GPS technology has become an essential part of our lives, especially for those who rely on navigation apps like Android Auto to get around. However, one common issue that Android Auto users face is losing their GPS signal, which can be frustrating and even dangerous if you are in an unfamiliar area.

How to Fix GPS Signal Lost on Android Auto

Here are eight ways to fix GPS signal loss on Android Auto.

1. ENABLE LOCATION PERMISSION FOR MAPS

Whether you use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, it’s important to enable the right permissions for the navigation app if you want it to work properly. So, grant the navigation app permission to access your location. This should help you get rid of the lost GPS signal alert on Android Auto.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone. Navigate to the Apps section.

Step 2: Select All apps.

Step 3: Choose the app that you use on Android Auto for navigation. It should ideally be Google Maps or Waze.

Step 4: Tap on Permissions.

Step 5: Select the Location option. Then, choose either ‘Allow all the time’ or ‘Allow only while using the app’.

Your maps app should now have access to your GPS location and hence, you shouldn’t face the issue with Android Auto searching for GPS.

2. DISABLE BATTERY OPTIMIZATION FOR ANDROID AUTO

Another common reason for GPS issues on Android devices is battery optimization. Android devices often have a feature that limits battery usage for certain apps, including Android Auto, which can interfere with GPS performance. To disable battery optimization for Android Auto, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your smartphone. Navigate to the Apps section.

Step 2: Select All apps.

Step 3: Find and tap on Android Auto. Then, select the Battery option.

Step 4: Switch to the Unrestricted option.

Now, Android Auto should be able to run and stay connected to GPS at all times.

3. KEEP YOUR PHONE ON THE DASHBOARD

One of the most overlooked reasons for GPS signal loss on Android Auto is due to phone placement. If your phone is buried in your pocket or tucked away in a cup holder, it may not be able to pick up a strong GPS signal. To ensure that your phone is picking up a good GPS signal, it is recommended to keep your phone on the dashboard or in a phone mount.

When your phone is on the dashboard or in a mount, it has a clear view of the sky, and the GPS antenna can pick up a strong GPS signal. It is also important to ensure that your phone is securely mounted and not moving around while driving, as this can cause GPS signal loss.

By keeping your phone on the dashboard or in a mount, you can ensure that it is always picking up a good GPS signal, which will improve the accuracy of your navigation on Android Auto.

4. CLEAR THE CACHE AND APP DATA OF THE MAPS APP

Clearing the cache and app data of the maps app can also help fix GPS signal loss issues on Android Auto. This can be done by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your smartphone. Navigate to the Apps section.

Step 2: Tap on ‘See all apps.’

Step 3: Choose the app you use on Android Auto for navigation. It should ideally be Google Maps or Waze.

Step 4: Select ‘Storage & cache’.

Step 5: Tap on Clear cache. Then, select Clear Storage.

Now, connect your phone to Android Auto again and the GPS signal loss issue should be resolved.

5. UPDATE ANDROID AUTO TO THE LATEST VERSION

Another solution to fix GPS signal loss issues on Android Auto is to update the app to the latest version. Developers are constantly releasing updates to improve app performance, and this can often fix issues related to GPS signal loss.

To update Android Auto to the latest version, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app. Navigate to the Apps section.

Step 2: Tap on ‘See all apps.’

Step 3: Scroll down and select Android Auto. You should now see the app settings page.

Step 4: Go to the bottom of the screen. Tap on App details under Store.

Step 5: You will be taken to the app page on Play Store. If there is an update available, tap on the Update option.

Try using Android Auto after the update and check if it makes a difference.

6. TRY A DIFFERENT NAVIGATION APP

If you are still experiencing GPS signal loss on Android Auto, you may want to try a different navigation app. Sometimes, certain navigation apps may work better than others in certain areas, so it’s worth trying a few to see if you get better results.

Popular navigation apps that you can try include Google Maps, Waze, and Here WeGo. To use a different navigation app on Android Auto, follow these steps:

1. Connect your Android device to your car’s Android Auto system.
2. Tap on the “Navigation” icon on the Android Auto home screen.
3. Select the navigation app you want to use.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your destination and start navigation.

If you find that a different navigation app works better than the one you were previously using, consider making it your default navigation app on Android Auto for future use.

7. TOGGLE AIRPLANE MODE

Toggling airplane mode on and off can sometimes help fix GPS signal loss issues on Android Auto. Airplane mode disables all wireless connections on your device, including GPS, and turning it on and off can sometimes help reset your GPS connection.

To toggle airplane mode on and off, follow these steps:

1. Open the settings app on your Android device.
2. Tap on “Network & internet” or “Connections.”
3. Find and tap on “Airplane mode.”
4. Toggle the switch to turn airplane mode on.
5. Wait a few seconds, then toggle the switch to turn airplane mode off.

After turning off airplane mode, give your device a few seconds to reconnect to the GPS and wireless networks. If this doesn’t fix the GPS signal loss issue, you can try some of the other solutions mentioned above.

8. RESTART THE ANDROID AUTO HEAD UNIT

Restarting the Android Auto head unit can also help fix GPS signal loss issues on Android Auto. The head unit is the device in your car that displays the Android Auto interface, and restarting it can help reset any issues that may be causing GPS signal loss.

To restart the Android Auto head unit, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your car’s engine.
2. Wait a few seconds, then turn your car’s engine back on.
3. Wait for the Android Auto interface to appear on the head unit display.
4. Unplug your Android device from the head unit.
5. Wait a few seconds, then plug your Android device back into the head unit.

After restarting the head unit, give your Android device a few seconds to connect to the head unit and establish a GPS signal. If this doesn’t fix the GPS signal loss issue, you can try some of the other solutions mentioned above.

FAQs For Fix GPS Signal Lost on Android Auto

Q: What is GPS signal loss on Android Auto?

A: GPS signal loss on Android Auto occurs when the Android Auto system is unable to receive a strong GPS signal from your Android device. This can result in inaccurate navigation directions or a complete loss of navigation functionality.

Q: Why am I experiencing GPS signal loss on Android Auto?

A: There are several reasons why you may be experiencing GPS signal loss on Android Auto, including poor GPS signal reception, battery optimization settings, outdated Android Auto app or maps app, or a glitch in the Android Auto system.

Q: How can I fix GPS signal loss on Android Auto?

A: There are several ways to fix GPS signal loss on Android Auto, including enabling location permission for maps, disabling battery optimization for Android Auto, keeping your phone on the dashboard, clearing the cache and app data of the maps app, updating Android Auto to the latest version, trying a different navigation app, toggling airplane mode, and restarting the Android Auto head unit.

Q: What if none of these solutions work to fix GPS signal loss on Android Auto?

A: If none of these solutions work, you may want to try resetting your Android device or contacting your car’s manufacturer or a professional mechanic for further assistance.