Database Users

(SOLVED, DUH!) What happened to my GPS?

So my searches on this have turned up nothing similar. Forgive me if this has been covered somewhere.
Device: Epic 4g running Syndicate 1.02 Standard
Problem: GPS won't even turn on now.
Background: GPS was working normally (albeit badly, as we all know) until yesterday. Was able to toggle on and off.
Now: Toggle switch in pull-down lights up as if activating GPS but no familiar toggle sound. Wifi, BT, and 4g toggles still functioning and making the sound. When I go to Location Settings to activate, still no GPS. Toggle switch does light up if GPS activated from settings.
What I've tried: Not having any idea what could have caused this, I figured I'd just make a Titanium backup and use Odin to go back to DI18 using whosdaman's .tar. That should do the trick, right? WRONG! So then I figured, ok let's just go back to square 1 and used Odin to go back to DG27, same as the day I bought it. Still nothing!!!
Did I somehow truly brick the GPS?
Thanks in advance for any help with this.

leatherneck6017 said:
Problem: GPS won't even turn on now.
Background: GPS was working normally (albeit badly, as we all know) until yesterday. Was able to toggle on and off.
Now: Toggle switch in pull-down lights up as if activating GPS but no familiar toggle sound. Wifi, BT, and 4g toggles still functioning and making the sound. When I go to Location Settings to activate, still no GPS. Toggle switch does light up if GPS activated from settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK there never has been an audible confirmation at the notification bar when the GPS radio is toggled on or off. That's certainly the way my stock Epic running DI18 works.
What makes you think the GPS radio is not working? Have you tried a utility such as GPS Test? Very likely your GPS radio is functioning, and you are just being bitten by the failure-to-lock GPS bug that afflicts all Epics over time when the GPS cache data gets hosed.

boomerbubba said:
AFAIK there never has been an audible confirmation at the notification bar when the GPS radio is toggled on or off. That's certainly the way my stock Epic running DI18 works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, well I guess I didn't notice it specifically. At least I know that is normal now.
boomerbubba said:
What makes you think the GPS radio is not working? Have you tried a utility such as GPS Test? Very likely your GPS radio is functioning, and you are just being bitten by the failure-to-lock GPS bug that afflicts all Epics over time when the GPS cache data gets hosed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not even getting the "looking for lock" icon in the notification bar. Nothing happens at all. I'll try downloading a GPS Test though, didn't think about that thanks.

leatherneck6017 said:
I'm not even getting the "looking for lock" icon in the notification bar. Nothing happens at all. I'll try downloading a GPS Test though, didn't think about that thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That pulsating icon only appears when some app actually starts the GPS. Just enabling the GPS toggle does not start it.

Wow I feel dumb. See I was using the google maps widget yesterday and was driving to a friends house and it wasn't using my gps location even with GPS turned on. Was only using the network.
I got so focused on getting "no response" from enabling and disabling the GPS that I failed to realize that the google map widget may not actually use GPS! It didn't occur to my retardedness to try using an app that I KNEW used GPS!!!!
Thanks boomer for helping me pull my head out of my arse!

GPS issues..

The GPS on my phone has not been locking since I flashed CM7. I searched through some fixes but none seemed to help. I went back to the backup I had before I put CM7 on and the gps seemed to lock just fine. So I tried to flash while it had a lock but still nothing. I even tried using the GPS status app and that did nothing. Any other fixes that could help? Thanks

Have you tried flashing a different kernel? Maybe x99's or scaryghoul's as they are aosp roms their in the dev section. Always wipe your dalvik-cache b4 you flash a new kernel,I have very few issues when I do.
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA Premium App

My GPS actually locks instantly after I flashed CM7 and x99
I have only one problem. Sometimes it'll lose a signal and will never get signal again on its own.
The quickest and only solution (that I know) is to quickly exit Navigation, then go in and tap on the most recent trip and voila, instant GPS lock again.
Not a huge problem, but a weird annoyance.

