If your Galaxy S25 Ultra shows the wrong location or struggles to lock onto your position, it can be frustrating. Whether you’re using Maps, ride-hailing apps, or fitness trackers, accurate GPS is essential. Thankfully, there are several ways to make your GPS work properly again.
Why Your Galaxy S25 Ultra GPS Might Not Be Accurate
- Location accuracy is set to a lower mode.
- Power Saving Mode is limiting GPS performance.
- App permissions or settings are misconfigured.
- Corrupted location cache or temporary glitches.
- Software bugs or outdated system updates.
Enable High Accuracy Location Mode.
Your Galaxy’s GPS may not be using the most precise mode. High accuracy combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks for better results.
- Open Settings, and then tap Location.
- Tap Location method, and then select High accuracy.
Once enabled, apps that rely on GPS will use all available sources to pinpoint your location.
Calibrate the Compass.
An uncalibrated compass can throw off your phone’s direction readings, especially in navigation apps. Recalibrating helps your device determine which way you are facing.
- Open Google Maps, and then tap the blue location dot.
- Select Calibrate compass, and then follow the on-screen figure-eight motion.
After calibration, your phone should display a more precise heading.
Turn Off Power Saving Mode.
Power Saving Mode limits background activity and may reduce GPS accuracy to save battery. Turning it off ensures full sensor performance.
- Open Settings, and then tap Battery and device care.
- Tap Battery, and then toggle off Power saving.
This allows GPS to work continuously without interference from battery restrictions.
Reset Location Permissions for Problematic Apps.
If GPS issues occur only in specific apps, the location permission settings might be causing the problem. Resetting them gives apps a fresh start.
- Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
- Choose the affected app, tap Permissions, and then tap Location. Select Allow only while using the app.
This ensures the app can access your precise location when active.
Clear Cache and Data of the Maps App.
Corrupted cache or old data can cause location inaccuracies. Clearing them helps refresh the app’s GPS data.
- Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
- Tap Maps, and then tap Storage. Tap Clear cache, and then tap Clear data.
Reopen the app afterward to let it rebuild accurate location data.
Update Software.
Software updates often include fixes for GPS stability and location accuracy.
- Open Settings, and then tap Software update.
- Tap Download and install, and then follow the instructions if an update is available.
After the update, restart your phone to apply the improvements.
Reset Location Settings.
If nothing else helps, a quick reset can clear configuration conflicts affecting GPS.
- Open Settings, and then tap General management.
- Tap Reset, and then tap Reset location settings.
Your location preferences will return to default, and GPS should start working correctly again.
GPS accuracy problems on the Galaxy S25 Ultra are usually minor and easy to fix. Once you follow these steps, your navigation, fitness, and tracking apps should perform normally again.
FAQs
Why does my Galaxy S25 Ultra GPS drift or move randomly?
This can happen due to interference from tall buildings, tunnels, or metal structures. Switching to High accuracy mode helps minimize the drift.
Can a phone case affect GPS accuracy?
Yes. Thick or metal cases can block satellite signals. Try removing the case and testing the GPS again.
Does GPS work without an internet connection?
Yes, GPS uses satellites to determine your location, but an internet connection helps download maps and improve accuracy faster.
