Database Info

No GPS fix after update to 2.3.3

Always was a dificult to get fast fix with my NS but after the update can't get at all
With Gps status App I can see the gps is seeing 1, 2 or 3 sats but never fixes.
Is anyone experiencing the same after update?

Nope 10char
Sent from my MattedBlues CM7 Nexus S from the XDA Premium app.

No GPS problem ever since i got the phone . now on 2.3.3 RC2.

No issues with GPS here.

Since 2.3.3 for me. GPS takes 1-2 minutes to lock on, even then 20 meters is best accuracy...
wasn't like this with 2.3.0 to 2.3.2
Sent from my Nexus S

Is there any chance to be a carrier issue because it uses A-GPS?

Never experienced any GPS problems since I purchased the phone.

I´ve been doing some tests and my conclusion is that the GPS on 2.3.3 is little bit better. For me, it fix better but if in movement, it takes too long.
I use GPS test to monitor the signal... before, I was able to see (not to lock or fix) the signals in my living room. Now, inside the house never get a single satelite. But if you go outdoor, even on cloudy day (its been raining for 10 days now) in less than a minute took 8 sats and lock some seconds after.
it is obvious that if you want a real GPS, buy one...

Never had a gps problem.

i have the same problem! I Purchased my NS few days ago and this is devastating since i use gps a lot, I think if rooting will not fix this, I will sell it

Did you guys activate:
Settings -> Locations & Security:
1. Use wireless networks
2. Use GPS satellites?
these two have to be on for GPS to work.

zephiK said:
Did you guys activate:
Settings -> Locations & Security:
1. Use wireless networks
2. Use GPS satellites?
these two have to be on for GPS to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both?!
i never used GPS, but yesterday facebook updateded their app and now i can use "locations" since that i had GPS on all the time, but it online worked for me the first time i turned it on, then i have to reboot the phone to find my location

GPS lagg? ?? Never! !!!

Getting a fix with 2.3.2 was a piece of cake, very fast and accurate, now with 2.3.3 it’s an odyssey to get the first one, almost 2 minutes. Any suggestion to improve the time that gps needs to get the first fix?

eiabea said:
both?!
i never used GPS, but yesterday facebook updateded their app and now i can use "locations" since that i had GPS on all the time, but it online worked for me the first time i turned it on, then i have to reboot the phone to find my location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not really.. the first one has to ALWAYS be on if you want location, with the first one enabled only.. it'll detect your location via towers / network
with the second one enable, its able to precisely track your location providing accuracy on the street.
3rd: turning WiFi on
turning all 3 of those on will guarantee pin point position. but usually i only have to go to at least 1st and 2nd for it. these tips were found in Google Maps

I had a slow gps lock problem when I went to 2.3.3. I flashed the radio image and my gps is working like normal now.

I tried the older radio myself last night. Got GPS fix in less than a minute. I later put kb1 or kb3 back and just takes too long to get a fix position. 1 to 2 minutes and even then its slow at updating my location on screen. Cuts out alot.

ScotchtapeLoser said:
I had a slow gps lock problem when I went to 2.3.3. I flashed the radio image and my gps is working like normal now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed KB3 radio and I can say that It got better, 11/11 satellites and very fast fix in my first try. Thanks for the advice ScotchtapeLoser.

NVMENOR said:
I just flashed KB3 radio and I can say that It got better, 11/11 satellites and very fast fix in my first try. Thanks for the advice ScotchtapeLoser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how you find out how many satalites your phone gas found?

sinatosk said:
how you find out how many satalites your phone gas found?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use "GPS status" app from the market.

Is there a reason why the GPS sucks so bad?

Is it just because of the 4G? I owned the OG Droid and Droid X before this. Both of them would get a lock within 5 seconds. The TB takes at least a 45-60+ seconds to lock on, and even then it's not always very accurate. I tried the newer radio but it didn't help. I started getting random reboots so I'm now back to the stock radio.
I love my TB but the ****ty GPS is really disappointing.

