Database Users

GPS Problems on a new G1

I'm on my third G1. The first one died to some strange graphics issue where the screen would go completely pixilated and wacky on me. I think the graphics processor was overheating. On the second one the touch screen died about the same time the speaker in started buzzing during calls.
Luckly because TMobile extends your warranty 90 days every time you get a new phone, I've only had to pay for shipping. I got the latest one, and immediately installed Cyanogen 4.2.5 on it. No problems. Then I followed Michael Mayhew's instructions for the maps update to get Navigation.
I can't get the GPS to work at all. I've since tried going back to RC29, or the base Cyanogen 4.2.5 without the maps hack. I've tried other GPS applications such as the Chartcross GPSTest. I can't get a read at all on any of them. I don't know if it was working before the updates, because I never tried to use maps before I installed the mod.
So I'm wondering somehow a radio update was applied that broke this phone, or if there is anything I can do to change the gps drivers around. Anyone with similar GPS failure issues?
I don't really want to return this one as I've only had it one day!

Yes, similar issues. No solution thus far. I also did not test GPS before flashing. OOPS?!? And now it no longer works, but I can't tell if that was the case to begin with.
I followed the same procedure (CM 4.2.5, Navigation mod), and had the same result--broken GPS. "My Location" not working, "Searching for GPS" forever, etc.
So two possibilities I can see:
1) hardware problem w/GPS
2) one or a combination of CM 4.2.5 + Nav = broken GPS
I have seen a few people on these boards say their GPS doesn't work all of a sudden. In fact, there are stock Droid owners with issues.
Can anybody chime in?

Hmmm
So for about 10 minutes on Friday it started working again. Totally random, I have no idea why. I was at a party and decided to see if it was working. All of a sudden I had signal (using GPSTest) and google maps found my location.
I've since tried it several times, rebooting, and doing a bunch of other stuff. I can't get it working again. Total fluke! So frustrating!

Well now the new version of google maps is in the market. I've successfully installed that one but still no GPS.

Im having the same issue on my G1 right now. Sorry for the Zombie thread, but did this ever get resolved?

I've had the gps fail on my phone and others I know have also. The g1 seems to have issues with the gps antenna strip breaking internally so one minute you'll have reception, the next.. nothing. Only solution is to find a new antenna strip and replace it (good luck!)

Aside from possible hardware failures, the GPS units on these phones tend to be very weak. Sometimes it *IS* impossible to get a strong enough signal to lock on, even when out in the open if there is something nearby that can reflect the GPS signals.
However note that these are AGPS devices, which means that with a cell connection and a data connection, and given that google knows the coordinates of the cell tower you are connected to, it is able to load assistance data (almanac + accurate time synchronization via NTP), and this will *GREATLY* improve your chances of getting a good lock and greatly reduce the time it takes.

Woil said:
I'm on my third G1. The first one died to some strange graphics issue where the screen would go completely pixilated and wacky on me. I think the graphics processor was overheating. On the second one the touch screen died about the same time the speaker in started buzzing during calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt that it was the GPU overheating. Your phone would burn your hand if it got that hot.
The in-call buzzing could be corrected by shifting the screen a little bit while it is happening. It is related to GSM interference with the speaker. The speaker is literally playing the radio waves emitted by the phone. The touchscreen issue was probably a broken cable... also related to moving the screen.
Luckly because TMobile extends your warranty 90 days every time you get a new phone, I've only had to pay for shipping. I got the latest one, and immediately installed Cyanogen 4.2.5 on it. No problems. Then I followed Michael Mayhew's instructions for the maps update to get Navigation.
I can't get the GPS to work at all. I've since tried going back to RC29, or the base Cyanogen 4.2.5 without the maps hack. I've tried other GPS applications such as the Chartcross GPSTest. I can't get a read at all on any of them. I don't know if it was working before the updates, because I never tried to use maps before I installed the mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note that you are getting refurbs....
So I'm wondering somehow a radio update was applied that broke this phone, or if there is anything I can do to change the gps drivers around. Anyone with similar GPS failure issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What radio version are you running?