doratheconquistadora said:
My GPS actually locks instantly after I flashed CM7 and x99
I have only one problem. Sometimes it'll lose a signal and will never get signal again on its own.
The quickest and only solution (that I know) is to quickly exit Navigation, then go in and tap on the most recent trip and voila, instant GPS lock again.
Not a huge problem, but a weird annoyance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you mean Google Navigation? If so I think that is a problem with Google Navigation itself. I have the exact same issue on my stock but rooted Shift. It will lose GPS lock, usually within the first couple of minutes. It then is never able to reestablish the lock on its own. If I exit Navigation and go back in, or turn the GPS off then back on it gets a lock and keeps it.
I just started trying Google Navigation. I have been using Telenav since getting the Shift about 2 months ago. With Telenav I never lost GPS lock.

i've found, atleast for me, that this tends to happen when i have GPS off, then turn it on to use it and open telenav and it just cannot find a GPS lock. so i leave GPS on and reboot my phone, open televav back up and it finds a GPS lock pretty quickly. it's like if i turn off GPS, i can't get it to work again until i reboot my phone...
needless to say, GPS sucks ass on this phone. i've never had a phone with GPS problems like this one. but other than that, everything is perfect.

mine happens when somebody attempts to call me, the lock disappears. after i ignore the call, like others have stated it locks on instantly when i go back into navigation. but i do prefer telenav over google... traffic is on point :]

i've been having gps issues, i think its a bug in google maps. havent had time to test root on it yet

It seems like nothing wants to work. I installed the x99 kernel and my GPS will still not connect. It seems like it will only connect when I'm on stock. For some reason I cannot get it to work with CM7.

Look up the ##gpsclrx# fix. I don't remember all the steps but it requires you to reflash a Sense rom, dial ##gpsclrx#, enter your MSL (found via MSL Reader on HTC devices), reboot, maybe clear cache, and then reflash your rom of choice. Fixed my CM7 gps issues (even with the MSL "password" prompt telling me that the password was wrong).

Nan to stock . Use GPS on stock leave it on. Nan to or redownload cyanogen and GPS will work. Happens to me when first putting in a rom sometimes.
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App

Caromsoft said:
I assume you mean Google Navigation? If so I think that is a problem with Google Navigation itself. I have the exact same issue on my stock but rooted Shift. It will lose GPS lock, usually within the first couple of minutes. It then is never able to reestablish the lock on its own. If I exit Navigation and go back in, or turn the GPS off then back on it gets a lock and keeps it.
I just started trying Google Navigation. I have been using Telenav since getting the Shift about 2 months ago. With Telenav I never lost GPS lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this exact same problem with Google Navigation. It "loses the lock" after a few minutes like clockwork, but I can get a perfect one again right after, making me believe that it is the application and not the GPS. Is there any fix to this?? It really is annoying.

spenzher said:
I have this exact same problem with Google Navigation. It "loses the lock" after a few minutes like clockwork, but I can get a perfect one again right after, making me believe that it is the application and not the GPS. Is there any fix to this?? It really is annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have the same problem. Would be interested in a fix because it's very annoying.

Google Maps keeps running!

Google maps is keeping my phone awake, I cleaned the cache and forced stop but keeps running, It used 12% of my battery in 2 hours so is a issue, any way to fix it?

Uninstall the Google Maps update. Others have had the same issue.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

Check if you have Latitude running. It can restart google maps. Also, you might want to do a search on your own, you're not the first one with this problem.

I ripped out crap I didn't use and it helped with speed and responsiveness. Maps was definitely one to go. I can always install it later if needed.

I'm pretty sure it's Latitude that's causing the problem.

dmora01 said:
Google maps is keeping my phone awake, I cleaned the cache and forced stop but keeps running, It used 12% of my battery in 2 hours so is a issue, any way to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had this same problem. For me, Latitude was the problem. I don't use it, so I used Ti Backup to get rid of it.
However, my wife uses Latitude and the way she solved the problem is by going into the Latitude settings and turning off the auto-update location feature, which was waking her phone up every 10 mins or so to update her location. Now she has it set so that she has to manually update her location and the battery use issue has gone away.

Latitude was the problem for me also. I turned off Latitude and it was fixed.

