fee, but does not mention the 15% re-stocking fee. I am contending that the unit is defective and that I should receive a full refund, since I am still within the 15 day return period. If I had known about the 15% re-stocking fee, I would have purchased the unit from a retailer where it could be returned or exchanged without a penalty.

I am wondering if some users are having better success navigating with the Nexus 7 because they are in areas with lots of WiFi networks. From the Location Setting options (Wifi and mobile network location) it appears the Nexus 7 can pick up local networks and use them as an aid to navigation, even if you are not logged into the network. That may make it appear that the GPS is working when it is actually not. Does anyone know if my interpretation of this setting is correct ?

 

[ew800]

> I have initiated the process to return the unit, but Google is demanding a 15% re-stocking fee.

If even just out of priciple, I think you should fight the 15% re-stocking fee tooth and nail. You should NOT have to pay that for a defective unit, in my opinion. Don't let them get away with this!

 

[Saci56]

This is bad news. At least for me. As I wrote earlier, I intend using the N7 2013 for my mushroom picking tours, meaning the following needs:

1. Using real (not Assisted!) GPS offline for a 4-6 hours period
2. Using Locus and/or Oruxmaps navigation programs
3. Using SQLite and other format tourist maps for these programs
4. Geo-tagging the photos I make with the Nexus 7
5. Recording my tours + marking POI points (where I find mushrooms)

Has anyone tried this device in a similar (forest walk) situation, and with the same/similar applications?

 

[klobkelosh]

I've tried orux maps and seems to work well. I've only had our fired up for a half hour but GPS is steady and has not dropped. I need to give a longer field test though.

Following advice on this thread (I think, could have been on xda) I turned off Wi-Fi& mobile network location setting in the settings/location access menu. The tablet has not been rebooted in at least 5 days. I've used GPS at least twice a day each day, both maps for 30-45 mins a stretch both tethered and not tethered, and GPS test occasionally to confirm satellite acquisition. Now, I probably need to take it on a longer navigation (can't happen for a bit yet) but it seems that maybe it is working. Anyone else have this experience? Anyone have no luck with this setting?

 

[sfhub]

I have initiated the process to return the unit, but Google is demanding a 15% re-stocking fee. (I bought it direct from Google). On their website Google states that returns will require a shipping and handling fee, but does not mention the 15% re-stocking fee. I am contending that the unit is defective and that I should receive a full refund, since I am still within the 15 day return period. If I had known about the 15% re-stocking fee, I would have purchased the unit from a retailer where it could be returned or exchanged without a penalty.

It says the "may" deduct, not they "will" deduct, which could allow wiggle room for special situations.
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2453532?hl=en

Now in the Warranty section they say if it is defective you "may" be entitled to a refund, replacement, or repair.
https://support.google.com/googleplay/troubleshooter/3070579?rd=1

Not sure "who" determines which of those options to take.

I guess if they really want to be stubborn, you can wear them out on the replacements which everyone knows will not address the issue unless they include a software fix from Google. Eventually they'll cave and either refund your money or they'll be a fix out by then.

So the key may be that you need to initiate the return via a support ticket rather than as a normal changed my mind return.

 

[J schmidt]

Here's an excerpt of the message from Google Play on my request to return my Nexus 7:

4. Take your package to any location of The UPS Store?, UPS Drop Box, UPS Customer Center, UPS Alliances (Office Depot? or Staples?) or Authorized Shipping Outlet near you.

Applicable Fees:
- Restocking fee of 15% if package is opened; no restocking fee for unopened packages.
- Cost of shipping
- Additional fees as applicable for damages or missing components.

Any applicable fees will be automatically deducted from your refund amount upon inspection. If you fail to receive a refund verification email within 14 business days, please reply directly to this email to speak with our support team.

If you have any other questions/concerns, feel free to reply to this email. You have a wonderful day!

Thank you for being a valued Google Play customer.

So it appears the only way to get a full refund is to not open the package in the first place.

 

[J schmidt]

I've tried orux maps and seems to work well. I've only had our fired up for a half hour but GPS is steady and has not dropped. I need to give a longer field test though.

Following advice on this thread (I think, could have been on xda) I turned off Wi-Fi& mobile network location setting in the settings/location access menu. The tablet has not been rebooted in at least 5 days. I've used GPS at least twice a day each day, both maps for 30-45 mins a stretch both tethered and not tethered, and GPS test occasionally to confirm satellite acquisition. Now, I probably need to take it on a longer navigation (can't happen for a bit yet) but it seems that maybe it is working. Anyone else have this experience? Anyone have no luck with this setting?

