Database Info

[Q] Location Mode

I'm not sure what the Device only function does in the location settings. Can someone explain? How is this different from using Data/WiFi to determine your location?

Extreme112 said:
I'm not sure what the Device only function does in the location settings. Can someone explain? How is this different from using Data/WiFi to determine your location?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Device only" per the description in Settings->Location->Mode only uses your device GPS receiver to determine your location from the signal from GPS satellites. It does not use nearby cell towers (Data) or nearby wifi networks (Wifi).
Having a choice lets you turn off various radios if you want. People used to do that a lot to try and save battery. Nowadays I just leave everything turned on - batteries are better, processors and radios are more efficient, and I'd rather have all the smartphone features working.

alistairs1 said:
"Device only" per the description in Settings->Location->Mode only uses your device GPS receiver to determine your location from the signal from GPS satellites. It does not use nearby cell towers (Data) or nearby wifi networks (Wifi).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So in theory I should be able to use Google maps without Data/WiFi?

Extreme112 said:
So in theory I should be able to use Google maps without Data/WiFi?
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Click to collapse
Yes, and I believe this worked fine on older versions of Maps provided you cached the map first (obviously you can't get the map without data access otherwise).
With the current version of Maps there's some debate whether offline navigation still works. To give it a try: to save the map, have the area you want showing, then press search and then scroll to the bottom card "Make this map available offline".

alistairs1 said:
Yes, and I believe this worked fine on older versions of Maps provided you cached the map first (obviously you can't get the map without data access otherwise).
With the current version of Maps there's some debate whether offline navigation still works. To give it a try: to save the map, have the area you want showing, then press search and then scroll to the bottom card "Make this map available offline".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I get the function of this mode now. I'm gonna go ahead and try Maps and other navigation apps as well.
Thanks for explaining this stuff to me. You've been great help

[Q] Wifi & network location unavailable after switching location off & on again

[Q] Wifi & network location unavailable after switching location off & on again
Hi there,
I found this strange but reproduceable bug on my N5's location services and was wondering if it's the same for you.
Turn off location via settings or quick settings
Turn it back on
You'll be asked to accept Google location terms
Switch to battery saving mode (only wifi & network, no GPS)
After these steps, my N5 cannot find it's location via Wifi & mobile network anymore. In Maps it might still show the blue dot but moving around it won't update. When using any other app which will try to get a fresh location it's a no go. Like Google+, try and make a post with location, no joy.
I have to reboot to get it working again.

Did you agree to those Google terms? If not that's the reason...

cawith said:
Did you agree to those Google terms? If not that's the reason...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agreed to those of course. If you cancel that it will turn back to device (GPS) only

Sander M said:
I agreed to those of course. If you cancel that it will turn back to device (GPS) only
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange. Are you running stock ROM? I had no problem doing the thing you described.

cawith said:
Strange. Are you running stock ROM? I had no problem doing the thing you described.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got it 2 weeks ago, all is stock, locked and original.
Did you try any other app besides Maps? That sometimes uses last known location and shows blue icon.

Sander M said:
Just got it 2 weeks ago, all is stock, locked and original.
Did you try any other app besides Maps? That sometimes uses last known location and shows blue icon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, mine also won't find my position without GPS. However a reboot fixes it for me.

Somewhat glad to see others having this bug too. Indeed a reboot fixes it right up so it's not a huge deal.
Under normal circumstances I would't change this setting ever, but when I just got my N5 I wanted to test the GPS only feature. After turning it back to Battery saver I noticed and started investigating what caused it.
Thanks for testing mate!

Sander M said:
Somewhat glad to see others having this bug too. Indeed a reboot fixes it right up so it's not a huge deal.
Under normal circumstances I would't change this setting ever, but when I just got my N5 I wanted to test the GPS only feature. After turning it back to Battery saver I noticed and started investigating what caused it.
Thanks for testing mate!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I'm glad also to be aware of it now, so that I can avoid standing somewhere I need and it won't find it

Anyone else willing to try this? The N5 from a friend of mine did not show this behavior. And another did. Weird bug.
Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

I have the problem on my 16 GB black nexus 5 with stock Rom and no root. I tested with dalvik and art but the problem exist. I have found 3 solutions:
1- reboot phone (temporary solution)
2- stop Google Play Services (temporary solution)
3- uninstall updates of Google Play Services use with stock/no update (permanent solution)
one more thing; when I can't get a location fix with network/wireless GPS mode on Google Maps or any other application, I can see a circle on " Yandex Navigation" that shows my location.
but more interesting thing is I can see a circle that shows my location on Yandex Navigation when my GPS is completely off.
I think this problem is about Google Play Services or Google Location Services. I hope someone find a solution.