Noticed some people have issues with BAMF ROM gps signal...as I tended to have issues with stock. Try a different ROM as some have different tweaks and settings.(Would suggest Liquid Thundersense) Kernel's and Radio's also affect the GPS which could also be the issue.

Id do a search in the development threads. I remember I few discussions on how to improve that. One that works for me is to disable the Google gps services in settings, and only use the Verizon and the other gps option (i forget which one it was )
Sent from my super duper deluxe rooted re-romed Thunderbolt. ( and yes, it can also wash my car AND do the dishes)

I had horrible GPS issues until I did the GPS Status fix - now it is crazy fast.

boingboingbilly said:
I had horrible GPS issues until I did the GPS Status fix - now it is crazy fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing the GPS fix. I appreciate it.

dbisch said:
Is it just because of the 4G? I owned the OG Droid and Droid X before this. Both of them would get a lock within 5 seconds. The TB takes at least a 45-60+ seconds to lock on, and even then it's not always very accurate. I tried the newer radio but it didn't help. I started getting random reboots so I'm now back to the stock radio.
I love my TB but the ****ty GPS is really disappointing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sympathize. My BlackBerry would lock very quickly, whereas, without the GPS Status fix, my ThunderBolt took ~60 seconds. Not anywhere near as bad as cold-starting a GPS that doesn't have location-assistance.

In the GPS.conf file, chandelier north-america to us

There is a fix that involves downloading the GPS Status app from the market, let it receive a full lock, then reload your map application and it should lock quicker. I have no idea why this works but it worked wonders for my phone. And if its a placebo effect, I dont care because I got some fast locking GPS now

Beastclaw said:
There is a fix that involves downloading the GPS Status app from the market, let it receive a full lock, then reload your map application and it should lock quicker. I have no idea why this works but it worked wonders for my phone. And if its a placebo effect, I dont care because I got some fast locking GPS now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Don't work for me. I'm on stock not rooted. I can't seem to actually get a fix period sometimes.

The GPS Status app has done wonders for the GPS lock. Before it took about a minute to lock on, now, about 5 seconds and I get an accurate lock.

The fix I mentioned deff seems to be kinda hit and miss then but I have heard it help a few people in the thread that mentioned it. There are other fixes you can find by searching throughout the forums, there are some in the General section as well as the Development forum. Just keep searching until you find a method that works for you.

gizzymo said:
Nope, Don't work for me. I'm on stock not rooted. I can't seem to actually get a fix period sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can take 5 minutes for it to finally lock on weith the app, you know when it does when it shows how accurate in feet it is. Restart maps and the lock is very quick from then on.

Yeah - but how long does it take the GPS Status app to get a lock? It seems like that app takes just as long as the Google Navigator to get a lock so what's the advantage? Right now, I'm going on 5 minutes and still can't get a lock on my location.

yatman60 said:
Yeah - but how long does it take the GPS Status app to get a lock? It seems like that app takes just as long as the Google Navigator to get a lock so what's the advantage? Right now, I'm going on 5 minutes and still can't get a lock on my location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kind of misrepresented in a way...the app helps get a quicker gps lock by downloading data assistance much like a-gps. You might need to clear your gps cache data from that applications settings then let it try to lock on....I also noticed the fastest lock is with all 3 gps options selected.

KDKobes said:
Kind of misrepresented in a way...the app helps get a quicker gps lock by downloading data assistance much like a-gps. You might need to clear your gps cache data from that applications settings then let it try to lock on....I also noticed the fastest lock is with all 3 gps options selected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon lbs does nothing unless you use vz nav.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

What I do is:
- Download and Install GPS Status App
- Open the App and go to menue > Toos > Manage A-GPS State > Reset
- Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications. Find Maps and Clear Data.
Then when I reopen Maps I get a very fast lock.

