GPS does not work on Android 4.2. Setting up GPS through the engineering menu. Checking the contacts of the GPS antenna

Incorrect operation GPS module is a fairly common problem with Android devices. The system can connect to satellites, but navigation will still not work. In some cases, the defect is associated with a breakdown of the gadget’s hardware, but most of the situation is solvable using software methods. Below we describe what to do if GPS does not work on Android.

First, let's determine how the navigator on the phone works. Yandex.Maps or navigation from Google contacts the system satellites and requests data about current location user. Based on the information received, a construction is made optimal route or selection public transport. If the GPS module stops functioning - normal operation navigation is impossible, even using A-GPS technology. The main reasons for failure are usually software problems, but in some cases the source of the malfunction is the failure of the hardware module.

Geolocation services do not work on Android if the settings are incorrect. The defect may also be caused by the installation of incompatible firmware or the lack of necessary drivers.

The navigator from Google or Yandex does not work well even with a weak satellite signal. It is worth remembering that programs do not always display location correctly, and you should not rely on the system when hiking or off-road. To troubleshoot, let’s look at the causes and solutions to popular problems.

Reasons for no signal

There are two main groups of faults: hardware and software. The former can be fixed by qualified specialists in service centers, while the latter can be fixed at home.

• Hardware - a component can fail after a mechanical impact on the device body, for example, a fall or a strong blow. The cause of the breakdown may also be liquid entering the main board, followed by oxidation of the contacts.
• Software – infection with malware, wrong firmware or update failures - all these malfunctions can damage the location driver.

The first thing to do if the GPS sensor does not work is to restart your smartphone and scan it with an antivirus. Maybe, RAM The device is full, and there are not enough processor resources to activate communication with satellites.

Incorrect setting

Correctly setting your smartphone parameters is the key proper operation GPS systems for Android.

• If Android does not find the location, go to the device settings, then “General”, and then open “Location and modes”.
• On the Location tab, specify your preferred location method. If you select "Satellites only", Android will not use A-GPS technology, which collects data from nearby cellular and Wi-Fi networks to improve geopositioning accuracy.
• Try setting the mode to "Only mobile networks» and check the functionality of the cards. If navigation turns on, there is a problem with the driver or hardware.
• When GPS on Android does not turn on (the system does not respond to switching the option), there is probably a problem in the firmware. Execute full reset settings or contact service center.
• To reset your location settings, click on the “Backup and reset” tab, then tap on “Reset network and navigation settings.” Login to Google account for confirmation.

Important! All saved passwords from points Wi-Fi access, as well as data cellular networks will be deleted.

The described method helps eliminate most problems with the software.

Incorrect firmware

The consequences of careless firmware on Android can be quite unpredictable. Installation of third-party OS versions is performed to speed up the operation of the gadget, but as a result, the phone modules stop functioning.

If you decide to reflash your device, download firmware files only from trusted forums - XDA and w3bsit3-dns.com. Do not try to flash your smartphone with an OS version from another phone, as the drivers necessary for operation may no longer function. If the device has become a brick, perform a full data reset.

• Press the volume up and lock buttons for 5-7 seconds. When the Android logo appears on the screen of the switched off gadget, release Volume Up.
• The Recovery menu will load. Select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”, confirm Hard Reset.
• To reboot your smartphone, tap “Reboot” system now" Setup will take a few minutes when you turn it on.

The method is suitable for devices with damaged firmware. The GPS module will restore functionality after switching to factory version OS.

Module calibration

In some cases it is necessary to perform quick calibration devices.

• Open the “Essential setup” application, it can be downloaded for free from the Play Market.
• Click on the compass icon and place your smartphone on a flat surface.
• Tap the “Test” button and wait 10 minutes until testing ends. Once completed, try turning on satellite navigation.

Hardware problems

Cheap Chinese smartphones are often equipped with low-quality satellite communication modules. The problem can be corrected by replacing the corresponding module at a service center. Malfunctions occur on both Android and iOS phones.

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Conclusion

If navigation on Android does not work or you cannot connect to satellites in open areas, determine whether the cause of the defect is in the gadget’s parameters or whether the electronic board has failed. Repairs to hardware faults should only be carried out at authorized service centers.

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) V lately have become necessary not only for motorists, but also for pedestrians, thanks to their good ability to build walking routes.

But quite a lot of users have to deal with something that doesn’t work or works poorly GPS system on Android.

This may result in problems different types, depending on what exactly caused the breakdown.

