These alerts are commonly triggered by:
Buggy Google Maps updatesCorrupted cache or app dataRestricted app permissionsBackground process failuresAggressive battery optimization
Now that you’re aware of the problem and its possible causes, follow the steps below to fix it.
1. Restart Your Phone
Restarting your phone can reset the GPS sensors, clear temporary glitches that may block signal acquisition, and terminate any failed background processes interfering with location tracking. It also refreshes mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity, which can help restore proper GPS function.
2. Enable “Allow All the Time” Location Access for Google Maps
Google Maps requires continuous GPS access for accurate navigation. If it’s set to “While using the app”, Android may restrict its access when the screen turns off or when you switch apps, causing location issues. Allowing location access at all times helps ensure uninterrupted tracking and prevents battery optimization from interfering with GPS.
3. Clear App Cache and Data for Google Maps and Android Auto
Outdated or corrupted cached data in Google Maps and Android Auto can interfere with GPS functionality. Clearing this data removes old GPS logs, corrupted files, and temporary glitches without needing to reinstall the app. Since Android Auto relies on Google Maps, clearing both is necessary.
4. Enable Background Activity for Google Maps
Android may limit background activity to save battery, which can interfere with Google Maps when the screen is off. Setting it to Unrestricted prevents Android from cutting off GPS access in the background.
5. Uninstall Recent Updates for Google Maps
Sometimes, a recent Google Maps update may include bugs or incompatibilities that break GPS functionality. Rolling back the app can resolve this by restoring the previous stable version.