I've also had no luck getting a GPS signal ever since I installed hacked navigation... I wonder if that's the problem? Has anyone tried removing the hacked navigation, to see if that solves the problem?
BTW, the problem started on CM 4.1 with EBI0 radio (2.22.19.26I), and still persists with CM 5.0.7... Has anyone tried upgrading their radio to 2.22.23.02? How about the folks that have gone back to the Updated Rogers EBI1 Radio (3.22.26.17)?

I have been having the "searching for gps" problem as long as I can remember (although I just got this phone a month or two ago)....I remember trying to install the hacked navigation or something so maybe that messed it up?...this phone was never opened, and I would hate to have to open it up to see if it is a hardware issue because I may not put it back as it was. IDK what to do, I even started a thread about it and tried every solution I could find and nothing worked for me....
I wish someone could chime in here with some insight...but it is also nice to hear others with this issue and their advice/ideas also...
Has anyone tried un-rooting and returning the phone back to complete stock and wiping everything ? has that worked for anyone?

After Flashing to Overcome 1.2.1....GPS is not working correctly.

Ever since I flashed to Overcome 1.2.1 the GPS has been VERY wonky and just plain WRONG. Maps says that I am in the next TOWN which is a good ways away.
GPS Locks are extremely few as well and takes forever to lock on to.
Can anyone else confirm this and or help?

Bumping this up.

When you flashed, did you wipe your cache? With a new rom it always takes a while to reaquire your location. I use the app HereIAm2 from the market to get that first position lock after a rom flash.

Yes I did wipe the caches. Will try that app out if it is free.
Thanks.
EDIT: Noticed that the compass seems to be very inaccurate as well. Weird.

Digiguest said:
Ever since I flashed to Overcome 1.2.1 the GPS has been VERY wonky and just plain WRONG. Maps says that I am in the next TOWN which is a good ways away.
GPS Locks are extremely few as well and takes forever to lock on to.
Can anyone else confirm this and or help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well, that's the least of my probs;-/
i have installed OC 1.2.1 and at one point the whole tab became very sluggish....and all sort of issues appeared such as slow browsing.......then the tab would simply freeze! Reboot did not help at all....
I have since installed OC 1.2.3 with the new kernel and it went ok-ish. But today after rebooting i have all sort of errors (broken messaging service, when i click on the wifi tab to switch on, it says 'error'.etc).
I wonder if others have this sort of probs. I cannot understand how it can work fine for a few hours and then.....kkkkkkkk.
I have the UK tab version with firmware JK5; Also cannot figure it out why it does not show 'overcome v1.2.3 on the build number...it still shows v1.2.1, kernel overcome 97.
I'll have to reflash the lot now.......how annoying.

I am sorry that you are having problems. However hijacking threads is frowned upon here.....
Welcome to the XDA Forums otherwise.

Digiguest said:
Yes I did wipe the caches. Will try that app out if it is free.
Thanks.
EDIT: Noticed that the compass seems to be very inaccurate as well. Weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app is free.
How many roms have you flashed? Maybe it's time to do a factory reset, then flash the full version of the rom/kernal.

Well it did the trick and put me in the correct spot but the compass is still completely wonky.
Oh and this is the first ROM I have flashed. Overcome 1.2.1.

There are apps in the market for that. You want to calibrate the compass, so look for a gps utility. Sorry I don't have one to recommend to you.

Not a problem. I appreciate your advice and welcome any others as well.

One thought about the compass - do you have your tab in a case with a magnetic clip?
Mine works fine out of the leather case, but not when it is in the case.
Just a thought.

No I don't.
To test the GPS to see if there was any interference I put my iPhone 4 into compass mode in maps and did the same with the Tab using the Maps program.
The iPhone 4 was spot on....however the Tab was wrong yet again.
So that means there is no interference.
I am stumped here....and the recalibrate apps did not work either.