Definition

What is GPS? This is a navigation system - strictly speaking, GPS/GLONASS is a navigation module that allows you to use many applications that use navigation.

Problems

But in some cases, certain problems may be detected in the operation of such a module. Their nature is different, but they equally interfere with working with the system:

• Complete inability to determine locations;
• Inaccurate location determination;
• Slow data updating or complete lack of updating (for example, you move in space or turn around, and the pointer on the map does not change its position for a long time).

Most problems can disappear on their own when you restart or when you move to another area of ​​the map.

But if this does not happen, then you need to know what caused them and how to eliminate them.

Possible reasons

There can be many reasons for this type of problem. But they can all be divided into two large groups These are hardware problems and software problems.

We speak about hardware problems when the defect is present in the physical navigation module itself, and about software problems when something is incorrectly configured in software smartphone or tablet.

Important! Problems software type enough easy to set up and fix yourself. When it comes to hardware failures, it is better to entrust the matter to a service center, since the repair process can be quite complicated for a non-specialist. And there is a risk of making the situation worse.

Hardware

One of the most common problems occurs when starting the module for the first time, that is, when you first launch an application that uses GPS on a new smartphone.

Within 15-20 minutes, geolocation may not work, nothing will happen, the location will not be determined.

This is a normal condition when you first start it, but this should not happen again in the future.

A similar situation may arise if you have traveled a significant distance, for example, moved to another country or region, with the navigation module turned off.

In this case, when he first starts in a new place, he will also need time to “think.”

The problem may also occur when starting at high speed, for example, while driving a car - in this case, the module will “slow down” for the first time after switching on.

Keep in mind that in buildings, indoor navigation will not be carried out.

Your approximate location in the building is determined using the zone layout wireless internet and towers mobile operators, but not GLONASS.

Software

The GLONAS module can be disabled through the phone settings; often on new models it is not enabled by default.

Therefore, many beginners who are not used to using Android do not turn it on before starting to use navigation applications.

By the way, this type notifies the user that he needs to enable navigation.

Inaccurate location determination may be due to the characteristics of the zone. The system does not work equally well in all areas due to the nature of satellite operation.

There are “blind” zones that the navigator misses or does not detect accurately. It is impossible to fight this.

Elimination

Troubleshooting is usually quite simple.

But if, after taking all of the above measures, the problem has not been resolved, it is possible that the problem is a faulty module and it requires replacement at a service center.

Hardware

There are no ways to “cure” the program freezing after the first launch of the navigation module.

The user just needs to wait about 15-20 minutes after the first launch of the application - during this time, the electronic components of the navigation device will adjust to the current operating conditions and the location will be determined.

That is why it is recommended to run this module for configuration immediately after purchasing a phone, so as not to wait in a situation where you need it urgently.

Software

Turning on navigation on your smartphone is quite simple. Most often, the application itself “asks” whether to enable navigation when it is disabled.

Then you need to click on “YES” or “OK” in the pop-up window, and the application itself will enable geolocation.

If such a notification does not appear, enable it manually, following the algorithm:

1 On the unlocked screen, on the desktop, pull out the menu, making a sliding movement from the top border of the screen down;

2 A menu with basic device settings will appear.– find the icon in it Geodata/Geodata transmission/Geolocation/Location determination or the like;

3 Click on it to make the icon active.

Some users are faced with the problem of GPS not working. What to do in such a situation?

If GPS does not work on Android, then the reason may be hidden in the navigation module. This problem is most often encountered by beginners who do not yet fully understand how the phone works. To solve the problem:

• Activate navigation by sliding the top curtain, where all the necessary icons are hidden
• Activate the “Geodata” item
• Now turn on any navigation program and start using it

By the way, some applications notify users that the reception of geodata has been disabled. For example, Navitel. They display a special alert and even immediately go to the navigation activation menu. Once everything is done, you can start planning the route.

After turning on geolocation and settings, there is no result? The problem here is most likely your impatience. If you launched the GPS module for the first time, then wait about 15 minutes. During this time, the electronics processed information from the satellites. All other launches will be carried out much faster.

You should do the same if your navigator was working in another area and you brought it turned off. The device needs time to determine its position.

