Location is Wrong on Google Maps: How to Fix

Google Maps is the most reliable navigation application out there. While it is packed with excellent features, it does have some issues. One such issue is the app showing an incorrect location. It can occur for various reasons, from outdated apps to flawed GPS.

In this article, we will explore the possible reasons why the Google Maps on your device shows the wrong location and what steps you can take to fix it. Let’s get started!

Why is Google Maps Showing Wrong Location?

Here are some of the common reasons that can lead to the wrong location in the Google Maps app:

• Wrong Data: Typically, the location details on Google Maps are sourced from various third parties, including government, public, and private organizations, which might incorporate inaccurate or outdated data, leading to the issue.
• Signal Interference: The GPS signal can be impacted by various things, such as skyscraper buildings, harsh weather conditions, mountains, etc, which can sometimes be the reason behind the inaccuracy.
• Weak Network Connection: You will need a decent internet connection to use Google Maps. If the network is unstable or slow, you might end up in the wrong location and other issues.
• Wrong Settings: Sometimes, your device’s incorrect network and location settings may lead to the wrong location.
• Outdated App: Google continuously updates Google Maps to provide accurate navigation and location information. If the Google Maps on your device has not been updated in a while, it might be the reason behind the issue.

How Do I Correct My Location on Google Maps?

Now you know the common reasons behind the wrong location issue on Google Maps, let’s explore how you can fix them.

1. Increase Accuracy of GPS

Newer versions of the Android and iOS devices include a high-accuracy GPS mode that ensures a better and more accurate location calculation. Consider enabling this to get an improved performance. It may also help to resolve the wrong location error. Here is how to turn on high-accuracy GPS:

Android

• Go to the Settings on your Android phone and open “Location.”
• Find and click on “Google Location Accuracy.”
• Turn on the toggle beside the “Improve Location Accuracy” option.

iPhone

• Open your iPhone’s settings and go to “Privacy.” Find and open “Location Services”.
• From there, locate Google Location and click on it. Then turn the toggle switch on for “Precise Location.”

2. Turn Off Battery Saver

When the battery saver is on, your device will try to cut off the resource-hungry features of Google Maps, such as GPS, to preserve battery life. This may lead to issues with navigation and show the wrong location. Consider turning this off to get an accurate location. Here is how to do so:

Android

• Open your phone’s Settings and go to “Battery”. Switch off the toggle beside “Battery Saver” mode.

iPhone

• To switch off the battery saver on your iPhone, open Settings and go to “Battery” from the options. From there, switch off “Low Power Mode”.

3. Calibrate the Compass

To find the location precisely, Google Maps uses a sensor on your smartphone named “Magnetometer.” It is recommended to calibrate the sensor frequently to ensure Google Maps shows the correct location. Here is how to do so:

• Open Google Maps on your iPhone or Android device. Click on your location marker (the blue dot icon).
• After that, press “Calibrate compass” on the new page from the bottom and execute the on-screen gesture to calibrate the compass.

4. Clear Cache (for Android)

Just like any other app, Google Maps preserves the cache data to make the maps load faster and other benefits. However, the cache data can sometimes get corrupted and affect the app’s performance. In this case, you will need to clean the cache. Here is how:

• Open Settings and go to “Apps and Notifications.”
• From the app list, find the “Google Maps.”
• Press “Storage and Cache” and then press the “Clear cache” option.

5. Turn Off Mock Locations (for Android)

Developer Mode on Android devices enables the user to customize the performance. An option in the Developer mode allows the mock location option, which can fake GPS and show your location to be somewhere else. If this is enabled, consider switching it off to see location information precisely on Google Maps.

Here is how to do so:

• Open Android’s Settings and go to “System > Developer Mode/Options”.
• Find “Select mock location app” and make sure no app is chosen there.
• Alternatively, you can also consider switching to Developer mode.

6. Turn On Wi-Fi

One of the methods apart from GPS that Google Maps may utilize to detect your location is Wi-Fi. If you get an incorrect location on Google Maps, consider switching off the Wi-Fi and check if the issue is resolved.

7. Force Quit the App

If you are still determining what exactly is causing the problem, a simple yet often effective troubleshooting method you can try is force quitting the Google Maps app. When you do so, the application will be started freshly, which might help resolve temporary issues causing the inaccuracy.

8. Restart Your iPhone/Android

When you restart your smartphone, it starts fresh by stopping all the running apps and tasks. Sometimes, Google Maps might be unable to load the most up-to-date location data and show you the wrong location. Restarting the device might help on such occasions.

9. Update the Google Maps App

You might see the wrong location on Google Maps because of a bug. Ensure your Google Maps app is updated to the latest version to enjoy a smoother, bug-free performance. Here is how to do so:

• Open the Play Store or App Store on your phone.
• Go to the Google Maps page and see if an update is available.
• If the update is available, tap “Update” for the latest version.

10. Uninstall & Reinstall Google Maps

If you have tried all the methods above and the problem is still occurring, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Google Maps. If any data may be causing the error, reinstalling the app might help to solve it. This will also update the app to the latest available version.

Extra Tip: How to Change Location on Google Maps

Have you ever thought of changing your location on Google Maps to prank your friends? It might sound impossible, but you can do this with a program like Fucosoft Location Changer.

It is a location spoofing program that enables you to customize GPS on iOS and Android devices. The best part is you don’t need to jailbreak or root the device to do so. The tool allows you to change the location of your device and display the changes in apps like Pokemon Go, Life360, WhatsApp, etc.

There are multiple modes on the app to change your location. These include Two-spot Mode, Multi-spot Mode, and Teleport Mode. The best thing is it enables you to customize GPS movement in a chosen route and set a specific route.

Main Features of Fucosoft Location Changer:

• Change your location to anywhere in the world with high location accuracy.
• Let you simulate GPS movements with preferred speed and pause time.
• Include options like keyboard control, joystick, and more.
• Let you create custom routes by choosing a map spot.
• 100% safe; works on multiple devices at a time.

Here is how to use the Fucosoft Location Changer:

Step 1: Download, install, and launch the Fucosoft Location Changer on your Windows or Mac computer. Then press “Get Started” on the app screen.

Step 2: Attach your Android or iOS device to your PC through Wi-Fi or USB. If you are using it for the first time, connecting through USB is required.

Step 3: Select Teleport Mode from the top-right of the display. You can use the search bar or enter manual navigation to select the desired location.

Step 4: After choosing the location, press “Move” to change the location instantly.

That’s it. Now open your Google Maps and check the location. It should be changed to the one you have chosen on the Fucosoft Location Changer.

Conclusion

Seeing the wrong location in Google Maps can be very intimidating when trying to find a place with the app. However, following the solutions discussed in the article, you should be able to eliminate the inaccurate location. Also, if you need to fake your location, try out the Fucosoft Location Changer. You will love it for sure!