How do you keep it shut off? I have the same problem with Latitude but it just keeps starting up again. Only thing working is unchecking using both wireless networks and gps but then no applications can use that stuff which isn't super cool. Latitude is ofc still running doing this but at least it's not draining my battery.

calanbalan said:
How do you keep it shut off? I have the same problem with Latitude but it just keeps starting up again. Only thing working is unchecking using both wireless networks and gps but then no applications can use that stuff which isn't super cool. Latitude is ofc still running doing this but at least it's not draining my battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what worked for my wife:
VisedMonk said:
My wife uses Latitude and the way she solved the problem is by going into the Latitude settings and turning off the auto-update location feature, which was waking her phone up every 10 mins or so to update her location. Now she has it set so that she has to manually update her location and the battery use issue has gone away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Latitude > Settings > make sure "Do not update your location" is checked and "Enable automatic check-ins" is not checked. Then sign out of Latitude and you should be good to go.

tmcquake said:
Latitude was the problem for me also. I turned off Latitude and it was fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not a solution, though, is it? FWIW, I made a bug report: http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=17356

VisedMonk said:
However, my wife uses Latitude and the way she solved the problem is by going into the Latitude settings and turning off the auto-update location feature, which was waking her phone up every 10 mins or so to update her location. Now she has it set so that she has to manually update her location and the battery use issue has gone away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask what good is latitude without the auto update feature? So your wife keep on manual updating everywhere she go?

ykphuah said:
Can I ask what good is latitude without the auto update feature? So your wife keep on manual updating everywhere she go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use it, so I can't say. I imagine she uses it to check in places, kind of like foursquare, which would be easy enough to do manually, I suppose.

ykphuah said:
Can I ask what good is latitude without the auto update feature?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much, really. Well, if you sign out completely you can't even see where your friends are.
Anyway, disabling the updates for my own location in Latitude's settings didn't make any difference for me.

As of 4.1.2 Maps is running permanently unless I disable Google Apps Location Access. LAME.

this has been an issue with me since ICS. I've uninstalled maps several times because I was getting such horrible battery life. I've seen my phone die in 3 hours in standby because maps was constantly running. Couple the map issue with your phone searching for a data signal, and it's easy to kill your battery from a full charge in just a few hours. Something needs to be done, severely!!
You can notice an instant, DRAMATIC increase in battery life after uninstalling/freezing maps, btw....I'd recommend giving it a shot to anyone having battery life problems.

heinrich said:
As of 4.1.2 Maps is running permanently unless I disable Google Apps Location Access. LAME.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that all location requests by all Apps goes through Google Maps, when WiFi and Mobile network location is enabled.
I too have been experimenting with different ways to boost my battery life, trying out disabling:
1. Signing out of Latitude
2. Turning off WiFi and Mobile Network Location
3. Turning off Google Now
4. Manually disabling Wifi and Mobile network etc...
So far I realize that its actually #2 that causes battery issues for me. Keeping latitude signed in doesn't seemed to have much impact if #2 is turned off.

I have ended up just uninstalling it because it was by far the most battery draining app on the phone, on the days where I was barely using it maps kept the phone awake for 3+ plus hours, making me charge the phone every day when I didn't even use it!!
My advice is when you need it, install it OR the day before, input the route/address/location you need and after the use for it ended, uninstall it. It'll be in your play store app list anyway so the above process, wont take too long.

littlebigsnafu said:
I have ended up just uninstalling it because it was by far the most battery draining app on the phone, on the days where I was barely using it maps kept the phone awake for 3+ plus hours, making me charge the phone every day when I didn't even use it!!
My advice is when you need it, install it OR the day before, input the route/address/location you need and after the use for it ended, uninstall it. It'll be in your play store app list anyway so the above process, wont take too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also freeze it with Titanium Backup or similar. More practical way to do it, IMHO.
By the way, if you freeze it, location services will be in their own process.

Just disable Location access.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app

polobunny said:
You can also freeze it with Titanium Backup or similar. More practical way to do it, IMHO.
By the way, if you freeze it, location services will be in their own process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good advice! I'll try it that way in the next couple of days when I have a few job interviews coming up. However, I DO wish EL goog sorts this problem out sooner or later, it's only maps in the core Google apps that really has this problem.

