During navigation, Google Maps tracks your location to give turn-by-turn directions. However, you may receive a 'GPS Signal Lost' message if your location cannot be reliably determined. Sometimes this is expected, as GPS signals are not available indoors or underground. However, if you receive this message too often, it may indicate a problem, such as low battery, or even a fault in the phone or GPS unit.
Tip: Google Maps will only display 'GPS Signal Lost' after your device has had a chance to acquire a GPS signal.
Check if the problem is specific to Google Maps
- Try installing a third-party GPS status application.
- If your device cannot acquire a GPS signal when fully charged and outside with a clear sky, it may need to be repaired.
- We recommend a GPS status application rather than a different navigation app, particularly on Android devices, as another navigation app might use non-GPS location signals.
Tip: If Google Maps shows your location when you’re not navigating, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your phone has a GPS signal. Modern phones have several ways of determining your location, but Google Maps requires a GPS/GNSS location for active navigation.
Check for other reasons you may lose GPS signal
- If you have location permissions set so that Google Maps can only get your location under specific conditions, then it may report 'GPS Signal Lost' at other times.
- Certain types of car window films that reduce glare have a metallic base that blocks GPS signals from reaching your phone inside your car.
- Some phones have a battery saver feature, which turns off the GPS when their battery is low.
- Some phones only do this in particular situations, such as when both the battery is low and the screen is off, or Google Maps is in the background.