It's hard to say HTC rushed it out after all those delays, but HTC rushed it out. The thing lags more than it should, the battery isn't all that, the GPS sucks, and no GB. I regret my purchase every time I see that LTE pricing hasn't gone up!!! I bought this thing first day because of that unfounded rumour... Now the next LTE phone is in the B&M stores and the pricing is still unchanged.
I love using workarounds on a stock device... I cant even get a good version of CM7 on this thing!!!!! It's sad when "the phone after that" isn't even as good as my 2 previous phones. (vPhone 4, D1) I actually reactivated the vPhone and use it exclusively since its battery can last longer than 6 hrs of moderate usage...

awwilson21 said:
It's hard to say HTC rushed it out after all those delays, but HTC rushed it out. The thing lags more than it should, the battery isn't all that, the GPS sucks, and no GB. I regret my purchase every time I see that LTE pricing hasn't gone up!!! I bought this thing first day because of that unfounded rumour... Now the next LTE phone is in the B&M stores and the pricing is still unchanged.
I love using workarounds on a stock device... I cant even get a good version of CM7 on this thing!!!!! It's sad when "the phone after that" isn't even as good as my 2 previous phones. (vPhone 4, D1) I actually reactivated the vPhone and use it exclusively since its battery can last longer than 6 hrs of moderate usage...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We regret your purchase as well.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

adrynalyne said:
We regret your purchase as well.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
(ten chars)

Beastclaw said:
What I do is:
- Download and Install GPS Status App
- Open the App and go to menue > Toos > Manage A-GPS State > Reset
- Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications. Find Maps and Clear Data.
Then when I reopen Maps I get a very fast lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to do that every time you use GPS though, right?

GPS woes

So.... I should preface with two things:
1) This issue has occurred on my past 2 phones before the G2x (Defy and Nexus S).
2) GPS locking is near instant on my phone.
When I try and use navigation, it gets to the point of "waiting for location" so it can start my route, and it never starts. It just hangs there indefinitely. Any ideas?

hah2110 said:
So.... I should preface with two things:
1) This issue has occurred on my past 2 phones before the G2x (Defy and Nexus S).
2) GPS locking is near instant on my phone.
When I try and use navigation, it gets to the point of "waiting for location" so it can start my route, and it never starts. It just hangs there indefinitely. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM are you running?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

moshe22 said:
What ROM are you running?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pick your ROM.... Right now, Eagles Blood 1.04 GB. Last week, Bionix. Week before, CM. Week before, stock. All had the same issue.

Bump
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

Try downloading gps test from the market (The one made by Mike Lockwood) and run that until you see it get a good lock. Shut it off and then try your navigation. This seems to help mine.

CrazyCharlie said:
Try downloading gps test from the market (The one made by Mike Lockwood) and run that until you see it get a good lock. Shut it off and then try your navigation. This seems to help mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done this with GPS Status, no help. This is moot though because, as I mentioned, my GPS lock is instant.

very interested in this too. With GPS test, I get lock within a min or so.. But w/ navigation... it just hangs and hangs and hangs. I eventually do get the location, but it takes 5-10 min. I also tried the GPS fix by using the hiddenmenu thing... but it just sits there on all zeros.

schmit said:
very interested in this too. With GPS test, I get lock within a min or so.. But w/ navigation... it just hangs and hangs and hangs. I eventually do get the location, but it takes 5-10 min. I also tried the GPS fix by using the hiddenmenu thing... but it just sits there on all zeros.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hah2110 said:
So.... I should preface with two things:
1) This issue has occurred on my past 2 phones before the G2x (Defy and Nexus S).
2) GPS locking is near instant on my phone.
When I try and use navigation, it gets to the point of "waiting for location" so it can start my route, and it never starts. It just hangs there indefinitely. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I may have an answer. If GPS test is finding a lock np... but the app isn't.. R&R the app. I've had probs with other apps.. and that's what it was. I'm gonna dump it and reinstall. I think it's the maps app that loads all that gps stuff.

schmit said:
Actually, I may have an answer. If GPS test is finding a lock np... but the app isn't.. R&R the app. I've had probs with other apps.. and that's what it was. I'm gonna dump it and reinstall. I think it's the maps app that loads all that gps stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried multiple times.........

hah2110 said:
Tried multiple times.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
K, thanks..
I was traveling yesterday and needed directions to an address. I put the address in and drove in open sky, with the device on my dash, for 7-10min before I got signal.
I tried the gps fix (not the .zip, but the GPS Test in hiddenmenu)... tried it a few times.. It just sits there. Weird.

