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Google Maps no longer works with my S4

Ever since I bought my S4 a few months ago I have had problems with Google Maps keeping the satellite signal, but after installing the latest software upgrade on 12/11/2014 (NG6 to NK1) it has become useless. When I open Maps it will usually find my location and give me directions to where I want to go, but as soon as I tap "Start Navigation" it becomes totally worthless. If it can find a signal at all, then it will take me the wrong and longer way out of my neighborhood. But more often it just stops working and I get the dreaded "Satellite Signal Lost" message. I have cleared the cache, done a Force Stop and uninstalled/reinstalled the app...all to no avail. This is really frustrating because I have over the past years relied on my phone's navigation more than my Garmin because it is/was usually more accurate. I also see from other forums/discussions that I am not the only person having this problem. Is there anything anyone can suggest to fix the problem?

Comments

Verizon_Support

Thank you for messaging us regarding your Google Maps app, SheilaB104. I also heavily rely on this application, and definitely understand the importance of making sure it is always working for you. Let's start with a few basics. I understand that you have deleted and reinstalled the application. Have you tried going to Settings>App Manager>All>Maps>Uninstalled updates? In my personal experience, I have had a bit more success with better direct routes using this option. Since the newer updates feature real time traffic, and alternate route details, doing this can help make it easier when you just want that one route that will usually be the quickest. Keep us posted!

NicandroN_VZW

Follow us on twitter @VZWSupport

SheilaB104

I just tried going to “Settings>App Manager>All>Maps>Uninstalled updates,” and there was nothing there that said “Uninstalled updates,” so I presume that means the app is up to date, correct?

Ann154

Was there a disable or "turn off" option?

SheilaB104

Yes, to the right of "Force Stop" is an option to "Turn Off." Should I try that?

Verizon_Support

Thank you for reaching back out, SheilaB104. I apologize, I meant to say Uninstall/ Uninstall Updates. Thank you Ann154 for clearing it up!

Please let us know if you notice a difference with the way the application works for you after the steps Ann provided.

NicandroN_VZW

Follow us on twitter@VZWSupport

SheilaB104

I have turned off the app, cleared all data and the cache, restarted the phone, and turned the app back on, and it still did not work. Then I went to the Google Play Store and uninstalled the app from there, since there is not an option to uninstall from the app settings. I then restarted the phone and reinstalled the app from the Play Store. I then updated it. I tried it going to my local Walmart and was pleasantly surprised, at first, that it now showed the correct directions out of my neighborhood...where before it had been showing the wrong and longer way out. It held the GPS signal and gave me turn-by-turn directions to Walmart, and I was thrilled. Then on the return trip I was right back to square one...as soon as the car started to move the directions stopped and I heard "GPS signal lost" all the way home with it never getting a signal the whole way.

Tidbits

Sounds like interference in that area

SheilaB104

Thanks, Tidbits, but my phone did this all the way down I-95 from VA to FL a couple weeks ago and has gotten increasingly erratic. Today I took a walk around my neighborhood using MapMyFitness to track my progress...as I always do...and the GPS kept searching the whole time and never did fix on a satellite. It has never done this before...I use MapMyFitness on my walks and bike rides all the time and have never had a problem. I'm just not sure what to do next!

Tidbits

Try using a friends phone GPS. If it happens in the same area it may be something there causing interference.

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