Just thought I would try a catch-up.
Since my last comment I moved from Rotos JMIv2 to Overcome 1.2.3 and my GPS also stopped. After 24 hours however, I have got it going through a the use of GPS Status (free from the market) and the LbsTestMode which you can access either through a dialler code or through SGS Toolbox, also free from the market.
To cut the story short, I went from just finding about 3 satelites (with no connectoins), to finding and connecting 10 satelites.
I must say that I am very happy with the current ROM and with the GPS Status program.
Hope this helps if you are still having problems.

I believe that if you dont have wifi or 3g on the tab GPS will not work..

dogofwar said:
I believe that if you dont have wifi or 3g on the tab GPS will not work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - I've always had the wifi going, but found that unless I had a phone (modem flash) and inserted a sim card, I could never get GPS to do anything.

[Q] Is GPS working RELIABLY for anyone?

Hi Everyone,
I've seen three Note 3 on 4.4.2 and they ALL experience GPS resets and different times of the day. Unfortunately I do not have a Note 3 still on 4.3 and courtesy of Samsung I cannot downgrade. A number of users report that the issue was introduced on the N9005 with version 4.4.2.
I'm going to buy another Note 3 and NOT upgrade if this fixes the issue but I'd like to know whether anyone is using their GPS on the N9005 EXTENSIVELY, during the whole day and is not experiencing ANY odd GPS resets, GPS fix lost or other GPS related issues.
I don't want to know about the time it takes to get a fix or the quality of the signal. ALL of the phones I got to look at lost ALL satellites in places where there was NO reason to lose the fix, i.e. out in the open with clear view of the sky and ALL of them did so repeatedly.
If a new phone will fix the issue but I don't want to end up with another dud which I will then have to return. Because the issue is intermittent and somehow related to the time of day AND can only be reproduced outdoors this would be one painful exercise.
So if you do use GPS regularly to navigate etc please let me know how yours works and version of OS you're on.
TIA

I use mine about 6-8 hours a day.
Mainly to keep track of where the train I am on currently is and for navigating streets. And to map out and follow a route when I'm doing an urban or landscape shoot. (Photography).
I've never had issues with my N9005 DBT 4.4.2 NB7, nor on any of the previous versions. It's always accurate and always constant. (Except when I'm in a tunnel or on the tube. But that's physics 101.)
It has never lost all satellites, nor has it ever lost the connection without a perfectly valid reason.

I've done a factory reset and my GPS still takes over 10 minutes to find my location....... If it finds it at all.

uf21 said:
I've done a factory reset and my GPS still takes over 10 minutes to find my location....... If it finds it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM are you on and is this your first device?

ShadowLea said:
I use mine about 6-8 hours a day.
Mainly to keep track of where the train I am on currently is and for navigating streets. And to map out and follow a route when I'm doing an urban or landscape shoot. (Photography).
I've never had issues with my N9005 DBT 4.4.2 NB7, nor on any of the previous versions. It's always accurate and always constant. (Except when I'm in a tunnel or on the tube. But that's physics 101.)
It has never lost all satellites, nor has it ever lost the connection without a perfectly valid reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this post, never once had a problem.
I use mine for about 2 hours maximum everyday (so i can avoid traffic) mounted on my motorbike whilst riding to and from work, with a bluetooth headset in my helmet.
I am running a deodexed version of ND3
Sent from my SM-N9005