ymeksur said:
I have the problem on my 16 GB black nexus 5 with stock Rom and no root. I tested with dalvik and art but the problem exist. I have found 3 solutions:
1- reboot phone (temporary solution)
2- stop Google Play Services (temporary solution)
3- uninstall updates of Google Play Services use with stock/no update (permanent solution)
one more thing; when I can't get a location fix with network/wireless GPS mode on Google Maps or any other application, I can see a circle on " Yandex Navigation" that shows my location.
but more interesting thing is I can see a circle that shows my location on Yandex Navigation when my GPS is completely off.
I think this problem is about Google Play Services or Google Location Services. I hope someone find a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your (rigorous :good tests.
Reboot was the one I used to fix it, didn't know about the others you found.
In a strange way glad to see it's a software bug, which means it's fixable. I guess the friend I mentioned has not updated the Play services ever, that would explain why he is not affected.

happens to me as well on a Nexus 7 (2013). I've found that battery drains faster even when in deep sleep

Me and my colleague also have this issue...
Completely wiped and factory reset to stock, same prob.
Reboot solves it until you turn location services off and on again, or go from "device only" mode to "battery saving".
A quicker way then reboot (reboot actually does the same as this step) is go to settings, apps, running, Google Services (you might have 2), there STOP the GoogleLocationService (it will stop and reload the service)
Location should work again in battery saving mode...

Thanks for that one Foggy79!
Reboot or restarting the google play services takes much longer (especially when you have to disable ADM first) then your trick of only stopping the only location service.
Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

Sander M said:
Thanks for that one Foggy79!
Reboot or restarting the google play services takes much longer (especially when you have to disable ADM first) then your trick of only stopping the only location service.
Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem.
I just reproduced the issue on an other colleague's N5, that makes 3 ppl here in the office, can't be coincidence.
If the GoogleLocationService could restart automatically when you turn on "Location" and agree the terms, that would be great...

Foggy79 said:
No problem.
I just reproduced the issue on an other colleague's N5, that makes 3 ppl here in the office, can't be coincidence.
If the GoogleLocationService could restart automatically when you turn on "Location" and agree the terms, that would be great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears the issue is fixed for me.
I have Google Play services 4.3.24 so it might be fixed behind our backs.
Now when you turn the location off and on again, the GoogleLocationService is automaticly restarted also

Fixed for me as well with the new Google Play Services!
The new version now indeed restarts the LocationService again.
I'm glad Google also reads XDA (j/k)

Now if they can get GoogleLocationsManager and NlpLocationsReciever to stop running when Locations Services are turned off completely, that'd be great.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Q] Can I get my location using Cell towers only

Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.

fleen said:
Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already
Your approximate location will now be determined using cell tower triangulation. However, if you are trying to use Google Maps for example, you need to have previously made the area in which you are currently located available offline, or have it in your Google Maps cache. Otherwise it won't display anything of value to you without some sort of internet connection to download the map data.
You can also use Device mode which will use GPS to pinpoint your location. Same maps caveat applies as above, and obviously you need to be able to get GPS satellite locks (ie. outside or next to a window).

fleen said:
Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need internet to locate yourself only GPS.
Apps like Tasker and Llama can use cell tower location without draining your battery and requires a network connection but not data.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

xda_fanboy said:
Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already
Your approximate location will now be determined using cell tower triangulation. However, if you are trying to use Google Maps for example, you need to have previously made the area in which you are currently located available offline, or have it in your Google Maps cache. Otherwise it won't display anything of value to you without some sort of internet connection to download the map data.
You can also use Device mode which will use GPS to pinpoint your location. Same maps caveat applies as above, and obviously you need to be able to get GPS satellite locks (ie. outside or next to a window).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to get it to work I have downloaded google maps to view offline and it just stays there saying "waiting for location..."
And did the part "Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already"

Pretty sure the only way for that to work is if you have "WiFi always scanning" turned on.
You can set your locations to Device Only and it will just use the GPS and nothing else.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

fleen said:
I can't seem to get it to work I have downloaded google maps to view offline and it just stays there saying "waiting for location..."
And did the part "Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need GPS on at least. Thats what gives you your location. You can get a location based off of three things: Your mobile data, WiFi networks or GPS itself. You said you turned it all off so yeah, you arent going to get a location that way.

jsgraphicart said:
You need GPS on at least. Thats what gives you your location. You can get a location based off of three things: Your mobile data, WiFi networks or GPS itself. You said you turned it all off so yeah, you arent going to get a location that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get my location with wifi and cell towers together. No GPS so I think its possible with Cell Tower Triangulation only in theory.

fleen said:
I can get my location with wifi and cell towers together. No GPS so I think its possible with Cell Tower Triangulation only in theory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well just from looking at the settings, you can either use GPS, WiFi and mobile networks....WiFi and mobile networks....or GPS only. So I guess, take your pick.
What are you trying to get out of this anyway? Just use your phone for calls and maps and thats it?