Bump
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

I'm really surprised, my phone locks to satellite instantly and maintains that lock for hours constantly. I use a program called B.Icycle that is a cycling computer and gps that gives constant speed, altitude, distance etc. Sometimes it might take longer to lock if I'm inside a building or under a big tree. But as long as I'm near a window it will lock on. My biggest problem is the battery running out too fast. I'm using CM nightly 34 but it was just as good when it was stock. I would return the phone, it shouldn't be that way.

GPS sucks

Anyone know why the gps takes forever to lock on when in navigation
Sent from my htc_jewel using xda app-developers app

No idea. The GPS signal is almost instantaneous on my phone once I open up Navigation.

Yea its spotty with me. It'll connect quickly, but ill be driving on the highway, then itll think im on some side road, and be really confused. I rebooted, and happened again, three times in a row. Also tried disabling GPS services and everything.
I would recommend taking it to Verizon to get a replacement. GPS isn't one of those things that's that fixable, its kind of hit or miss.
I'll probably take mine to VZW this week and demand a replacement for a faulty GPS.

Mine excellent has not seen this issue with others...if not rooted I would update to the newest radio...well you do not have to be rooted to do that but update for the latest radio to see if that helps...but I had no issues with the old...

You could try downloading an app called FasterGPS which supposedly helps lock on faster.

mine keeps putting me in the wrong place

Im coming from the droid charge and that and this phones gps is garbage. The only way i can get it to work is to turn on gps 5 minutes prior to opening maps/navigation and hope it will lock. That works about 30% of the time. Other than that no gps for me
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SFniner415 said:
Im coming from the droid charge and that and this phones gps is garbage. The only way i can get it to work is to turn on gps 5 minutes prior to opening maps/navigation and hope it will lock. That works about 30% of the time. Other than that no gps for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GPS in the Droid Charge I had was virtually useless half the time, but I am finding the GPS in my G3 works perfectly (it works so well I never use my Garmin portable GPS anymore)

Problems with GPS: Myth or fact?

I notice that some people have reported their S3's to receive poor GPS signal or that their phones can not lock onto a location at all, even to the point of having to return their phones. This paranoia had also struck me, and I noticed that I began to have problems too. However, I realized that at some point (for me personally) it had nothing to do with the phone. I just wanted to provide some tips as to how to improve GPS or use it more properly.
1. You need a line of sight to the satellites from your phone. That means that being in the middle of midtown Manhattan, you're likely to not get a signal. That also means that if you're in the middle of your living room, don't also expect to magically receive a GPS lock. It just doesn't work that way.
2. While it's controversial whether or not bad weather affects GPS signals, I notice that heavy clouds and poor weather affects my phone's ability to lock on at all.
3. If you're in an area where you can't get a lock (i.e. Midtown Manhattan, etc), turn on Google Location Services. This will always put you within a 500-1000 meter radius of where you are (in which case you would just read a map the old fashioned way).
4. I almost never have a problem locking on a location within 5 seconds while driving on a clear day, outside of the city. If your GPS and Google Navigation still does not work in this situation, you probably really have an issue.
5. During my paranoia, I cleared cache/data for Google Framework Services (warning: this will remove your sync account) and uninstalled updates to Maps and reinstalled. That may help if you've been flashing back and forth between roms.
Hope these simple tips might help some people out.

I don't know if it's because I leave GPS and Location services on all the time but I've never had an issue with GPS lock with this phone whether I'm in the burbs or in a city.

Yesterday I was in open line of site in Fitchburg MA, I had the GPS on for 20 minutes as I was scrambling for and event. It just would not lock at all. When I do get a lock. Yesterday same day driving 2 hours to Cape Cod (105 miles of open space) it would lock work good for a couple minutes then lag for a few seconds to minutes and not move then just jump and update. (Says GPS signal lost.) Sometimes it would then put me on side streets and struggle for find that I was still on 495 South. It did this when whole way. I knew where I was going so it wasn't a problem but there is something up and I am interested in finding out what. BTW this started after the first OTA update from Verizon.

