Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 26 October 2026
Quick answer: Speedometer app not working or showing 0? The usual causes are missing or approximate location permission, location turned off, a battery saver pausing GPS, or no clear sky view. Check permissions first, move outdoors, wait a few seconds for a fix, then restart the app. Most problems clear in under a minute.
TL;DR
- Check location is on and precise.
- Grant the app location permission.
- Exempt it from battery saver.
- Get a sky view and wait for a fix.
- Update or reinstall if still stuck.
Speedometer app not working: checklist
- Location services on.
- App permission: While using + Precise.
- Battery saver off or app exempted.
- Outdoors or near a window.
- Wait 5–30 seconds after opening.
- Toggle airplane mode off/on.
- Restart the app.
- Restart the phone.
- Update or reinstall the app.
Speed stuck at zero
Standing still? Speed is genuinely zero. Moving and still zero? The app has no fix. Indoors, underground or in a vehicle with a metallised windscreen, signals may not reach the phone. See improve GPS signal.
Speed frozen in tunnels
GPS cannot see satellites underground, so the last value may freeze or drop. It recovers after the exit. GPS in tunnels.
Jumpy or wrong speed
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Tall buildings | Expect spikes; trust averages |
| Approximate permission | Enable Precise |
| Slow walking | Normal noise |
| Phone in pocket/bag | Mount with sky view |
Distance not adding up
If the trip meter misses distance, the app may have been paused by the OS. Keep the screen on or allow background location.
Reinstall as a last resort
If nothing else works, reinstall the app. Note that this may clear your trip history.
Restart the phone
A restart clears stuck location services more often than you'd expect. Try it before reinstalling.
Still stuck?
Contact us with your phone model, OS version and a description of what you see. We'll help.
Contact support
Still stuck? Email us from the contact page with phone model, OS version and what you see.
Related: Speedometer app FAQ · How to improve GPS signal · Location permissions for speed apps · GPS in tunnels: why speed freezes · GPS battery drain: how to reduce it · Contact Speedometer PRO support · Speedometer app features · Speedometer app for iPhone
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- 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)
- GPS Accuracy (GPS.gov): gps.gov (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Urban canyon (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Improve your location's accuracy (Google Maps Help): support.google.com (accessed 26 October 2026)
FAQ
Why does my speedometer app show 0?
Either you are stationary or the phone has no GPS fix. Check permissions and sky view, then wait a few seconds.
Why does speed freeze?
Signal loss in tunnels, garages or under heavy cover stops new updates until satellites are visible again.
Does low battery affect GPS?
Battery-saving modes can restrict GPS or background activity, which can make readings stop or lag.
Should I reinstall the app?
Try it after checking settings. Reinstalling resets permissions, so grant location again.
Is my phone's GPS broken?
Test with another GPS app outdoors. If both fail, it may be a hardware or system issue.