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Improve your location's accuracy (iOS)

Sometimes you may notice that your location on «Google Maps» is not defined accurately or at all (blue dot is not shown). This article describes ways to eliminate such problems.

Note. Better positioning will improve search results.

How to find out where you are

  1. Open the "Google Maps" on your iPhone or iPad
  2. The blue dot will appear where you are. If not, click on the Location target icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. ().

How the app determines where you are

Your location is determined by the following data:

  1. GPS - from satellite signal (accuracy - up to 20 meters). Note. If you are in a building or subway, the data may be inaccurate.
  2. Wi-Fi - the nearest wireless network source.
  3. Cell tower - the place of connection to the cellular network (accuracy - up to several kilometers).

How to turn on your Geolocation

  1. Open the application Settings on iPhone or iPad.
  2. Click Privacy => Geolocation Services.
  3. Make sure that the «Geolocation Services» function is enabled.
  4. Scroll down and press Google Maps.
  5. Select When using the program or Always.

How you can improve your geolocation accuracy

If your location is still incorrect, try the following options.
Turn on your Wi-Fi
  1. Open the application Settings on iPhone or iPad.
  2. Select the Wi-Fi.
  3. Set the switch to the ON position.
Reboot your iPhone or iPad

To do this, turn off and turn the device back on.

Calibrate the compass
If the light from the blue dot on the map is too wide or indicates the wrong direction, the compass must be calibrated.
  1. Open the Google Maps application on your device.
  2. Repeat the eight in the air several times until the compass is calibrated.
  3. After calibration, the beam will become narrow and point in the right direction.

What the blue dot means

Your current location is indicated on the map by a blue dot. If «Google Maps» cannot determine exactly where you are, a blue circle will appear around the blue dot. The smaller the circle = the more accurate your coordinates are.
Notes
  • If there is no blue dot or you see a gray dot, then «Google Maps» unknown where you are. The grey dot marks the last saved location.
  • If there are obstacles between you and a cell tower, such as tall buildings, the location may be inaccurate.