I use stock unrooted 4.4.2 on N9005 and GPS has been working fine, no issues.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

ewok666 said:
Hi Everyone,
I've seen three Note 3 on 4.4.2 and they ALL experience GPS resets and different times of the day. Unfortunately I do not have a Note 3 still on 4.3 and courtesy of Samsung I cannot downgrade. A number of users report that the issue was introduced on the N9005 with version 4.4.2.
I'm going to buy another Note 3 and NOT upgrade if this fixes the issue but I'd like to know whether anyone is using their GPS on the N9005 EXTENSIVELY, during the whole day and is not experiencing ANY odd GPS resets, GPS fix lost or other GPS related issues.
I don't want to know about the time it takes to get a fix or the quality of the signal. ALL of the phones I got to look at lost ALL satellites in places where there was NO reason to lose the fix, i.e. out in the open with clear view of the sky and ALL of them did so repeatedly.
If a new phone will fix the issue but I don't want to end up with another dud which I will then have to return. Because the issue is intermittent and somehow related to the time of day AND can only be reproduced outdoors this would be one painful exercise.
So if you do use GPS regularly to navigate etc please let me know how yours works and version of OS you're on.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask how u experience the problem maybe I just don't get it. Is the GPS not working at all while maps or any GPS based app is running? Or does the phone tell u that GPS is not working? I'm on 4.4.2 without any issues of GPS

4aces said:
May I ask how u experience the problem maybe I just don't get it. Is the GPS not working at all while maps or any GPS based app is running? Or does the phone tell u that GPS is not working? I'm on 4.4.2 without any issues of GPS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, my GPS is usually fine. Locks quickly and reception is OK. Obviously I lose signal in tunnels and in the CBD sometimes so this is not about that.
I could be in the middle of nowhere with nothing blocking my sight although it's obviously most annoying while driving. I lost the signal when I should not. It usually looks just like the GPS resets or so, without moving much at all the signal will drop from 20 satellites down to four then none within 2 or 3 seconds. Then it slowly comes back, gets a lock and works fine again. The lock could then last for a minute or two and then it just happens again. This seems to mostly happen in the afternoon to early evening.....don ask why :-|
I've tried just about everything. Initially I thought it was a hardware defect but my wife's Note 3 does exactly the same thing......what are the odds of having two Note 3 (bought different places about 2 weeks apart) the exact same problem? I had a quick look at a third one (not one of ours so I didn't get to spend much time with it) but it seemed to do the same thing as well, i.e. lost the signal while standing still with no buildings (and mountains etc) around me.

GPS fix
ewok666 said:
Sure, my GPS is usually fine. Locks quickly and reception is OK. Obviously I lose signal in tunnels and in the CBD sometimes so this is not about that.
I could be in the middle of nowhere with nothing blocking my sight although it's obviously most annoying while driving. I lost the signal when I should not. It usually looks just like the GPS resets or so, without moving much at all the signal will drop from 20 satellites down to four then none within 2 or 3 seconds. Then it slowly comes back, gets a lock and works fine again. The lock could then last for a minute or two and then it just happens again. This seems to mostly happen in the afternoon to early evening.....don ask why :-|
I've tried just about everything. Initially I thought it was a hardware defect but my wife's Note 3 does exactly the same thing......what are the odds of having two Note 3 (bought different places about 2 weeks apart) the exact same problem? I had a quick look at a third one (not one of ours so I didn't get to spend much time with it) but it seemed to do the same thing as well, i.e. lost the signal while standing still with no buildings (and mountains etc) around me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this on xda
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2612757
I don't know about the rom since I didn't try it but in the quote of the link is how he fixed the GPS issue. Seems like it is a software problem. If your phones are rooted try the method described in the quote if not try reset with backup via Google. Good luck.

4aces said:
I found this on xda
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2612757
I don't know about the rom since I didn't try it but in the quote of the link is how he fixed the GPS issue. Seems like it is a software problem. If your phones are rooted try the method described in the quote if not try reset with backup via Google. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately this is for 4.3 only and allegedly this issue was fixed with 4.4.2
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Hmm ok... Than all I could tell is checking the GPS settings or factory reset. Sorry mate

ewok666 said:
What ROM are you on and is this your first device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock Singapore rom. It is not my first device.
When I bought this phone it had 4.3 jellybean Australian version. Everything was working great and after I updated to 4.4 the GPS has gone to sh!t.

uf21 said:
Stock Singapore rom. It is not my first device.
When I bought this phone it had 4.3 jellybean Australian version. Everything was working great and after I updated to 4.4 the GPS has gone to sh!t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I just don't get the part where it's always fine in the morning, then **** in the afternoon and perfect again in the evening.

gps connect fix

Hi I'm having issues connectin my friend's non rooted stock s5 to GPS..it either takes a long time or I have to restart the phone, any fix for this? Thanks!

