All modern smartphones and Android tablets are equipped with a GPS module. This allows these devices to be used as GPS navigators. In addition, the presence of a GPS module allows you to leave GPS tags on photos and use many other useful functions. In this regard, many novice users are interested in how to enable GPS on Android. This article will tell you how to enable location services (GPS) on your Samsung Galaxy.
Why do you need GPS?
A GPS signal helps you understand where in the world you are now. This is useful for several reasons:
- The navigation app will help you not get lost in the forest;
- With navigation you can navigate even in an unfamiliar city;
- You can easily find the address you need;
- You escape from traffic jams - the “Traffic” service helps you avoid them;
- Various apps show you nearby eateries and shopping centers;
- GPS helps determine your speed.
WHAT IS THE ARTICLE ABOUT?
Two ways:
- Via the notification panel
- Through phone settings
Method 1: Using the notification panel
1. Open the notification panel
- To do this, swipe down from the top of the screen.
2. Swipe down again on the notification panel
- This will display several additional icons.
3. Swipe to the side on the icons
- A second page of icons will appear.
4. Click the "Location" icon
- The icon will turn blue, which means your GPS is turned on.
Method 2. Through phone settings
1. Open Settings
2. Click "Connections"
3. Scroll down and tap Location
4. Move the switch to the “On” position
Sooner or later, each of us has to travel to unfamiliar places, be it another city or some place outside of it. To navigate in space, there are many tools, for example, a compass or a map. As for the city, people usually navigate by street names and house numbers. As a last resort, you can always ask passers-by for directions.
However, these are too outdated orientation methods and are extremely inconvenient to use. Moreover, there are many modern technologies that can make this task easier.
First of all, we should mention the so-called GPS navigators. This technology, most reliably helps to navigate in space, and it is oriented primarily for car drivers.
For pedestrians or cyclists, the most convenient tool, can be considered mobile devices with a built-in GPS navigator.
The most common gadget on this moment, can be considered a smartphone on the Android operating system. Most devices on this system have complex specifications, including many modules and sensors. Among others, almost every device has a built-in GPS module. In fact, any smartphone can be turned into GPS Navigator, albeit not as high quality as a full-fledged device.
When purchasing a new device, usually the operating system already has a built-in navigation application, however, most often this is Google Maps, which, although convenient to use, require the user to constantly connect to the Internet.
The good thing about the Android operating system is that you can install any software on it at the user’s discretion.
First, you need to turn on the GPS module and, if possible. Internet access will help you quickly connect to satellites and determine your approximate location.
Navigation is enabled in the system settings, namely, in the “ Location" or " Geolocation", may still occur " Geodata" To enable GPS navigation, you need to set the switch to the active position, after which you can see which applications have access to navigation services.
Another method for quick start navigation module - open the curtain vertically from the top edge of the screen and click on the corresponding icon.
In the first section " Mode", you can select the positioning accuracy and speed. Selecting the first item " Via GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks ", a person receives the fastest and most accurate connection to satellites, but at the same time, energy consumption and .
The slowest navigation is to determine the user's location only using GPS satellites.
Selecting and installing a third-party navigation application
As already written above, you can install on any smartphone, be it iOS or Android third party application. There are dozens of high-quality programs for navigation in space. Some applications are aimed at navigating around the city and city roads, while others are aimed at navigating intercity connections. There are also those who help specialists in complex geodetic work.
American, Russian and Chinese satellites can be used as navigation satellites, however, most smartphones use American GPS technology. If the smartphone supports other navigation systems, it will not be difficult for any program to connect to one or another satellite.
One way or another, all navigation applications can be divided into two categories: those that work on a pre-compiled map and those that are positioned using satellite images. The most popular applications that work with satellite images are Google Maps and Yandex Maps. Both applications satisfy all the requirements, and yet, Yandex Maps is a more convenient application that allows you to save the entire previously displayed route in memory.
As the main program for moving on roads, you should pay attention to paid application Navitel.
Like any other application, Navitel is downloaded from Play Store. After installing and launching the program, a special directory “ NavitelContent" Inside this folder, there is another directory called "Maps". It is in this folder that new maps should be uploaded.
After launch, the application automatically starts searching for satellites. When the smartphone connects to at least one satellite, the application will display the person’s approximate location on the map. The more satellites are involved, the more accurately the user's location will be determined. It should be recalled that the Navitel application is paid, but it is worth it.
Unlike the previous application, Yandex Maps is absolutely free. To get started, you just need to launch the program and wait until the program loads the selected area.
Yandex Maps can work both in satellite mode and in map form. For offline use, you can download a map of your home city. Unlike many other navigators, the maps in this application are absolutely free.
In satellite imagery mode, a person can move not only along roads, but also other terrain, for example, a field, lake or forest.