[Q] GPS problem

Looked to the best of my searching abilities, and prob just missed something. However, is anyone else having a problem with the GPS? In particular, when I start an app, any app, that requires GPS, I have to turn the already on GPS off, then back on. Otherwise, even though its marked as on, the apps will say 'searching for gps'. Now, after I turn it off then back on, the apps immediately get a lock and operate as normal. I didn't spend much time with the phone before rooting it and have no idea if the problem existed before hand. Maybe I have a faulty phone? Or maybe I should flash back to stock?
If no one else is experiencing this prob, I'm thinking I should return the phone. Just need to learn how to revert back to stock with no one the wiser.
TIA

I've never had that issue. But i used GPS Status to clean the gps data and download more accurate one. It makes the signal stronger I think or we'll at least it seems to grab more accurate readings.
If you download it from the app store. Hit the menu button > tools > Manage A-GPS State > Reset. Then go back in and hit download.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

Just tried mine again. Works as it should. I have GPS on all the time and when I go to map or navigation, it instantly shows my location and is ready to navigate.
The issue you are describing was common on my HTC Evo 4G LTE, though. That was pretty much the scenario anytime I wanted to use the GPS apps.

I use them on all my phones. It may connect good but I noticed on like navigation app it would bounce from spot to spot I was driving to. But when I use that gps status it smooths it out for me so it's smooth and moves as I do.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

kyhassen said:
I've never had that issue. But i used GPS Status to clean the gps data and download more accurate one. It makes the signal stronger I think or we'll at least it seems to grab more accurate readings.
If you download it from the app store. Hit the menu button > tools > Manage A-GPS State > Reset. Then go back in and hit download.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the program and tried what you suggested. However, I again had to turn the gps off then back on for even that app to work. I am going to figure out how to flash back to stock and try it again, then decide if i need to return the phone.
Thanks for you suggestions.

some of this could depend on the area you are in. downtown with skyscrapers = less accurate gps. Or at least in my experience. No matter what phone I have had.

Just a quick update:
Figured I had nothing to lose by trying one of the new roms that are out before I returned it. After flashing I went back to test the apps and they now work without a hitch. So, seems there was simply a software glitch preventing apps from seeing that the gps was already on and ready. I'm just relieved not to have to go through the extra steps to get navigation up and running!
Thanks again for the responses. Saved me a trip to test another phone! :good:

krazyjack said:
Just a quick update:
Figured I had nothing to lose by trying one of the new roms that are out before I returned it. After flashing I went back to test the apps and they now work without a hitch. So, seems there was simply a software glitch preventing apps from seeing that the gps was already on and ready. I'm just relieved not to have to go through the extra steps to get navigation up and running!
Thanks again for the responses. Saved me a trip to test another phone! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad this worked. what rom did you use? I am on uscc and have the same gps issue where you need to toggle it off then on and instant lock. Maybe we can extract the gps part and make a zip that updates just that part.

Exactly same issue with stock rom
krazyjack said:
Looked to the best of my searching abilities, and prob just missed something. However, is anyone else having a problem with the GPS? In particular, when I start an app, any app, that requires GPS, I have to turn the already on GPS off, then back on. Otherwise, even though its marked as on, the apps will say 'searching for gps'. Now, after I turn it off then back on, the apps immediately get a lock and operate as normal. I didn't spend much time with the phone before rooting it and have no idea if the problem existed before hand. Maybe I have a faulty phone? Or maybe I should flash back to stock?
If no one else is experiencing this prob, I'm thinking I should return the phone. Just need to learn how to revert back to stock with no one the wiser.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have exactly the same issue with the stock rom of my Galaxy S4 (i9505). Mine is not rooted, just standard. After having tried many things, I found the same workaround to switch off and on the GPS to have the navigation software working. This issue occurs with all software making use of the GPS signal.
Salvatore

i just unrooted my phone back to stock MDC did a factory reset.. rebooted now my GPS wont work.. location error.. failed location current location? i tried everything turn data on off.. wifi on off.. reboot ect..?? please help.. thanks

Sorry, never saw the responses posted and figured my situation was isolated:
Problem resurfaced even on new rom, so returned to the store for a replacement, no problems since.

Solution found
I found the culprit: After uninstalling Yahoo Weather, the GPS works just fine!!

your a god send
salvatorv said:
I found the culprit: After uninstalling Yahoo Weather, the GPS works just fine!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant believe it. Yahoo is it. Works like a charm now.

[Q] Wonky GPS on AT&T S4?