jsgraphicart said:
Well just from looking at the settings, you can either use GPS, WiFi and mobile networks....WiFi and mobile networks....or GPS only. So I guess, take your pick.
What are you trying to get out of this anyway? Just use your phone for calls and maps and thats it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know those fitness apps that track where you have been and stuff, well I want to use one but outdoors theres no wifi and GPS uses too much battery

fleen said:
You know those fitness apps that track where you have been and stuff, well I want to use one but outdoors theres no wifi and GPS uses too much battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to save some battery on the GPS side put your phone in airplane mode. That will shut down all but GPS. I use mine all the time with an app called Backcountry Navigation Pro. They have a free version so you can check out most of the features that way. You can set it to record a track from every 5 seconds to 30 minutes. I set it to 5 minutes and have pretty good accuracy as far as where I've been and the GPS use is only on for that time. You should be able to do that with any good mapping app.

theesotericone said:
If you want to save some battery on the GPS side put your phone in airplane mode. That will shut down all but GPS. I use mine all the time with an app called Backcountry Navigation Pro. They have a free version so you can check out most of the features that way. You can set it to record a track from every 5 seconds to 30 minutes. I set it to 5 minutes and have pretty good accuracy as far as where I've been and the GPS use is only on for that time. You should be able to do that with any good mapping app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an option but if I can get the cell tower location working I would prefer it.

fleen said:
This is an option but if I can get the cell tower location working I would prefer it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cell tower triangulation is not precise at all. It's only used to help your device catch GPS fix faster. If one would only use cell towers the accuracy would in most cases not got below 300-500m...

One cell tower can provide signal for a very large area. It can not be used for precise tracking as you need.
When I drive away from my house it can take over 5 minutes to leave the area of my 3 "home" cell towers.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

So its not what I want ok guys thanks how can I close this thread now?

GPS doesn't work in Google Maps - but is okay in Navigation

I've got a problem. When I open Google Maps it doesn't seem to activate my GPS so my location is decided by the operator-network and/or wifi, and is not very precise. I've tried to keep Google Maps open for a long time but my location is never that precise as when the GPS is activated. Also if I log into Android Device Manager on the web, I only get a location with an accuracy of 1.5-2 kilometres so that's neither located by GPS.
But if I then enter a route in Google Maps and use the Navigation, the GPS is turned on and everything is fine. It's the same if I use Sygic GPS Navigation. I've got Avast Anti-Theft installed on my phone and if I log into avast.com and send a location command to my phone, it's also located by GPS with an accuracy of 5 metres.
I've installed 'GPS Status & Toolbox' and set the app to show an icon in my navigation bar when the GPS is used. And it's the same as described above - when Google Maps is open there's no icon but when I use Navigation the icon it's there.
I'm pretty sure that on my last phone (Samsung Galaxy S II) with Android 4.4.2 Google Maps also used the GPS and I've got a precise location every time, so my question is how to get it in the same way on my new phone (Sony Xperia Z1) with Android 4.4.4? There are many times I just want to see on Google Maps exactly where I am without using the Navigation directions to a specific location.

Michael B.N. said:
I've got a problem. When I open Google Maps it doesn't seem to activate my GPS so my location is decided by the operator-network and/or wifi, and is not very precise. I've tried to keep Google Maps open for a long time but my location is never that precise as when the GPS is activated. Also if I log into Android Device Manager on the web, I only get a location with an accuracy of 1.5-2 kilometres so that's neither located by GPS.
But if I then enter a route in Google Maps and use the Navigation, the GPS is turned on and everything is fine. It's the same if I use Sygic GPS Navigation. I've got Avast Anti-Theft installed on my phone and if I log into avast.com and send a location command to my phone, it's also located by GPS with an accuracy of 5 metres.
I've installed 'GPS Status & Toolbox' and set the app to show an icon in my navigation bar when the GPS is used. And it's the same as described above - when Google Maps is open there's no icon but when I use Navigation the icon it's there.
I'm pretty sure that on my last phone (Samsung Galaxy S II) with Android 4.4.2 Google Maps also used the GPS and I've got a precise location every time, so my question is how to get it in the same way on my new phone (Sony Xperia Z1) with Android 4.4.4? There are many times I just want to see on Google Maps exactly where I am without using the Navigation directions to a specific location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having a similar problem to this where GPS is a bit inaccurate. Would love to hear peoples solves for this. Thanks.

mojito13 said:
I'm having a similar problem to this where GPS is a bit inaccurate. Would love to hear peoples solves for this. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have either of you guys tried clearing app data and see if that works? Every once in a while I get that to resolve my issues.