WITH right side, there are keys for zooming the map. You should be extremely careful, because the same area, but with a different scale, will reload the location. This way, your phone's memory will fill up pretty quickly.
Of course, it is best to use a phone with a constant Internet connection. At the same time, the created cache must be cleared regularly.
If a person wants to use a smartphone without access to the Internet, the cache of satellite images can be loaded in advance, while setting the same scale.
To summarize, it should be noted that, if desired, Yandex Maps can be replaced by Google Maps, and Navitel, any other free alternative, for example, 2Gis.
Thus, any smartphone can be turned into a powerful navigation device.
Today, almost every device can replace a navigator. We are not talking about expensive models, where there are many various functions. Even the most budget smartphones have GPS installed. Enabling this function is quite simple; even a novice user can probably handle it. But, as practice shows, even with such a seemingly elementary action, problems can arise. Let's look at how to enable GPS on Android?
Turning on GPS
To turn on navigation, you need to go to the menu and open settings. In the new window you need to find the “location” section and open it. How to enable GPS on Android? To do this, you need to press the switch. Of course, in different versions will be different, but you will have to choose the mode of operation. What are they?
How to enable GPS on Android 5.1? IN new version You can find the navigation button in the curtain. To enter the GPS settings, you need to press this button and hold it for a while. How to enable GPS on Android 4.4 and above earlier versions? To do this, you need to follow the instructions above.
Additional components
So, we looked at how to enable GPS on Android. This is not the only problem that many users have. Setting up navigation is another story. Of course, this is a little more complicated, but if you follow the suggested recommendations, you can set up GPS in a matter of minutes.
Before setting up, you need to install various applications on your device. This does not mean that you need to install a bunch of different navigators; one good one is enough. You can install a compass for better navigation. Remember that you only need to download applications that are suitable for your version of Android OS. The new device will only have Google app Maps, but unfortunately you need an Internet connection to use it. Because of this, many users are not satisfied with it, they are looking for an alternative. The most popular are “Naviter” (unfortunately, it is paid, but quite convenient and high-quality application) and “Yandex Maps” (a free utility).
Setting up GPS
If you've moved on to setting up your GPS, you've noticed problems. Although you may not have done this yet. To check the navigation on your device, you need to launch it; we looked at how to turn on GPS on Android. We launch the navigator and make a route. If this could not be done or the program incorrectly showed your location, then you should go to the settings.
Conclusion
That's all. Now you know how to enable GPS on Android and configure it. There is nothing complicated about this, the main thing is to follow the rules.
If in urban conditions it is easier for a driver or pedestrian to navigate the road, then in the wilderness it is much more difficult. In such situations, navigation on mobile phone. Thanks to modern technologies, you can now use various programs, which greatly facilitates orientation in space. A beginner should understand in more detail how to set up a navigator on a smartphone with an operating system Android system and iPhone to quickly find the right place if necessary.
Interface setup
The first thing that should be mentioned is the built-in GPS navigator program, which is often equipped with Android mobile gadgets. They are primarily aimed at pedestrians and cyclists. GPS devices are more suitable for orienting motorists on the highway. Most Android phones and iPhones have built-in GPS modules. Therefore, any mobile phone can be turned into a high-quality navigator.
Typically, the OS of a mobile device is initially equipped with a navigation utility - the most common is Google Maps. They are quite easy to use, but require a constant connection to the Internet. And the good thing about Android is that it allows you to implement any software depending on the user's needs.
To configure the interface, you need to turn on the GPS module itself and the Internet connection, if possible. If there is Internet support, the signal to the satellites arrives faster. Thus, the location information will be more reliable.
Step-by-step instructions on how to set up a navigator on your phone are presented in the table:
| Step | Photo step by step |
| Go to the settings and find one of the sections (depending on the brand of the gadget): “Location”, “Geodata”, “Geolocation”. Move the icon to on mode. After this, it becomes possible to review the applications that are available for navigation | |
| In the “Mode” item, select the required items - accuracy and speed of location determination. The user receives the fastest information possible by simultaneously checking the “By network coordinates” and “By GPS satellites” boxes. But then the energy and traffic of the mobile device is consumed more. Communication with satellites is established more slowly if you check only “By satellites” |  |
If your mobile gadget does not have a built-in navigation program, then the solution is to download a third-party application. There are many of these for Android and iOS systems. They differ in some technical indicators, for example, the purpose of use (orientation around the city or countryside). Most phones support GPS communications with Russian and American satellites. If other systems are involved, then it is not difficult to reconfigure the gadget to specific satellites.
All available navigation utility applications are divided into 2 categories:
- working on maps that have already been drawn up;
- based on satellite images.
How to use Navitel
This application, like others, is downloaded from the Play Store. After downloading and running the program, it is remembered in internal memory in the form of a separate Navitel Content section, which includes another folder - Maps. This is where they load navigation maps.
