Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 26 October 2026
Quick answer: To improve GPS signal, give the phone a clear view of the sky, turn on precise location and Google Location Accuracy or Apple's Precise Location, disable aggressive battery savers for the app, and allow a few seconds for a fix after opening. Metal mounts, thick cases and heated windscreens can weaken reception.
TL;DR
- Clear sky view first.
- Precise location on.
- Exempt the app from battery saver.
- Wait for a fix before moving.
- Avoid metal and magnetic mounts near the antenna.
Improve GPS signal: settings
Android: Settings → Location → turn on, and enable Google Location Accuracy. Give the app 'Precise' permission. iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → app → While Using, Precise on. See location permissions.
Placement
A mount low on the windscreen or on top of the dashboard sees more sky than a cup holder or pocket. Some cars have metallised windscreens that block signals except in a small window; check your handbook. See phone mount placement.
Battery savers
Power-saving modes can throttle GPS or pause apps in the background. Exempt the speedometer app or switch off the saver for drives.
Give it time
A cold start after a long time off can take a while; with network assistance (A-GNSS) it is usually seconds. Opening the app before you set off helps.
Quick fixes
| Symptom | Try |
|---|---|
| No speed at all | Check permission, move outdoors |
| Jumpy speed | Open sky, steady speed |
| Stuck reading | Toggle location off/on |
| Slow first fix | Turn on data/Wi-Fi briefly |
Dual-frequency phones
Newer phones with L1 and L5 dual-frequency GNSS are better at rejecting reflected signals in cities.
Phone cases
Thick metal cases or magnetic plates can affect GPS and compass. Try without the case if readings are poor.
Patience at start-up
After a long time switched off, or after travelling far, a phone may need longer for its first fix. Stand still outdoors for a minute.
Still bad?
Restart the phone, update the OS and app, and test with another app. See speedometer app not working.
Related: GPS speedometer guide · GPS speedometer accuracy: how accurate is it? · Location permissions for speed apps · Phone mount placement: where to put your phone · Speedometer app not working? Try these fixes · GPS in tunnels: why speed freezes · Digital speedometer: big numbers at a glance · Analog speedometer: a classic needle dial
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- GPS Accuracy (GPS.gov): gps.gov (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Assisted GNSS (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Location and sensors (Android Developers): developer.android.com (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Location Services on iPhone (Apple Support): support.apple.com (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Improve your location's accuracy (Google Maps Help): support.google.com (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Urban canyon (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Satellite navigation (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
FAQ
Why is my phone's GPS so inaccurate?
Blocked sky, reflections from buildings, battery saving and approximate location permission are the usual causes.
Does Wi-Fi improve GPS?
It helps the phone find a first position faster and can refine location in cities, but satellites still provide speed.
Do phone cases block GPS?
Thin cases rarely matter. Metal cases, magnets or plates near the antenna can reduce signal.
Are GPS booster apps useful?
Most simply refresh assistance data. Fixing settings and placement does more.
Should I calibrate GPS?
GPS itself needs no calibration. The compass may need a figure-eight calibration.