How to check the GPS on an Android smartphone

Today, all modern smartphones have a built-in GPS module that shows your location. You can use your smartphone as a navigator while playing sports or driving, or you can use it to get up-to-date news or information about the weather in your city. Now let's figure out how to check if the GPS on your Android is working, that is, if the positioning module on your device is working or not.

There are two options for resolving this issue, simple using the app, and a little more complicated using the standard features of your smartphone (engineering menu).

Checking and configuring the GPS using the app

Based on all the apps we tried, the easiest and most effective was GPS Test. This program can quickly help you find all the satellites in your area, pre-configure them, and possibly use other functions.

Features of GPS Test for Android

• Shows information about visible satellites;
• Shows active satellites currently in use;
• Gives accurate data geopositioning;
• Shows the exact coordinates;
• Gives data about the time zone at the location;
• Indicates the position of satellites in the sky;
• Can serve as an electronic compass;
• Provides a variety of data, from time and date to altitude;
• Gives information about sunrise and sunset times in the place where the device is located.

How to check the status of your GPS navigator with GPS Test

Open the application, and if you see in the upper left corner the inscription "3D Fix"It means that the navigator works correctly and performs all its functions without the slightest problem. It shows "No Fix"? Unfortunately, there is a malfunction with the device and its smooth operation is impossible.

Constant switching between the above mentioned modes can also be due to bad conditions for GPS signal reception. It is not only caused by being indoors, even unsuitable weather conditions such as rain or strong wind can have an effect.

Shows "off"? Everything is simpler here. The receiver is simply disabled. To turn it on, we do an easy procedure: open "Settings", go to the item "Location". A new menu called "Location Services" opens. A total of three modes are provided:

1. "According to network coordinates."
2. "GPS Satellites"
3. Auxiliary data.

For the most accurate location, for example in the car, we recommend to activate all items at once. Of networks, of course, Wi-Fi works best, but if conditions do not allow it (being on the street, etc., as is usually the case) - use mobile Internet.

Setting and Adjusting GPS via the Engineering Menu

This method will help to check the quality of the set standards, which show how well the GPS on the phone works.

1. To do this, go to the engineering menu. Enter the code (where you usually write the subscriber number) *#*#3646633#*#*;
2. Next, you need to find the YGPS item (or something similar);
3. As a result, you should see a map with many yellow dots on it. They may not appear immediately.

Just these points and talk about the number of satelliteswhich have been found. If you take time from the beginning of the scan until all found satellites are fully downloaded, you will know the quality of the installed GPS. Later you can compare this data with other devices, for example, by taking it from a friend.

Video tutorial

Poor performance of GPS satellites indoors

But do not forget that GPS may not pick up the signal when you are standing indoors (especially in a high-rise house) or near electrical appliances. So it is better to use the positioning function in an open area (street) or, at the very least, by the window.

It is worth remembering that it is better not to leave the GPS on all the time, use it only when necessary. This is Keeps the battery charged two or even three times longer. Using widgets, you can put the GPS on and off on the desktop.