[Q] Wonky GPS on AT&T S4? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Hi all. I'm having a bit of GPS weirdness. GPS can get a lock quickly and accurately, however, I have to turn it off/on every time I open an app that uses it. Otherwise, it won't ever find the location. Once I turn it off/on it picks up and stays locked while the app is running. Also, if I switch to another app that uses GPS I have to do the same thing to get a location fix.
So obviously, the GPS function works, but something in the OS is not recognizing it until it's reset. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying. Is anyone else seeing this?
This is on the AT&T version, by the way.
Thanks!

Check if you have GPS and Mobile Networks turned on for Location.
Else return it.... and get a new one... GPS has been quick and spot on...

slider2828 said:
Check if you have GPS and Mobile Networks turned on for Location.
Else return it.... and get a new one... GPS has been quick and spot on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is quick and spot on. Per what I wrote, I have to turn it off and on for an app to be able to use it.

burhanistan said:
GPS is quick and spot on. Per what I wrote, I have to turn it off and on for an app to be able to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed this once, where something in the background was starting a GPS lock, but seemed to cancel, and retry before it ever succeeded. Turning the GPS and location services off, then back on worked for me. Haven't had an issue since.
If you haven't tried resetting to factory default, I suggest doing so.

TwistedMexi said:
I've noticed this once, where something in the background was starting a GPS lock, but seemed to cancel, and retry before it ever succeeded. Turning the GPS and location services off, then back on worked for me. Haven't had an issue since.
If you haven't tried resetting to factory default, I suggest doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.

burhanistan said:
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Less drastic than returning it. I suppose it depends on how attached you are to your current setup - but I would say if you're experiencing that issue repeatedly, the factory reset is exactly what you'd need. I doubt the OTA will address it since it appears to be an isolated problem.

burhanistan said:
Well, I was hoping for a bit more granular approach than a full reset. I'll wait until the new OTA is applied before doing anything drastic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be my guest but to get the quickest results please just turn off all gps settings then do a battery pull. Restart it and turn the gps services back on... Viola
If that's to drastic for you then your SOL
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

You can also try to download GPS Status from the play store and download aGPS data and see if that helps

mcmb03 said:
You can also try to download GPS Status from the play store and download aGPS data and see if that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, the issue is with ANY app that requests GPS data.

So, yeah. Today's OTA update did indeed fix this. i would press my own Thanks button, but that would be sinning!

burhanistan said:
Hi all. I'm having a bit of GPS weirdness. GPS can get a lock quickly and accurately, however, I have to turn it off/on every time I open an app that uses it. Otherwise, it won't ever find the location. Once I turn it off/on it picks up and stays locked while the app is running. Also, if I switch to another app that uses GPS I have to do the same thing to get a location fix.
So obviously, the GPS function works, but something in the OS is not recognizing it until it's reset. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying. Is anyone else seeing this?
This is on the AT&T version, by the way.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here and it's driving me INSANE. lol I am on stock rom just rooted and unlocked. If i ever want to use Gps I need to turn on/off the toggle. Very annoying. Wasn't like this from day one so something must have changed. I have tried clearing the cache for Google Maps as well as re enabling all of my location settings downloading aGPS data data did not work

Do you have yahoo weather installed ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I do not have yahoo weather installed. Another bit of info I forgot in last post:
I do sometimes, in a quick glance, see the gps icon running out of the blue. The notification of "acquiring gps signal bla bla" is present as well.. only to disappear within seconds. So it seems as if a specific service or application is using the gps in a faulty manner, blocking other services/applications from using it. May be why resetting the gps allows the application your trying to use access it. (my only fix)
If someone could read a logcat of what's going on I could post one up
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I've actually been combing through the logcat output and see a line reappearing often referring to "no secgps file" I do remember on my previous devices messing around with that file and others for GPS configurations. Does anyone know if this file is supposed to be included in the stock rom?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

BUMP
Seeing a few other posts in this sub forum for GPS locking issues, and most the others see the fix to turn on and off via the toggle.

tyshemi said:
Do you have yahoo weather installed ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was Yahoo Weather for me! As soon as I deleted it the GPS started to work well with apps that need it such as Waze and Google Navigation. Wow. Thank you. I was going crazy. Tmobile GS4 btw!

Lol people probly thought I was crazy but it causes lots of issues
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

tyshemi said:
Lol people probly thought I was crazy but it causes lots of issues
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely no yahoo weather installed. I've disabled yahoo news and yahoo finance so far
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Sucks man faulty phone then I've had zero issues after the yahoo incident
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It does suck.. I'm starting to get the feeling its Google now. I love it and use it extensively
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Related

[Q] GPS problem

Looked to the best of my searching abilities, and prob just missed something. However, is anyone else having a problem with the GPS? In particular, when I start an app, any app, that requires GPS, I have to turn the already on GPS off, then back on. Otherwise, even though its marked as on, the apps will say 'searching for gps'. Now, after I turn it off then back on, the apps immediately get a lock and operate as normal. I didn't spend much time with the phone before rooting it and have no idea if the problem existed before hand. Maybe I have a faulty phone? Or maybe I should flash back to stock?
If no one else is experiencing this prob, I'm thinking I should return the phone. Just need to learn how to revert back to stock with no one the wiser.
TIA
I've never had that issue. But i used GPS Status to clean the gps data and download more accurate one. It makes the signal stronger I think or we'll at least it seems to grab more accurate readings.
If you download it from the app store. Hit the menu button > tools > Manage A-GPS State > Reset. Then go back in and hit download.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Just tried mine again. Works as it should. I have GPS on all the time and when I go to map or navigation, it instantly shows my location and is ready to navigate.
The issue you are describing was common on my HTC Evo 4G LTE, though. That was pretty much the scenario anytime I wanted to use the GPS apps.
I use them on all my phones. It may connect good but I noticed on like navigation app it would bounce from spot to spot I was driving to. But when I use that gps status it smooths it out for me so it's smooth and moves as I do.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
kyhassen said:
I've never had that issue. But i used GPS Status to clean the gps data and download more accurate one. It makes the signal stronger I think or we'll at least it seems to grab more accurate readings.
If you download it from the app store. Hit the menu button > tools > Manage A-GPS State > Reset. Then go back in and hit download.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the program and tried what you suggested. However, I again had to turn the gps off then back on for even that app to work. I am going to figure out how to flash back to stock and try it again, then decide if i need to return the phone.
Thanks for you suggestions.
some of this could depend on the area you are in. downtown with skyscrapers = less accurate gps. Or at least in my experience. No matter what phone I have had.
Just a quick update:
Figured I had nothing to lose by trying one of the new roms that are out before I returned it. After flashing I went back to test the apps and they now work without a hitch. So, seems there was simply a software glitch preventing apps from seeing that the gps was already on and ready. I'm just relieved not to have to go through the extra steps to get navigation up and running!
Thanks again for the responses. Saved me a trip to test another phone! :good:
krazyjack said:
Just a quick update:
Figured I had nothing to lose by trying one of the new roms that are out before I returned it. After flashing I went back to test the apps and they now work without a hitch. So, seems there was simply a software glitch preventing apps from seeing that the gps was already on and ready. I'm just relieved not to have to go through the extra steps to get navigation up and running!
Thanks again for the responses. Saved me a trip to test another phone! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad this worked. what rom did you use? I am on uscc and have the same gps issue where you need to toggle it off then on and instant lock. Maybe we can extract the gps part and make a zip that updates just that part.
Exactly same issue with stock rom
krazyjack said:
Looked to the best of my searching abilities, and prob just missed something. However, is anyone else having a problem with the GPS? In particular, when I start an app, any app, that requires GPS, I have to turn the already on GPS off, then back on. Otherwise, even though its marked as on, the apps will say 'searching for gps'. Now, after I turn it off then back on, the apps immediately get a lock and operate as normal. I didn't spend much time with the phone before rooting it and have no idea if the problem existed before hand. Maybe I have a faulty phone? Or maybe I should flash back to stock?
If no one else is experiencing this prob, I'm thinking I should return the phone. Just need to learn how to revert back to stock with no one the wiser.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have exactly the same issue with the stock rom of my Galaxy S4 (i9505). Mine is not rooted, just standard. After having tried many things, I found the same workaround to switch off and on the GPS to have the navigation software working. This issue occurs with all software making use of the GPS signal.
Salvatore
i just unrooted my phone back to stock MDC did a factory reset.. rebooted now my GPS wont work.. location error.. failed location current location? i tried everything turn data on off.. wifi on off.. reboot ect..?? please help.. thanks
Sorry, never saw the responses posted and figured my situation was isolated:
Problem resurfaced even on new rom, so returned to the store for a replacement, no problems since.
Solution found
I found the culprit: After uninstalling Yahoo Weather, the GPS works just fine!!
your a god send
salvatorv said:
I found the culprit: After uninstalling Yahoo Weather, the GPS works just fine!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant believe it. Yahoo is it. Works like a charm now.

[Q] Stock Rom keeps turning wifi on

I'm using the stock Rom and when I go to settings to disable Wifi, after the screen is off and I wait for a few minutes the wifi keeps turning itself on.
Anyone else experiencing this?
I'm not using juice defender or similar apps. Also my phone carrier doesnt add a custom APN that forces this.
nmuntz said:
I'm using the stock Rom and when I go to settings to disable Wifi, after the screen is off and I wait for a few minutes the wifi keeps turning itself on.
Anyone else experiencing this?
I'm not using juice defender or similar apps. Also my phone carrier doesnt add a custom APN that forces this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into settings/wifi/settings and choose wifi on always in sleep mode. Reboot the router and reconnect to wifi. If that doesn`t help you might try a data factoey reset.
gee2012 said:
Go into settings/wifi/settings and choose wifi on always in sleep mode. Reboot the router and reconnect to wifi. If that doesn`t help you might try a data factoey reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um... but he wants to turn it off...
If it wasn't a stock rom I'd say something like profiles.
nmuntz said:
I'm using the stock Rom and when I go to settings to disable Wifi, after the screen is off and I wait for a few minutes the wifi keeps turning itself on.
Anyone else experiencing this?
I'm not using juice defender or similar apps. Also my phone carrier doesnt add a custom APN that forces this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you use Qualcomm Battery guru? I also have this issue and I use it, so I think it is related to this.
glaudrem said:
Do you use Qualcomm Battery guru? I also have this issue and I use it, so I think it is related to this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. This
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Nope, I don't use any sort of app like that.
nmuntz said:
Nope, I don't use any sort of app like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hrm maybe pull a logcat after it turns back on to see what's triggering it's state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
kbeezie said:
Hrm maybe pull a logcat after it turns back on to see what's triggering it's state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I just tried this and I don't see anything suspicious. If I search for Wifi, I see it's being set to ON by ActivityManager or ConnectivityManager, it doesn't seem to come from an application.
I have attached a full log and a log searching for WiFi, maybe you can help me find something?
Very much appreciate it!!
Thanks!!!
Anyone? :angel:

GPS Randomly Turns Itself On...

Having a weird issue with the GPS on my AT&T LG G2. Phone is unrooted on stock firmware. The GPS icon will randomly appear in the nav bar. Sometimes when I check after that, it will be turned on and I can toggle GPS off. Other times it isn't on by the time I check it. I always leave GPS off for the battery life savings. I've tried doing a factory reset and immediately disabling Google Maps. This seems to keep it from happening, but once I re-enable Maps, it will again start randomly turning on GPS. Even after disabling Maps at this point, it still does it. Only a factory reset then immediately disabling Maps seems to keep my GPS off. Any ideas?
Thanks!
I've noticed this as well. I keep mine on but it location icon started flashing earlier in a phone call.
No clue why that would be.
talonted said:
Having a weird issue with the GPS on my AT&T LG G2. Phone is unrooted on stock firmware. The GPS icon will randomly appear in the nav bar. Sometimes when I check after that, it will be turned on and I can toggle GPS off. Other times it isn't on by the time I check it. I always leave GPS off for the battery life savings. I've tried doing a factory reset and immediately disabling Google Maps. This seems to keep it from happening, but once I re-enable Maps, it will again start randomly turning on GPS. Even after disabling Maps at this point, it still does it. Only a factory reset then immediately disabling Maps seems to keep my GPS off. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fr4nk1yn said:
I've noticed this as well. I keep mine on but it location icon started flashing earlier in a phone call.
No clue why that would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
carrier iq
talonted said:
Having a weird issue with the GPS on my AT&T LG G2. Phone is unrooted on stock firmware. The GPS icon will randomly appear in the nav bar. Sometimes when I check after that, it will be turned on and I can toggle GPS off. Other times it isn't on by the time I check it. I always leave GPS off for the battery life savings. I've tried doing a factory reset and immediately disabling Google Maps. This seems to keep it from happening, but once I re-enable Maps, it will again start randomly turning on GPS. Even after disabling Maps at this point, it still does it. Only a factory reset then immediately disabling Maps seems to keep my GPS off. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had the same issue, it's something called carrier IQ that tracks you without consent. Fortunately you can remove it with root access. There are a couple of threads in the qa and general sections which address this and solving it. Search for them and youll be on your way.
LG G2
In on Verizon. It wasn't reported to have that and I did run a check, which was clean, just to make sure.
Here's my light flashing after turning the screen in th change the channel.
talonted said:
Having a weird issue with the GPS on my AT&T LG G2. Phone is unrooted on stock firmware. The GPS icon will randomly appear in the nav bar. Sometimes when I check after that, it will be turned on and I can toggle GPS off. Other times it isn't on by the time I check it. I always leave GPS off for the battery life savings. I've tried doing a factory reset and immediately disabling Google Maps. This seems to keep it from happening, but once I re-enable Maps, it will again start randomly turning on GPS. Even after disabling Maps at this point, it still does it. Only a factory reset then immediately disabling Maps seems to keep my GPS off. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not abnormal at all. This happens when your device needs to refresh locations for multiple apps to work efficiently. We are not alone. Android thing.
What have you guys done, that BIG BROTHER is keeping tabs on ya lol
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
talonted said:
Having a weird issue with the GPS on my AT&T LG G2. Phone is unrooted on stock firmware. The GPS icon will randomly appear in the nav bar. Sometimes when I check after that, it will be turned on and I can toggle GPS off. Other times it isn't on by the time I check it. I always leave GPS off for the battery life savings. I've tried doing a factory reset and immediately disabling Google Maps. This seems to keep it from happening, but once I re-enable Maps, it will again start randomly turning on GPS. Even after disabling Maps at this point, it still does it. Only a factory reset then immediately disabling Maps seems to keep my GPS off. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try disable location reporting in Settings. Also, there's a good chance Google Now! is using to access your whereabouts, unless your really want those cards, turn Google Now! off (voice search still works even after that). Look around Maps settings too, and if you see location sharing or let Google use Maps data or something like that, turned that off too.
merlen said:
carrier iq
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This....it was happening to me as well until I installed Disable Service, and went in there and nuked the CarrierIQ services. No more random GPS.
Sent from my LG-D800 using xda app-developers app
cj31016 said:
This....it was happening to me as well until I installed Disable Service, and went in there and nuked the CarrierIQ services. No more random GPS.
Sent from my LG-D800 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is how I fixed it, too. If you can't figure out how to remove CarrierIQ then you can just disable it after each reboot by going to settings->apps->running->android system->stop.
bryanhayn said:
This is how I fixed it, too. If you can't figure out how to remove CarrierIQ then you can just disable it after each reboot by going to settings->apps->running->android system->stop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it seems to be working this trick i ve done 3 factory resets till read this hopefully i solve that issue with GPS,but it turn on again F*ck this **** im going to sell this phone
Rebel Fox said:
it seems to be working this trick i ve done 3 factory resets till read this hopefully i solve that issue with GPS,but it turn on again F*ck this **** im going to sell this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybue its network problem,and i have the same issue with GPS,it turns on when make or recive call.i went to mobile company they told me its not just me with this problem,there where many others with the same issue,when i get back home i switch my phone from dual mode network to GSM, wasn't turn on during make or recive call,for now it seems problem is been fixed,so it worth to try this
bryanhayn said:
This is how I fixed it, too. If you can't figure out how to remove CarrierIQ then you can just disable it after each reboot by going to settings->apps->running->android system->stop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'm having the opposite problem. When I enable my GPS, after about a minute, it turns off. It used to work fine.
I have a Samsung, but I simply can't find my issue anywhere and I ran across this thread and I'm just praying someone might have some idea what's going on. It's frustrating!
Thanks

Gps won't grab a lock

So I the only thread I found on this was really old with no resolution so I'm starting a new one.
My gps will show like 0/24 on gps status immediately and not fix any. Earlier I got 2 satellites to fix ad that was all. This is outside in my car with a clear view of the sky. has anyone had any luck fixing gps issues?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
th3drow said:
So I the only thread I found on this was really old with no resolution so I'm starting a new one.
My gps will show like 0/24 on gps status immediately and not fix any. Earlier I got 2 satellites to fix ad that was all. This is outside in my car with a clear view of the sky. has anyone had any luck fixing gps issues?
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the GPS Status app (developer MobiWIA)? I ask since that app allows you to add all the extra details in the notification bar while the GPS is searching for a lock. If so, have you tried getting a GPS lock in any other app (like Maps)? I can get a lock in all my other apps, as well as other GPS diagnostic app EXCEPT for the one developed by MobiWIA for some reason. I keep it installed though as I like to see the status in the notification bar.
I'd suggest downloading the GPS Status app if you already don't have it (the MobiWIA one), and go into Menu > Tools and click on Manage A-GPS State. Then click on Clear Cached GPS Data. Then click on the button that says Download Additional Files (well, says something similar to that). Then open up a different app and see if you can get a lock. I had to clear my GPS data and download those additional files before I could get a timely lock as well, but now I get a lock within 10 seconds while inside the house. This assumes that you haven't rooted tour phone. If you're rooted, you can do all this (and more) manually. Just clear GPS Cache and Data, and open up /system/etc/gps.conf to add any additional servers to the list, as well as tweak other GPS setting.
ya i tried those before, it's acting even dumber now, the top bad with the gps icon is solid indicating a lock. However any gps status app that I use will show no satellites locked. I get it to lock a couple after sitting there for a while on gps status sometimes though but its really shady
My past g2 did that, I returned it. Got a replacement, afraid to even root this beast.
unfaix said:
My past g2 did that, I returned it. Got a replacement, afraid to even root this beast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so after you replaced it the problem was solved?
Same issue. The GPS on this phone sucks. It'll be 4 miles off sometimes and that's even if I can get it to lock.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Looks like the Verizon G2's GPS reception was compromised with the addition of wireless charging. T-mobile D801 here and I get a lock within a few seconds indoors.
th3drow said:
so after you replaced it the problem was solved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, still as ****ty as ever.
Although it doesn't happen as often, it still more often than others.
I'm past the remorse period.
So yeah.
Here's one from yesterday where I needed to get directions while driving, it locked but didn't do jack ****.
unfaix said:
Nope, still as ****ty as ever.
Although it doesn't happen as often, it still more often than others.
I'm past the remorse period.
So yeah.
Here's one from yesterday where I needed to get directions while driving, it locked but didn't do jack ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess atleast that means it most likely isn't completely hardware related.
Mine (T-Mobile) locks in just a few seconds, even indoors!
I always have data on, so it makes the process even faster (A-GPS makes use of the cellular antennas to acquire a lock faster). It works really well actually. I have at times the GPS off and even then, my location gets pin-pointed very quickly!
Cheers!
I have the GPS lock issue sometimes. What I have found to work for me is I turn airplane mode on let it sit for a second, then turn airplane mode off. By the time airplane mode is off and BT, LTE/CMDA signal notification are coming back to life my GPS has a lock and is working like it should.
YMMV on this, but it does work for me.

finding location even though GPS is off?

has anyone gotten this? I have GPS off, but the finding location notification and reticle comes up and just never goes away since GPS is obviously off. how can I figure out which app is doing this? it just started, but i haven't installed any new apps lately...
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
jayochs said:
has anyone gotten this? I have GPS off, but the finding location notification and reticle comes up and just never goes away since GPS is obviously off. how can I figure out which app is doing this? it just started, but i haven't installed any new apps lately...
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u could install a firewall app where u can enable every app by its own. first shut all apps off, than on one by one to find out which makes this. this is what i would do. yes the app is not for GPS, but mostly when an app starts trying to find out ur location than it wants to deliver the data somewhere. so it could work like this. i have "android firewall" from the play store. its the icon with the blue shield an an android logo on it.
@jayochs GPS toggle switch actually leaves wifi and mobile network location on(Google). Just drops hardware/verizon* GPS. You can long press toggle to check. Not sure if this is your problem, but I found this odd testing and just making sure you are aware. I don't get GPS pops when completely off, I do when I toggle the switch.

Categories

Resources