Might just be loosened screws in the back panel, like it happened with my old S4.
I simply just tightened up the screws, especially the around the antenna on the top right corner and it fixed straight way.
Sent from my Sony Xperia X F5121 using Tapatalk

Strange. Usually only AOSP ROMs haven't issue with GPS connectivity. Have you tried using any GPS calibration apps?

Saber said:
Strange. Usually only AOSP ROMs haven't issue with GPS connectivity. Have you tried using any GPS calibration apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No i haven't, could you recommend me a reliable one?

TopNTP by Zatta is one that fine tunes settings and has a good reputation, but doesn't have the test functions that others like "GPS Test" (by Chartcross) have, so for testing maybe try one of them.

rygle said:
TopNTP by Zatta is one that fine tunes settings and has a good reputation, but doesn't have the test functions that others like "GPS Test" (by Chartcross) have, so for testing maybe try one of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh i know this app. I'm using this for my own GPS solution on my note 3. The note 3 GPS doesn't connect to any satellites at all. But this topntp solution is working for it, but the problem with it is that I have to keep installing this GPS solution every time I want to use my GPS..I don't know why it won't just save. Thanks I'll try this for the s5, if u have any advice on my note 3 topntp problem do tell.

GPS lock issues

Wondering if anyone is having the same frustrating experience as me in terms of GPS locking on when first opening Maps or Waze. It seems like it's taking 2-3 minutes for Maps or Waze to actually figure out exactly where I am and properly display a route. I realize this was sort of normal years ago but not anymore. Before it locks on correctly, the route is created but a message about no GPS appears on the top of the app and I'm stuck not having directions. This was not an issue on my 5T. I'm on OOS 9.0.12 rooted. This has been the same on every version of OOS since I got the phone, even stock TMO ROM before I switched over.
Any ideas?

I use maps a lot for daily commute. For me the map gets GPS lock nearly instantly. I live in the Midwest so terrain is not a factor, and my home and work locations are not impacted by tall buildings, so I have a very easy case.
Have you tried some other apps that check number of satellites your GPS is locked to?
It's possible it is a hardware problem too.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Frankenscript said:
I use maps a lot for daily commute. For me the map gets GPS lock nearly instantly. I live in the Midwest so terrain is not a factor, and my home and work locations are not impacted by tall buildings, so I have a very easy case.
Have you tried some other apps that check number of satellites your GPS is locked to?
It's possible it is a hardware problem too.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried any GPS specific apps other than the navigation apps. I used to use those years ago but not recently. It happens in various places. I live in NH so I could be in the city for a bit and then out in the middle of nowhere with not much around later on. Seems like it happens no matter where I am. I'll get an GPS app and see whats going on with the satellites though, thanks!

Having the same issue since monday after installing latest update update to my OP6T. Can't use any navigation app....

Since I've gotten the phone, I've had issues with the GPS. Gps aiming me in the wrong direction, telling me that I'm on the perpendicular roads and all kinds of crap. Sometimes I'm on the highway and it'll think I got off at an exit. But I didn't! So now it's rerouting me then it realizes that I'm actually on the correct road. So it reroutes me again. All while I'm traveling 60, and every precious second counts.
How can I get the calibration screen back?

To me this sounds like an intermittent fault with the GPS. Hardware problem.