After switching on, interaction with satellites occurs automatically, and if a connection with at least one is detected, the location of the object is displayed on the map. The more satellites connected, the more accurately the coordinates are given. It is worth noting that this application paid.
Using Yandex. Maps" on a smartphone
The most common now are Yandex. Maps”, which support smartphones running Android OS. This is due to extensive functionality, an expanded interface in Russian and the absence of advertising. Another plus is that it is free to use.
To start working with the Yandex. Maps”, just launch. After which the program configures itself.
This utility operates both in satellite mode and card mode. For offline use you can download to mobile device a map of a specific city, which is freely available.
When guided by images received from satellites, a person is given the opportunity to move freely not only on roads, but also on any terrain. On the right are the keys responsible for the image scale. In this regard, you need to be careful, since numerous loads of the same coordinate, but at different scales, can overwhelm the system memory. Therefore, regular cache clearing is necessary.
If you intend to use a navigator without access to the Internet, then download all the necessary maps in advance on the same scale.
How to install the application on your gadget:
- To install the navigator on Android, go to the store and click on the “Install” icon. Waiting for the download to complete.
- To configure the application for personal use, log in to Yandex. Navigator" by clicking the corresponding icon on the smartphone screen.
- After the first launch, 2 consecutive requests from the program appear to gain access to geolocation and microphone. Why do they give their consent?
- Next, a map with an arrow icon opens, by which you can find out your location.
- Click on “Menu” in the lower corner of the screen (right) and go to “Settings”. A list of options appears, from which those that significantly affect the functionality of the navigator are selected.
- In the “Map View” tab, you can select what you need - a standard route along streets and roads or satellite coordination.
- To use the navigation system offline, you need to enter a specific locality in the “Downloading maps” section in the search bar. In the drop-down list, select your city, country, region or province.
- You can change the location icon by going to the “Cursor” tab, where there are three possible options.
- Adjust the sound.
- Setting up work voice assistant in the “Announcer” tab, where they indicate a specific voiceover.
- Select the language in which the navigator will speak. To do this, go to the subsection with the appropriate name and click on the required position. To return to the menu, click on the arrow in top corner.
- In the settings, it is recommended to leave all 3 activated options as they are. Voice interaction allows you to communicate with the device without taking your eyes off the road - they say the address along the route after the command “Listen to Yandex”.
Rules for using the navigator
After installing and configuring the utility on your smartphone or iPhone, you should figure out how to continue working with it. This is not difficult if you read the instructions first.
First the maps are loaded. Otherwise without wi-fi and mobile internet the device will not function.
- Click on the search engine.
- In the box that appears, indicate the category that corresponds to the theme of the final destination. You can enter the address manually.
- To launch the gadget by voice, say “Listen, Yandex” and wait for the permission command “Speak!” to appear on the screen. “Then the address and place are announced.
- As soon as the navigator finds the required route, an information icon appears on the map, where the two closest routes are indicated. You must choose one at your own discretion.
- Then the software enters the driving mode, and the corresponding indicators are visible at the top: speed of movement, distance to the nearest turn, how much time is left until the end of the trip. All you have to do is follow the speaker’s instructions, but keep in mind that this is a technique and can make mistakes. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully monitor the road yourself.
Additional features designed for convenience:
- Orientation on the road based on the degree of traffic congestion in certain places is a way to avoid traffic jams. Activate the option like this: click on the traffic light in the upper right corner. Immediately on the map, the roads will be colored in different colors (yellow, green, orange, red), indicating the intensity of vehicle movement along them.
- To add a comment to a specific event on the road, click on the icon in the form of a triangle with a plus.
- Simultaneously with the comment, you can set a pointer to the location to which you want to link the fact. This could be an accident, repair work on a certain section of the road, or any other incident. Just select the desired item from the list and click “Install”.
All modern smartphones and most tablets are equipped with a GPS location module. 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.
- "High accuracy"(“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 the World Wide Web will significantly speed up the search and communication with satellites.
- “Battery Saver”(“By network coordinates”). Uses only wireless network- 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 radio tower signal.
- “By device sensors”(“By 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
A flawlessly working GPS module (search for satellites, quick connection to them, stable communication with them) greatly simplifies life, especially when you are moving through unfamiliar terrain.
But in Chinese models running on the MTK processor, if GPS is used for a long time, the connection may become 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 correct GPS work, enter in which 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).
- Turn on GPS and Wi-Fi and go out onto the balcony, or better yet, to any open space.
- 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.
- In the program menu you will see several bookmarks. Scroll to the left, select the Location tab, and go to Location Based Service.
- In the EPO tab, check Enable EPO and Auto Download. EPO is system file, containing information about the coordinates of the 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,