Reasons why GPS does not work on Android

• If you are trying to determine your location on the go then worth a stop And stand a little to the navigator could tune in. For some devices The chips are slightly slow, so they take some time to set up
• You entered a building, but GPS will not work through thick walls.
• You have entered the zone adversely affecting signal reception - many trees, rocks or high-rise buildings. In this case, you just need to go out into the open area
• If the option is still not activated, then you have a direct route to a specialist, since if problems arise with GPS, namely, if it previously worked well and suddenly stopped, then this indicates internal failures
• If you don’t want to contact a service center, then first do a factory reset, perhaps this will solve the problem

To check the signal reception level, use GPS Test. If the geolocation option is activated, and the chip itself is working, and you are outdoors, then the map will show you the points where the satellites are located.

Video: Setting up and testing GPS on an Android smartphone

The geolocation function in Android devices is one of the most used and in demand, and therefore it is doubly unpleasant when this option suddenly stops working. Therefore, in our material today we want to talk about methods of dealing with this problem.

Why GPS stops working and how to deal with it

Like many other problems with communication modules, problems with GPS can be caused by both hardware and software reasons. As practice shows, the latter are much more common. Hardware reasons include:

• poor quality module;
• a metal or simply thick case that shields the signal;
• poor reception in a particular location;
• factory defect.

Software reasons for problems with geopositioning:

• change location with GPS turned off;
• incorrect data in the gps.conf system file;
• outdated version of software for working with GPS.

Now let's move on to methods to fix the problem.

Method 1: Cold start GPS

One of the most common reasons GPS malfunctions - transition to another coverage area with data transmission turned off. For example, you went to another country, but did not turn on GPS. The navigation module did not receive data updates in time, so it will need to re-establish communication with the satellites. This is called " cold start" It is done very simply.

1. Leave the room for a relatively free space. If you are using a cover, we recommend removing it.

2. Enable on your device GPS reception. Go to " Settings».

On Android up to 5.1 - select the option " Geodata"(other options - " GPS», « Location" or " Geopositioning"), which is located in the network connections block.

In Android 6.0-7.1.2 - scroll down the list of settings to the block " Personal information" and tap on " Locations».

On devices with Android 8.0-8.1, go to " Security and location", go there and select the option " Location».

3. In the geodata settings block, on the right top corner, there is an enable slider. Move it to the right.

4. GPS will be turned on on the device. All you need to do next is wait 15-20 minutes until the device adjusts to the position of the satellites in this area.

As a rule, after the specified time has passed, the satellites will be put into operation, and navigation on your device will work correctly.

Method 2: Manipulating the gps.conf file (root only)

The quality and stability of GPS signal reception in an Android device can be improved by editing system file gps.conf. This manipulation is recommended for devices that are not officially supplied to your country (for example, Pixel, Motorola devices released before 2016, as well as Chinese or Japanese smartphones for the domestic market).

In order to edit the GPS settings file yourself, you will need two things: and the ability to access system files. The most convenient way is to use Root Explorer.

1. Launch Ruth Explorer and navigate to the root folder internal memory, aka root. If required, grant the application access to use root rights.

2. Go to the folder system, then in /etc.

3. Find the file inside the directory gps.conf.

Click and hold on it to select it. Then tap on the three dots in the top right to bring up context menu. In it select “ Open in a text editor».

Confirm your consent to file system changes.

4. The file will be opened for editing, you will see the following options:

5. NTP_SERVER parameter should be changed to the following values:

• For Russian Federation- ru.pool.ntp.org;
• For Ukraine - ua.pool.ntp.org;
• For Belarus - by.pool.ntp.org.

You can also use the pan-European server europe.pool.ntp.org.

6. If in gps.conf Your device is missing the INTERMEDIATE_POS parameter , enter it with the value 0 - this will slow down the operation of the receiver somewhat, but will make its readings much more accurate.

7. Do the same with the DEFAULT_AGPS_ENABLE option , to which you need to add a value TRUE . This will allow you to use cellular network data for geopositioning, which will also have a beneficial effect on the accuracy and quality of reception.

The use of A-GPS technology is also responsible for the DEFAULT_USER_PLANE=TRUE setting, which should also be added to the file.

8. After all manipulations, exit the editing mode. Don't forget to save your changes.

9. Reboot your device and check GPS functionality using special programs for testing or navigator application. Geolocation should function correctly.

This method is especially suitable for devices with SoC made by MediaTek, but is also effective on processors from other manufacturers

Conclusion

To summarize, we note that problems with GPS are still rare, and mainly on devices budget segment. As practice shows, one of the two methods described above will definitely help you. If this does not happen, then you are most likely experiencing a hardware problem. You won’t be able to fix problems like this on your own, so the best solution will contact the service center for assistance. If warranty period The device has not expired yet, you should replace it or return your money.