I changed my settings to turn off mobile network location as well as WiFi and I was finally able to get a GPS location. (Before, I had turned off WiFi but not the mobile network location option). Unfortunately, after about 5 minutes of driving, the unit lost the GPS signal. It did not find it again until I re-booted the unit.

 

[J schmidt]

It says the "may" deduct, not they "will" deduct, which could allow wiggle room for special situations.
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2453532?hl=en

Now in the Warranty section they say if it is defective you "may" be entitled to a refund, replacement, or repair.
https://support.google.com/googleplay/troubleshooter/3070579?rd=1

Not sure "who" determines which of those options to take.

I guess if they really want to be stubborn, you can wear them out on the replacements which everyone knows will not address the issue unless they include a software fix from Google. Eventually they'll cave and either refund your money or they'll be a fix out by then.

So the key may be that you need to initiate the return via a support ticket rather than as a normal changed my mind return.

I did talk to Google Play Support initially.. When they couldn't fix the problem, I asked them for a refund. They referred it to the Return Department with a recommendation that I not be charged the re-stocking fee. The Return Department sent me information on how to return the unit and stated that the 15% re-stocking fee will be charged. The Return Department has not responded (in two days) to my request that the restocking fee be waved.

 

[sfhub]

I did talk to Google Play Support initially.. When they couldn't fix the problem, I asked them for a refund. They referred it to the Return Department with a recommendation that I not be charged the re-stocking fee. The Return Department sent me information on how to return the unit and stated that the 15% re-stocking fee will be charged. The Return Department has not responded (in two days) to my request that the restocking fee be waved.

Then IMO you have a case of getting a generic form email rather than one customized for your situation.

It is always better to be sure though, which you are donig.

 

[jjhoneck]

Just a datapoint for pilots:

After much messing around I managed to get the new Nexus 7 to attach (via Bluetooth) to a Garmin GDL-39 ADS-B/GPS receiver.

With the original N7, we never had a problem. The new N7 needed the latest firmware in the GDL-39 to connect -- a real Catch-22 situation, since the only way to update the firmware was via the N7! (This was ultimately resolved with a special Garmin app that enabled the N7 to communicate at a basic level with the unit via Bluetooth.)

Anyway, since I have no more GPS problems (as long as I'm attached to the GDL-39) I've decided to keep my new N7.

Sooner or later, they will issue a fix for the internal GPS...I hope.

 

[Sandor Lengyel]

I do not know whether I had the same problem because after a testing quickly all the functions, I installed Paranoid android onto my Nexus 7 2013 with the latest PA_gapps.
However this last few days I tested it, and I had all the same symptoms, as you described it.
Getting ready for either an update or to return it to the store I flashed in it the new factory immage awailable from google on the web with fast boot, and locked the boot.
Testing it, by changing applications. turning the gps on and off, taking a trip with the gps on, so far I could not make it fail.
So for me the problem seemes to be solved.
For interest, the image from the web has in it the newest google play service Version 3.2.25 (761454-36).
The number in the bracket is important, since there are more Ver. 3.2.25 versions.
This important since updating the google play service to that version (or higher) solved the problem for someone else on the web.
In the next few days I will play around with custom roms and GApps. Maybe it is the gapps, including the google play service, which is the cause of the problem

Further update:!!!
As I wrote with factory install for me GPS was reliabl.
Installed TWRP for recovery and rooted it with Supersu.
GPS failed Just like before.
Put back the factory image and used twrfor recovery without routing it.
GPS so far seem to work.
Note: Rooting Nexus 7 2012 does not have this problem.. It also runs 4.3 firmware.
Question: How many people with GPS problem rooted thei Nexus 7 2013?
If rootin causes the problem, can it bea timing problem, made more serious by the use of SU daemon used in the rooting?

 

[J schmidt]

Then IMO you have a case of getting a generic form email rather than one customized for your situation.

It is always better to be sure though, which you are donig.

On my third call to Google Play Support, I finally got someone who assured me that I would not be charged a re-stocking fee for returning the unit, due to the GPS locking problems.

 

[horseflesh]

Subscribed... I have the GPS problem too.

I returned a N7 due to the touchscreen problems, got a new one, and did not let it update. My touchscreen seems to be flawless, but my GPS will **** out within a few minutes.

I don't know if the first unit had the GPS problem, since I didn't need to use GPS during that first 14 day window.

My first N7 was built 06.2013, and the replacement on 07.2013, according to the box.