Hi all. I'm having a bit of GPS weirdness. GPS can get a lock quickly and accurately, however, I have to turn it off/on every time I open an app that uses it. Otherwise, it won't ever find the location. Once I turn it off/on it picks up and stays locked while the app is running. Also, if I switch to another app that uses GPS I have to do the same thing to get a location fix.
So obviously, the GPS function works, but something in the OS is not recognizing it until it's reset. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying. Is anyone else seeing this?
This is on the AT&T version, by the way.
Thanks!

Check if you have GPS and Mobile Networks turned on for Location.
Else return it.... and get a new one... GPS has been quick and spot on...

slider2828 said:
Check if you have GPS and Mobile Networks turned on for Location.
Else return it.... and get a new one... GPS has been quick and spot on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is quick and spot on. Per what I wrote, I have to turn it off and on for an app to be able to use it.

burhanistan said:
GPS is quick and spot on. Per what I wrote, I have to turn it off and on for an app to be able to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed this once, where something in the background was starting a GPS lock, but seemed to cancel, and retry before it ever succeeded. Turning the GPS and location services off, then back on worked for me. Haven't had an issue since.
If you haven't tried resetting to factory default, I suggest doing so.

TwistedMexi said:
I've noticed this once, where something in the background was starting a GPS lock, but seemed to cancel, and retry before it ever succeeded. Turning the GPS and location services off, then back on worked for me. Haven't had an issue since.
If you haven't tried resetting to factory default, I suggest doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.

burhanistan said:
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Less drastic than returning it. I suppose it depends on how attached you are to your current setup - but I would say if you're experiencing that issue repeatedly, the factory reset is exactly what you'd need. I doubt the OTA will address it since it appears to be an isolated problem.

burhanistan said:
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be my guest but to get the quickest results please just turn off all gps settings then do a battery pull. Restart it and turn the gps services back on... Viola
If that's to drastic for you then your SOL
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

You can also try to download GPS Status from the play store and download aGPS data and see if that helps

mcmb03 said:
You can also try to download GPS Status from the play store and download aGPS data and see if that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, the issue is with ANY app that requests GPS data.

So, yeah. Today's OTA update did indeed fix this. i would press my own Thanks button, but that would be sinning!

burhanistan said:
Hi all. I'm having a bit of GPS weirdness. GPS can get a lock quickly and accurately, however, I have to turn it off/on every time I open an app that uses it. Otherwise, it won't ever find the location. Once I turn it off/on it picks up and stays locked while the app is running. Also, if I switch to another app that uses GPS I have to do the same thing to get a location fix.
So obviously, the GPS function works, but something in the OS is not recognizing it until it's reset. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying. Is anyone else seeing this?
This is on the AT&T version, by the way.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here and it's driving me INSANE. lol I am on stock rom just rooted and unlocked. If i ever want to use Gps I need to turn on/off the toggle. Very annoying. Wasn't like this from day one so something must have changed. I have tried clearing the cache for Google Maps as well as re enabling all of my location settings downloading aGPS data data did not work

Do you have yahoo weather installed ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I do not have yahoo weather installed. Another bit of info I forgot in last post:
I do sometimes, in a quick glance, see the gps icon running out of the blue. The notification of "acquiring gps signal bla bla" is present as well.. only to disappear within seconds. So it seems as if a specific service or application is using the gps in a faulty manner, blocking other services/applications from using it. May be why resetting the gps allows the application your trying to use access it. (my only fix)
If someone could read a logcat of what's going on I could post one up
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I've actually been combing through the logcat output and see a line reappearing often referring to "no secgps file" I do remember on my previous devices messing around with that file and others for GPS configurations. Does anyone know if this file is supposed to be included in the stock rom?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

BUMP
Seeing a few other posts in this sub forum for GPS locking issues, and most the others see the fix to turn on and off via the toggle.

tyshemi said:
Do you have yahoo weather installed ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was Yahoo Weather for me! As soon as I deleted it the GPS started to work well with apps that need it such as Waze and Google Navigation. Wow. Thank you. I was going crazy. Tmobile GS4 btw!

Lol people probly thought I was crazy but it causes lots of issues
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

tyshemi said:
Lol people probly thought I was crazy but it causes lots of issues
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely no yahoo weather installed. I've disabled yahoo news and yahoo finance so far
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Sucks man faulty phone then I've had zero issues after the yahoo incident
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It does suck.. I'm starting to get the feeling its Google now. I love it and use it extensively
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium