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[Q] Need to clear WiFi location cache after move

I moved (with my WiFi router) from Maine to Texas. My Xoom is convinced that that the WiFi still signifies that I'm in Maine. The widget for the Weather Channel keeps showing me the weather for Portland, ME. Also, whenever I open Google Maps, it jumps to my old address before going to the current GPS location in Texas.
I assume there must be some sort of cache that associates a given WiFi MAC with a location. I tried deleting the WiFi association and then adding it again, but that didn't fix the problem. So my guess is that I need to clear that cache (if it exists).
Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is a quite annoying problem.

Oh, I forgot to mention. If I turn off Google's location service (Location determined by Wi-Fi) (in Settings-->Location services), this fixes the weather app, but Google Maps still jumps to Maine until I get a GPS lock.

I think this is in Google's cache - they know your wifi was at your old place so that is where everything starts. I tried to look for a link from Google to "reset" your location data. I couldn't find it. I will post back if I do.
---------- Post added at 10:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 PM ----------
Found a similar post in a Google forum.
I can't post links yet so...
open google - search for "google reset wifi location" and check the first link.
What about changing the name of your wifi - the network name will change and then Google will update the maps (maybe).
Found another post about google latitude - might be able to reset location?

I changed the WiFi name. I'll post back later with results after I see if it works over the next day or so. Looks good so far though.

I thought it was going to work. It still showed the correct location last night (about 20 hours after the change), but it's now (40 hours after the change) messed up again. Very strange that it would work for that long and then revert to the previous behavior.
None of the links in the search result referenced by da_beast work anymore. Unfortunately it's a 2 year old thread. It does seem to match my problem exactly though, so thanks for finding it.
I found another thread that says that, by leaving GPS and WiFi on consistently, it will eventually get fixed.
Here's the oddest thing though. It screws up my Xoom, but not my phone (HTC Evo Shift 4G).
Current plan: leave both phone and tablet connect to the WiFi with GPS on and see if it helps.
I'll update for anyone who might be having the same problem as I see what happens.

Just by pure coincidence I saw an app on the market today called Location Cache by REMYDEMY. I have never used it, and have no idea if it works; but, it has positive reviews, and seems to do exactly what you're looking for. Let me know if you do decide to try it, just out of curiosity.

spackmanbr said:
Just by pure coincidence I saw an app on the market today called Location Cache by REMYDEMY. I have never used it, and have no idea if it works; but, it has positive reviews, and seems to do exactly what you're looking for. Let me know if you do decide to try it, just out of curiosity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might do it - I tried it just to see what it does.

Lost track of this thread for a bit while I was dealing with work stuff and installing a washer/dryer set.
Anyway, the upshot is that leaving the GPS on along with the other things I tried seems to have fixed it. I haven't had problems in at least five days.
Since I don't know what exactly worked, here is a list of everything I did (Note a number with a letter means I did these these things basically at the same time or several times that were mixed together):
1) Left GPS on for the Xoom (WiFi, no 3G)
2a) Accessed Google Maps multiple times on the Xoom when the Weather Channel app showed the wrong location
2b) Traveled to a family member's house with WiFi that showed the proper location on the Xoom multiple times
3) Changed the AP name for the router
4) Turned on GPS on my HTC Evo Shift 4G
5a) Accessed Google Maps multiple times on the Xoom when the Weather Channel app showed the wrong location
5b) Traveled back and forth with the phone only (GPS still on)
So conclusion, it's fixed.
My guess is that it has to do with multiple GPS location fixes while connected to the router. I don't think changing the AP name had anything to do with it, but I don't know for sure. I do think that having multiple sources (phone & tablet) helped, but I can't say for sure. It could have just been the number of GPS/router connections from the tablet.

[Q] Moved 30 miles away, router from that home still thinks its there?!!?

I've got a screwy situation I'm desperately seeking a resolution to... simply put, we moved, and since then my Galaxy S2 (AT&T) pulls location from wifi when connected to it, everything within the phone keeps showing up that we're still back home, 30 miles away in a different state! But simply turn wifi off and then use 3G for location, and from the same spot in the new house, everything begins to work normally...
Now here's the twist - only on certain roms does this happen. Right now, I'm running MIUI 2.3.7, build MIUI-203090. Right now, on THIS rom, everything is working as it should... wifi is on, phone connected, showing all the correct information for the correct area... by changing roms, with all the same settings selected, the phone begins showing up back in the former location, and I begin to boil. I've reset the router back to factory defaults, and the same problem exists... I'm convinced it's a router issue.... I have an HTC Inspire that I had until 2 weeks ago when I made the upgrade... I broke it out and used it to test... and I can confirm that, on certain roms, even with a totally different phone, the SAME problem results because its connecting wirelessly to the same router....
Any ideas??

I assume that you are using the same router as previously?.. A router does not necessarily re-ping its location on a regular basis and so you may very well need to update your location in the skyhook database..
http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/submit_ap.php
Midnight1970 said:
I've got a screwy situation I'm desperately seeking a resolution to... simply put, we moved, and since then my Galaxy S2 (AT&T) pulls location from wifi when connected to it, everything within the phone keeps showing up that we're still back home, 30 miles away in a different state! But simply turn wifi off and then use 3G for location, and from the same spot in the new house, everything begins to work normally...
Now here's the twist - only on certain roms does this happen. Right now, I'm running MIUI 2.3.7, build MIUI-203090. Right now, on THIS rom, everything is working as it should... wifi is on, phone connected, showing all the correct information for the correct area... by changing roms, with all the same settings selected, the phone begins showing up back in the former location, and I begin to boil. I've reset the router back to factory defaults, and the same problem exists... I'm convinced it's a router issue.... I have an HTC Inspire that I had until 2 weeks ago when I made the upgrade... I broke it out and used it to test... and I can confirm that, on certain roms, even with a totally different phone, the SAME problem results because its connecting wirelessly to the same router....
Any ideas??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Never heard of this before - will try it...

If you have Google location checked it may be using the known location when it was first detected.
Change your router wifi name. Then it may not know anything except through GPS.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

I tried the skyhook option, but it's not real clear - either it could take affect or could take up to 7 days - ?!??
The router's wifi name has been changed - and even went as far as to restore it back to factory defaults... STILL the same result... I'm absolutely confused.

this issue is not uncommon.. eg. my mobile hotspot shows me at home no matter where i am in the USA... a router is part of infrastructure and so is a fixed location... if not then the skyhook database would not even be required.
For any changes to take affect you will need to power cycle the router... and yes, a free service may take time to resolve itself.
you're welcome
p.s. nowhere anywhere on the web is a router referred to by name.. it has a unique mac address..it is this address that is tied to your location so change all you want.. but until the db is updated you will live 30 miles away
Midnight1970 said:
I tried the skyhook option, but it's not real clear - either it could take affect or could take up to 7 days - ?!??
The router's wifi name has been changed - and even went as far as to restore it back to factory defaults... STILL the same result... I'm absolutely confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Mystic38 said:
For any changes to take affect you will need to power cycle the router... and yes, a free service may take time to resolve itself.
p.s. nowhere anywhere on the web is a router referred to by name.. it has a unique mac address..it is this address that is tied to your location so change all you want.. but until the db is updated you will live 30 miles away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"until the db is updated?" - I'm sorry, can you be more specific?
I have a Belkin n450+ router... how would I accomplish this?

I had been powered off all during the move, well over 24 hours - I'm confused about how to go about "clearing the db" -

if you have reported the location change to the skyhook server, you will have to wait for them to update their database (db..sorry)..
You have tried a reset, the only other suggestion other than to wait is to restore the factory firmware to factory settings.. you may need to update firmware after this and will need to reset and configure your network, but its an idea..
Midnight1970 said:
I had been powered off all during the move, well over 24 hours - I'm confused about how to go about "clearing the db" -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Just did a search for this problem and found this thread. Is this still the best solution?

Google uses many methods for its location, WiFi, GPS and Cell towers.
Remember that Google Street View car that travels around. It also tracks location and if it sees a WiFi signal it records the broadcasted name and location. If you use a Google service, phone or PC Google tracks the WiFi access point name. If it has a record of that name if knows your location. Otherwise it only knows your IP address is within a certain area of a city.
So, Google knows your WiFi routers name is at a particular address/location, then you move. Google doesn't know you moved so it continues thinking you're at your old address.
Changing the Routers WiFi name and a new IP address forces Google to relocate you by using GPS and other WiFi Hotspots it sees near you on your phone. It will then associate your new WiFi router name with your new location.
Basically but more complex than that.

[Q] Incorrect Weather Location; No prediction for hardware keyboard

Hey everyone,
I'm experiencing a couple minor issues with my MyTouch 4G Slide and wanted to see if anyone had any input.
First is the weather location... when I am at work my phone's weather location always gets all weird. It happened with my G2 (before this phone) as well. On the G2, it would show my location as in Japan. With the MT4GS, it shows as Denver CO. It updates when I leave the building, but it is still frustrating for numerous reasons. First, the time on my phone switches to Denver's time zone while at work. It throws me off whenever I look at my phone. Also, after I leave and the location updates, it doesn't update the time zone. I have to go to Settings -> Date and Time, and uncheck and recheck 'Automatic' for it to switch back to the correct time zone. Finally, while Maps will read my location just fine, other location-based apps seem to be thrown off as well.
One other question is about the hardware keyboard. I have Prediction turned on in settings but it never works. It's nice with the hardware keyboard because I can skip the alt+ keypresses for punctuation and it inserts automatically, and it will capitalize I, etc. If I'm not mistaken, this hasn't worked since the recent HTC update that moved us to Google Play Store.
If anyone has fixes and/or other info about these issues, I'd appreciate your input! Thanks so much.

Are you connecting to your work's wi-fi automatically when you are there? It could be that the location information (which would affect weather and time) is using your IP address info. I know when I connect to my wi-fi at home, it will alter my location to a nearby suburb.

Fuzi0719 said:
Are you connecting to your work's wi-fi automatically when you are there? It could be that the location information (which would affect weather and time) is using your IP address info. I know when I connect to my wi-fi at home, it will alter my location to a nearby suburb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish! Our WiFi doesn't even show up on my phone... they must have the SSID hidden. I think it's because the building is older, and it must have lots of concrete or something because radios, cell phones, etc don't work well in here. Mine only works because my desk is right by the main entry door and a few windows. I'm assuming that the GPS signal could get thrown off by that as well. I'm just hoping since Maps can locate me that maybe I could fix the rest of the location-based services.

retrokick said:
I wish! Our WiFi doesn't even show up on my phone... they must have the SSID hidden. I think it's because the building is older, and it must have lots of concrete or something because radios, cell phones, etc don't work well in here. Mine only works because my desk is right by the main entry door and a few windows. I'm assuming that the GPS signal could get thrown off by that as well. I'm just hoping since Maps can locate me that maybe I could fix the rest of the location-based services.
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Click to collapse
It may not even be getting a GPS signal, instead relying upon the location data of the celltower you're linked with. I've seen the location info being off by neighborhoods, but not to the extreme you've mentioned.

Uncheck the automatic update, then it will stay in the right timezone.
Also, I use swiftkey x, it has the best word prediction, and works great with the hardware keyboard.

yellowjacket1981 said:
Uncheck the automatic update, then it will stay in the right timezone.
Also, I use swiftkey x, it has the best word prediction, and works great with the hardware keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the recommendation! The app is downloading now and I'm already excited because of the amazing reviews it got. I'm sure I'll love it. I was hesitant to uncheck the automatic setting because I want it to sync the time... but now that I think about it, once the time is set from the network... why would it need to sync? Unless I do a battery pull or something.

[Q] Gps / location services

Sorry I couldn't find the exact match with my issue so I thought of creating a new thread.
I updated my Xperia Neo ROM but I'm having difficulties with GPS/LOCATON service. It works fine on a 3G network but it couldn't load my location whenever I am connected to a wifi network. I've tried using different apps on my phone but still wouldn't work. It just keeps on searching/loading.
It used to work fine before with stock ICS 4.0.4 ROM/KERNEL. Is switching back the only fix? Please help. :crying:

I have the same issue, gps location is not working for my new rom either (unoffical jellaxy cymod 10 - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1875015) is there a fix/patch to flash??!

djrsa said:
I have the same issue, gps location is not working for my new rom either (unoffical jellaxy cymod 10 - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1875015) is there a fix/patch to flash??!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS on wifi is now working on my NEO. I think it's my wifi connection or just my area.

A possible cause and fix
PrinceRayman said:
Sorry I couldn't find the exact match with my issue so I thought of creating a new thread.
I updated my Xperia Neo ROM but I'm having difficulties with GPS/LOCATON service. It works fine on a 3G network but it couldn't load my location whenever I am connected to a wifi network. I've tried using different apps on my phone but still wouldn't work. It just keeps on searching/loading.
It used to work fine before with stock ICS 4.0.4 ROM/KERNEL. Is switching back the only fix? Please help. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember that Android has 3 different location services:
Real GPS, this requires only the ability to "see" the sky where the GPS locations are flying over your head, plus up to 15 minutes to download the weekly schedule of where they are flying (the 15 minute download can be replaced by a 5 second web download, but you will still need the 1.5 to 3 minute download of latest updates). Additionally, it may waste a few extra minutes looking for the wrong satellites if it things you are in a different part of the world than you are (this depends on the rom, radio firmware and GPS chip).
Cell tower location service: This sends the number of the nearest 2G/3G/4G to an online service which looks up where that tower is, giving a rough location.
Wi-Fi access point location service: This sends the name and/or MAC address of the nearest Wi-Fi access point to a Google service, which returns where other users were last time they saw that Wi-Fi access point with GPS on and Google Maps Wi-Fi location sharing on.
From this I guess one of 2 things are wrong:
:silly:Your Wi-Fi network is not in Google's database (unlikely since it was recognized with your previous firmware).
The option to share Wi-Fi location data with Google maps is off after the update, :fingers-crossed:try turning it off, then on.

Tracking Help with ISOLVED app

Last week my employer began using isolved time tracker for our work group. We began using it on 9-21-15. On 9-30-15, it was brought to my attention that my 'punches' were being logged from non-work locations. I believe there is a flaw or defect in the mobile software but I'll forward those questions to the software company. One thing I was able to find in my defense was the Google location log on my phone. I know that these items can be edited. I'm afraid that the edit factor may not allow this log to help my case but it does bring some other questions into play. Im hoping someone here with a higher level of knowledge in the field can educate me.
First question-
My location setting is always on and the location method is set to wifi and networks. I do NOT use the GPS option. How does my phone plot my locations? For example, it shows me at my home address at 6:53 am and then my work address at 7:27 am. I assume it's going off my home wifi connection and then my work wifi once I arrive and connect. I also notice it will show a time of 7:27-8:59 at my office, and once I arrive at another work location (and I would assume), connect to work wifi, the next location appears in my location log at that particular time. So, if Im at building B from 11:15 until 1:50, my location will show 'building B 11:15 am - 1:50 pm.' Not to sound redundant but, does the phone/location log know this because of the wifi connection?
What I am concerned most with is, all of my punch-ins for work are showing they were done from my home. I'm hoping to find a rock-solid way to orove that I was in fact at work when I was supposed to be. Would Sprint have any way of showing my locations at various times without me making any calls, sending any texts, or using any data? Do their towers have a constant lock on me and is there a log the can provide?
Thank you for reading through this long winded message. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I would greatly appreciate any help, advice, or ideas. Many, MANY, thanks in advance.
Mike~

hebejebe said:
Last week my employer began using isolved time tracker for our work group. We began using it on 9-21-15. On 9-30-15, it was brought to my attention that my 'punches' were being logged from non-work locations. I believe there is a flaw or defect in the mobile software but I'll forward those questions to the software company. One thing I was able to find in my defense was the Google location log on my phone. I know that these items can be edited. I'm afraid that the edit factor may not allow this log to help my case but it does bring some other questions into play. Im hoping someone here with a higher level of knowledge in the field can educate me.
First question-
My location setting is always on and the location method is set to wifi and networks. I do NOT use the GPS option. How does my phone plot my locations? For example, it shows me at my home address at 6:53 am and then my work address at 7:27 am. I assume it's going off my home wifi connection and then my work wifi once I arrive and connect. I also notice it will show a time of 7:27-8:59 at my office, and once I arrive at another work location (and I would assume), connect to work wifi, the next location appears in my location log at that particular time. So, if Im at building B from 11:15 until 1:50, my location will show 'building B 11:15 am - 1:50 pm.' Not to sound redundant but, does the phone/location log know this because of the wifi connection?
What I am concerned most with is, all of my punch-ins for work are showing they were done from my home. I'm hoping to find a rock-solid way to orove that I was in fact at work when I was supposed to be. Would Sprint have any way of showing my locations at various times without me making any calls, sending any texts, or using any data? Do their towers have a constant lock on me and is there a log the can provide?
Thank you for reading through this long winded message. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I would greatly appreciate any help, advice, or ideas. Many, MANY, thanks in advance.
Mike~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were on location and your device connected to your work WiFi, your IT/IS Department should have logs of that connection, they may need your MAC address to verify, but that should be proof enough.