All modern smartphones and most tablets are equipped with a detection module GPS locations. GPS “lays out” routes through unfamiliar areas, can determine your location with an accuracy of several tens of meters, and also automatically launches some programs or turns on reminders in specific places. Perhaps the only disadvantage of GPS is that it drains the battery of a smartphone (tablet) very quickly. Before starting GPS, let's figure out how to properly configure its operating mode. Let's take a closer look at how this can be done, and also explain how to configure GPS using the engineering menu in case of incorrect operation.

Modern devices combine the functions of several devices at once

Setting the GPS operating mode

GPS is enabled in the notification bar. It is indicated by an icon that resembles a needle. You can determine the operating mode by going to “Settings - Personal data - Location - Mode”. The system will offer you three options: “High accuracy”, “Battery saving”, “By device sensors”. In newer Android versions they can be called: “By all sources”, “By network coordinates”, “By GPS satellites”. Let's figure out what's behind each of them.

1. "High precision"(“According to all sources”). The most accurate, but at the same time the most “gluttonous” mode. Determines coordinates by all available means: GPS, Wi-Fi and using . The space is constantly monitored for the presence of a signal, determines the location both in open areas and indoors. This mode is also called A-GPS. If conventional navigators pick up signals exclusively from satellites, then not every smartphone and tablet is capable of this. Additional service information, downloaded from World Wide Web, will significantly speed up search and communication with satellites.
2. "Battery Saver"(“By network coordinates”). Uses only wireless networks- GPS module is not enabled. In this case, the accuracy of determining coordinates decreases somewhat. Indoors, the location is determined quite accurately by Wi-Fi signal, online mobile operator- by signal from the radio tower.
3. "By device sensors"(“According to GPS satellites”). This mode only works in open areas - the location is determined by the satellite signal. Indoors, the signal is lost, and the location, accordingly, will not be determined.

For optimal battery consumption, you should select the “By device sensors” mode and turn off location detection in the notification panel. If you need to get directions, then you turn on location determination again and follow the instructions of the navigator. If you want to have one, and you are not bothered by slightly increased battery consumption, then select the “Battery Saver” mode. If battery consumption issues do not bother you, and you like it when the system determines your location with an accuracy of up to a meter, then your mode is “High Accuracy”.

Setting up GPS through the engineering menu

Flawlessly working GPS module (satellite search, fast connection to them, a stable connection with them) greatly simplifies life, especially in those moments when you are moving through unfamiliar terrain.

But in Chinese models, running on the MTK processor, with long work GPS connection may be unstable, in the worst case, the location may not be determined at all. This is all due to the fact that the module is not configured quite correctly to work in our latitudes.

In order to adjust the GPS operation, log in where you will have to make a number of simple settings. We would like to warn you that you will perform all actions at your own peril and risk.

So, the device must receive superuser rights (also called Root).

1. Turn on GPS and Wi-Fi and go out onto the balcony, or better yet, to any open space.
2. Sign in engineering menu. To do this, enter the combination *#*#3646633*#*#, or *#15963#*, or *#*#4636#*#* on the keyboard. It may differ from the combination for your smartphone (tablet). If none of the listed combinations work, download the Mobileuncle ToolHero program and select the appropriate menu item in it. The program itself is Russified, but the engineering menu is in English.
3. In the program menu you will see several bookmarks. Scroll to the left, select the Location tab, and go to Location Based Service.

1. In the EPO tab, check Enable EPO and Auto Download. EPO is a system file containing information about the coordinates of satellites and their flight path. This item is not active on all devices. How to download EPO can be found on specialized Internet forums, for example, http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=466241.
2. Go back to the previous level and select YGPS. In the Satellites tab you will see a diagram with the location of the satellites. They will all be red. This suggests that the gadget sees them, but due to incorrect settings cannot connect with them.
3. Go to the Information tab, click full, then after a couple of seconds AGPS restart.
4. Return to the Satellites tab. After a few minutes, the tablet will connect to the satellites and the dots will become green. Please note that if you are setting up GPS on the balcony, then your device may still not connect to some of the satellites. This occurs due to signal interference.
5. Reboot your device. Now the signal from satellites should be picked up much faster and more reliably.

Conclusion

Nowadays you know everything about operating modes satellite module GPS on an Android tablet, and in case unstable work you can customize it.

We will be very grateful if you share your feedback on the material or add valuable additions regarding the operation of your particular device model.