If you have problems with gps get a replacement phone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

A lot of people don't know is to turn on wifi first. You will get a lock on in seconds.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

loonie01 said:
A lot of people don't know is to turn on wifi first. You will get a lock on in seconds.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tough to sign onto wifi on the highway

Even when I was in line of sight and with wifi on. My s3 wouldn't get a gps signal or lock on. My wife's Rezound did. So, I called Verizon and they sent me a replacement and now everything is fine. It was the hardware in my first one that was the problem.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Boss428man said:
Yesterday I was in open line of site in Fitchburg MA, I had the GPS on for 20 minutes as I was scrambling for and event. It just would not lock at all. When I do get a lock. Yesterday same day driving 2 hours to Cape Cod (105 miles of open space) it would lock work good for a couple minutes then lag for a few seconds to minutes and not move then just jump and update. (Says GPS signal lost.) Sometimes it would then put me on side streets and struggle for find that I was still on 495 South. It did this when whole way. I knew where I was going so it wasn't a problem but there is something up and I am interested in finding out what. BTW this started after the first OTA update from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exact same issue with me. I haven't tried it bout lately because it pissed me off. I started using GPS status and toolbox and beginning to calibrate and update things. Hopefully its better now. Unfortunately, I cant get a replacement because I bought the phone off contract on eBay (just like I always do).

Boss428man said:
Tough to sign onto wifi on the highway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to. For some reason enabling WiFi alone will improve the GPS's ability to get a lock. Though this isn't always the case, its one of the first things I do when I have trouble getting a lock.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah I don't understand it also but when I flash a new ROM, I would go to google maps. At that time I would not get a GPS lock until I turn on Wifi. GPS status app also helps with a good GPS lock.

Div033 said:
You don't have to. For some reason enabling WiFi alone will improve the GPS's ability to get a lock. Though this isn't always the case, its one of the first things I do when I have trouble getting a lock.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's getting a rough location estimate from access points when your turn WiFi on. WiFi location doesn't have anything to do with GPS. This will only work if you're by access points.

I've had problems since day one of owning this phone. I've owned a droid 1 and droid 3. My og droid honestly never failed to lock almost instantly whether in my house or on the road. Its a shame to get such a new phone and have issues like this. Multiple threads show many users are having the same issues. I've tried fixes, clearing caches, flashing new roms and nothing.

http://m.cnet.com/news/street-view-cars-grabbed-locations-of-phones-pcs/20082777?ds=1
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2396403,00.asp
All wifi is used for is helping finding a rough location by send info through Verizon about access points nearby. Turning it doesn't make the internal gps work "better" in regards to seeing satellites it just helps Google get a fix on the phone faster
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

I suspect the Chinese are setting up random gps blockers tuned specifically to the S3. /conspiracy theory

All I know is that I can never get it to work. Ever.
My Nexus 10 is better than your tablet. Hah.

As stated before if you have problems then get the phone replaced. I have never had a single problem getting a lock at all and I live in the cities.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

unique77 said:
As stated before if you have problems then get the phone replaced. I have never had a single problem getting a lock at all and I live in the cities.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, its probably the rom they're on. Even on 4.2.1 I get GPS though (not inside, but I can on TW roms).
OP: I can get a lock inside my living room

My GPS locks 20% of the time...outside on a clear day in Cali. Not sure what to do anymore. I've tried everything I read on here but returning it. I have a feeling they'll just give me a used refurbished phone so I hesitate to do it.

I can safely say that S3 gps is the best I've had out of all the smartphones I used. I am frequently in midtown Manhattan and it locks there within 10 seconds, and it works in my livingroom

Every time I load a new Rom I open up gps status toolbox get a lock instantly then open maps to locate me then I never have any trouble after that at all.
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