First thing I do as soon as I get any GPS problems with an Android:
I install GPS Status from the playstore : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
Just start the app, then use your GPS and often the problem is gone. It's worth a try!

fehrcomp said:
First thing I do as soon as I get any GPS problems with an Android:
I install GPS Status from the playstore : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
Just start the app, then use your GPS and often the problem is gone. It's worth a try!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for this. Even inside a building this works pretty well. It's awful that we need another app to do what the phone should do on its own, but at least it works.

xgerryx said:
Hey, thanks for this. Even inside a building this works pretty well. It's awful that we need another app to do what the phone should do on its own, but at least it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes it's not necessary to use GPS-Status all the time. You can try to delete the app maybe your problem is still gone. Anyway, nice to know that you are able to use your GPS again!

There is a problem with the 6T Gps for sure. I tested two Oneplus 6T devices. Both work 100% . Gps is very nice most of the time. If I am on call I loose Gps lock and I need to terminate the call to get Gps location back. It's not app specific as it happens in all gps apps. Even gps status looses lock. It happens always in the same place. Unfortunately it's near my home. I have no idea how to solve the problem. I tried Note 3/S8+/S7 - none have this problem. Most people have no idea what I am talking about as it's location specific. Anyone else has seen this problem ?

xgerryx said:
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a 6T and a friend also has one. The GPS is definitely crap.
It has lock in an open field. But if you are in a city, or there are various roads around you, good luck!
Managed to already do like 30km of a detour on foot thanks to it. It also caused Waze to tell me wrong directions.
I did check other phones, like a P10, and an S7 Edge, and a Note 4 (lol). They all had like full green signals, while the 6T struggled to achieve mid-range reception. There is something wrong with the antenna, or the gain, something. Hardware/build wise. I'd just get a OnePlus 7 or 5T (if someone can't wait). This is clearly something OP can't/won't fix. It's just not possible.
There was a site where they tested GPS lock... shame they didn't do one for the 6T.

Something is more than likely wrong with the phone itself. I have driven 10k+ miles in cities, country, desert freeways with no civilization for miles with this phone. I have never had a GPS issue. If it did have one, I'd be pissed since I'm a ride share driver and I go back to California on a regular basis visiting family from Las Vegas.

If you're rooted with magisk you can try installing the Global Optimized GPS File Replacer module

I use GPS constantly to handle traffic and the 6t works fine for me both in the city and out in the suburbs. No issues.
I will say maps recently changed something such that if it expects you to exit, but you stay on the highway, it shows you going down the exit for a few hundred feet until it realizes you aren't exiting. But that's a Google thing not a 6t thing.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

DaOldMan said:
There is a problem with the 6T Gps for sure. I tested two Oneplus 6T devices. Both work 100% . Gps is very nice most of the time. If I am on call I loose Gps lock and I need to terminate the call to get Gps location back. It's not app specific as it happens in all gps apps. Even gps status looses lock. It happens always in the same place. Unfortunately it's near my home. I have no idea how to solve the problem. I tried Note 3/S8+/S7 - none have this problem. Most people have no idea what I am talking about as it's location specific. Anyone else has seen this problem ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same exact problem, occurring only near my workplace. Consistently, on all versions of OOS so far. If I remember to start GPS Locker before opening Maps or Waze, it is much less likely to happen but it has happened twice even that way. Never had this issue with any other phone.

CUBENSIS said:
Same exact problem, occurring only near my workplace. Consistently, on all versions of OOS so far. If I remember to start GPS Locker before opening Maps or Waze, it is much less likely to happen but it has happened twice even that way. Never had this issue with any other phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am still fighting with this issue. Just did a big install in my car and I have use Android Auto when driving and it's even harder to fix when it happens. Have to go back into the phone and launch the GPS fix app and hope the GPS starts moving on the head unit screen. It's very, very annoying.

GPS works great for me. I have only used custom ROMs so not sure how it works in stock. But using microg and osm+ I have never really had any issues. Using a GPS locking app such as GPS locker seems to help. Using Google apps for location is not working for me all the time beings how Waze requires Internet access to find locations. And beings how I use t mobile service is not available in most of western Washington. Even when using GPS locker I never have lost lock once GPS was locked. There has been two times I had to use the update a-gps from the GPS test app. If using microg local gsm seemed to be the best back end for me.