Michael B.N. said:
I've got a problem. When I open Google Maps it doesn't seem to activate my GPS so my location is decided by the operator-network and/or wifi, and is not very precise. I've tried to keep Google Maps open for a long time but my location is never that precise as when the GPS is activated. Also if I log into Android Device Manager on the web, I only get a location with an accuracy of 1.5-2 kilometres so that's neither located by GPS.
But if I then enter a route in Google Maps and use the Navigation, the GPS is turned on and everything is fine. It's the same if I use Sygic GPS Navigation. I've got Avast Anti-Theft installed on my phone and if I log into avast.com and send a location command to my phone, it's also located by GPS with an accuracy of 5 metres.
I've installed 'GPS Status & Toolbox' and set the app to show an icon in my navigation bar when the GPS is used. And it's the same as described above - when Google Maps is open there's no icon but when I use Navigation the icon it's there.
I'm pretty sure that on my last phone (Samsung Galaxy S II) with Android 4.4.2 Google Maps also used the GPS and I've got a precise location every time, so my question is how to get it in the same way on my new phone (Sony Xperia Z1) with Android 4.4.4? There are many times I just want to see on Google Maps exactly where I am without using the Navigation directions to a specific location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mojito13 said:
I'm having a similar problem to this where GPS is a bit inaccurate. Would love to hear peoples solves for this. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the_rooter said:
Have either of you guys tried clearing app data and see if that works? Every once in a while I get that to resolve my issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't know about the gps not turning on at all, but it is a somewhat known bug on googles end when wifi is used to help location services, it frequently causes accuracy issues.
try turning off your wifi and see how it acts.

Yeah, off wifi it's more accurate. But yes, rooter, just cleared my app data and that did the trick, thanks.

GPS Not Working

Hi,
I think I have a problem with GPS on my Oneplus One, it's so hard to lock to my location.
I use Google Maps for navigation (High Accuracy GPS), and it's always showing wrong location, sometimes even far off from my location. And if I look into the status bar, it's always showing "Searching for GPS". I thought it's a problem with Maps so I downloaded Here and Waze, but still the same story, Here and Waze always show wrong location, and Waze also says my GPS is off.
But it's also worth to mention that if I am home, all apps above showing right location. And also I just downloaded GPS Status and test it in my home, it stuck on "Looking for GPS location" message when I'm indoor, but it works when I'm outdoor. Obviously I haven't been outside since I downloaded GPS Status so I'll updated this thread later.
OPO 12.0-YNG1TAS2I3

cliffflip said:
Hi,
I think I have a problem with GPS on my Oneplus One, it's so hard to lock to my location.
I use Google Maps for navigation (High Accuracy GPS), and it's always showing wrong location, sometimes even far off from my location. And if I look into the status bar, it's always showing "Searching for GPS". I thought it's a problem with Maps so I downloaded Here and Waze, but still the same story, Here and Waze always show wrong location, and Waze also says my GPS is off.
But it's also worth to mention that if I am home, all apps above showing right location. And also I just downloaded GPS Status and test it in my home, it stuck on "Looking for GPS location" message when I'm indoor, but it works when I'm outdoor. Obviously I haven't been outside since I downloaded GPS Status so I'll updated this thread later.
OPO 12.0-YNG1TAS2I3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to be outside for GPS to work, there's no point testing inside because it'll never work.

Heisenberg said:
You need to be outside for GPS to work, there's no point testing inside because it'll never work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info
But it supposed to work inside a moving car right? I tested and compared my OPO with my old Galaxy Tab 2 10" yesterday when I'm going outside. I ran GPS Status & Toolbox on both devices and it's seems like my Galaxy Tab locks position faster and more stable, although showed less total satellites than OPO.

cliffflip said:
Thanks for the info
But it supposed to work inside a moving car right? I tested and compared my OPO with my old Galaxy Tab 2 10" yesterday when I'm going outside. I ran GPS Status & Toolbox on both devices and it's seems like my Galaxy Tab locks position faster and more stable, although showed less total satellites than OPO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes OPO gps detection is not so faster
If u have disabled Google play location services and maps app activate them in privacy guard
Go to settings >location > set DEVICE ONLY mode
Keep your Internet on
Place your mobile on flat surface then click on location button
Wait for 1-2min
It will detect

cliffflip said:
Thanks for the info
But it supposed to work inside a moving car right? I tested and compared my OPO with my old Galaxy Tab 2 10" yesterday when I'm going outside. I ran GPS Status & Toolbox on both devices and it's seems like my Galaxy Tab locks position faster and more stable, although showed less total satellites than OPO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried using Faster GPS from the Play Store?

walpanmad said:
Yes OPO gps detection is not so faster
If u have disabled Google play location services and maps app activate them in privacy guard
Go to settings >location > set DEVICE ONLY mode
Keep your Internet on
Place your mobile on flat surface then click on location button
Wait for 1-2min
It will detect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Location Service is set to allowed in Privacy Guard.
Heisenberg said:
Have you tried using Faster GPS from the Play Store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I haven't, will check it ASAP