Fix Google Maps Not Updating Location

Google Maps is an excellent GPS and navigation app that can help you to quickly get your bearings when you’re in a new city or you want to find a place you’ve never been before.

All you need to do is enter the location or the name of the place you want to visit, enable your location services and Google Maps will find the best route for you.

If the app is unable to update your location in real time while you’re navigating your way through the city, that can be quite annoying and sometimes downright stressful.

Why is Google Maps not updating my location?

If Google Maps is unable to update your location, this can be due to poor or unstable cellular data connection, GPS issues, low battery or running an outdated app version.

Fix Google Maps Won’t Update my Location

1. Update the Google Maps app

If you’re running an outdated app version, certain features may not be available or you may experience various performance issues.

That’s why you need to make sure Google Maps is up-to-date, especially if you started experiencing minor glitches or the location fails to update.

If you’re using an Android phone, open the Google Play Store App. If you’re on iOS, go to the App Store. Then, search for Google Maps.

If there’s an Update button next to the app, tap it to install the latest Google Maps version on your device.

2. Check your connection

Ensure your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection is stable. If you’re experiencing connection issues, Google Maps won’t load properly.

Turn off your Internet connection, restart your phone and then go back online. Check if you notice any improvements regarding the accuracy of the location services.

By the way, if you know you might go out of range, download Google Maps offline ahead of time. In this manner, you’ll still be able to navigate your way to your destination even if you lose the network coverage.

3. Calibrate Google Maps settings

Go to your phone settings and make sure the privacy settings allow Google Maps to use your current location and update it as you move.

1. Go to Settings → Privacy
2. Select Permission Manager
3. Tap Location to review which apps can use your location
4. Allow Google Maps to use your location all the time and check if this solves the problem.

Don’t forget to set location on high accuracy mode (if your phone model and OS version include this option).

1. On your Android device, go to Settings
2. Tap Location and re-enable your location services
3. Select Mode High accuracy

On some phone models, this option can be found under the Advanced Settings option.

Select Advanced Settings and enable your device to improve positioning accuracy by allowing apps to scan for Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices at any time, even if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is disabled.

4. Delete the cache

Many Google Maps location problems are caused by your cache. Clearing it should fix the issue.

1. Go to Settings → Apps
2. Select Maps and tap Storage
3. Tap the Clear cache button and check if is the issue is gone
4. If it persists, tap the Clear data button as well.

5. Reinstall the app

If you’re still experiencing location related issues on Google Maps, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Open the Play Store app, search for Google Maps and tap the Uninstall button.

On iPhone, simply tap and hold the Google Maps app icon, and then select the Remove App option.

Then, go back to the Play Store or App Store and reinstall the app.

If reinstalling the app did not solve your problem, you can use an alternative GPS and navigation app such as Waze (if you’re driving), MAPS.ME, HereWeGo, or other similar apps.