Samsung phones having GPS issues
jmz768
Enthusiast - Level 2

For the past few weeks, I've been having issues on my Galaxy Note 8 with my GPS losing connecting on Google Maps, Waze and Pokemon Go.  Asking on Reddit, others are having the same issue.  To a tee, every person complaining is a Verizon customer.  

This evening I went to the Galaxy S20 subreddit and saw that people were reporting the same issue.  When I asked, the two people who responded are also on Verizon.  

 

At this point, it is clear that whatever is going on is being caused by Verizon and appears to only be affecting Samsung phones.  I spoke with tech support on Friday and they said that they have noting on their radar about GPS issues.  

 

Is anyone else having issues with their GPS losing connection? 

Labels (1)
32 Replies
ctpalmer
Enthusiast - Level 2

I just started using my Galaxy S20 Ultra yesterday and noticed that my GPS accuracy is intermittent no matter what apps or settings I use.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hello, jmz768. The GPS feature is important, and we want to make sure it is working as it should on your device. To clarify, what steps have you taken to try to resolve this issue? CourtneyM_VZW

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ctpalmer
Enthusiast - Level 2

I have tried everything including resetting my S20 Ultra multiple times.  The GPS isn't accurate even on 3 hiking apps that I use:  US Toyota Maps, Backcountry Navigator, and Gaia GPS.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

ctpalmer, this is certainly not the way we want a new phone to perform. When you stated you reset the phone what steps did you take to do that?

 

TionnaB_VZW

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ctpalmer
Enthusiast - Level 2

Settings-General Management-Reset-Factory Data Reset

I have already been through this with a tech and I'm very familiar with how to use a cell phone whether it's Android based or iOS based.  I promise I've done everything an end user can do including using GPS Status Pro to reset the GPS.

What needs to happen is, when an S20 Ultra is returned from a customer and received by Verizon, Verizon techs can observe for themselves what happens and maybe figure out if it is a software or hardware issue.

If it is a software issue that can be solved by an OTA update I would keep my phone.  If it is a hardware issue then I have no choice but to return the phone anyway.  I only have a few more days until my 14 day trial period expires. 

jmz768
Enthusiast - Level 2

I've tried everything including a factory reset of my phone.  I finally got tired of it and called Verizon for a replacement which arrived yesterday.  The replacement phone is having the exact same issue.

 

There are many people complaining of the same issue.  All seem to be with Samsung phones on the Verizon network.  As best as I can guess, this all started with the most recent security update we received a few weeks ago.  

ctpalmer
Enthusiast - Level 2

Thanks jmz768 for letting me know about your replacement experience.   I was going to do that tomorrow but I guess I'll just return the phone.

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

ctpalmer, we want to make sure that you have a working phone. Please tell us more, what exactly is going on? When did these issues begin?

 

LauraF_VZW

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

jmz768, we don't want you to have to return the phone or get another replacement here. We do offer an option to run a Software Repair to correct this issue. 

 

Please use the link attached for how to run the Software Repair Assistant via a computer. http://spr.ly/66051SSEV

 

Keep us posted on any changes.

 

 

AlanS_VZW

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jmz768
Enthusiast - Level 2

I've had this issues with two phones, so I really doubt it is a problem with a corrupted update.  Besides, I don't have a PC available, only a Chromebook.

 

Others have been complaining about this same issue so at this point,  I'm about to give up and just switch to AT&T and take advantage of getting a brand new phone for free.  

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

This has been going on for too long. Here is a link to the troubleshooting guide for your Galaxy S20. http://spr.ly/66091sfcJ Please tell me, have you tried to use a different app on your device for navigation? Does any GPS app work? Next, is the location on in the settings?    VanetrisC_VZW

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rodjacobson
Enthusiast - Level 2

That's when my problems started.  An accidental mistake made by the programmers, or forced obsolescence?

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hello, being on top of your GPS is vital, especially if you are having issues. What exactly happens when you try to use it? What recent changes have occurred? Any other problems?

 

GilbertoL_VZW

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rodjacobson
Enthusiast - Level 2

I'm surprised that you aren't aware of the problem, as it has been a problem for many for the last ~month.

As I already said, my GPS navigation locks up during use.  It was never a problem before the last update.  I have to get out of the program (app) & start over, which is not always an option when I am driving.

This 'issue' puts me & others at risk.  Please get this corrected sooner than later, before it costs somebody their life.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

rodjacobson, we know the importance of ensuring your navigation application is working successfully. Have you reached out to Google Directly concerning their application? You can also leave feedback within the application. Here are the steps: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3094045?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en TanishaS_VZW

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Johrael
Enthusiast - Level 1

As many have said, it's not just with Google applications. Anything that touches Location Services has the issue -- MapMyRun, Strava, Pokemon Go, Google Maps, Life360. In the last 10 minutes, my phone has walked me over water, through neighborhoods, and then teleported me back home when it hasn't left my desk.

I'm currently having these issues on a Galaxy Note 10+ (which makes at least 3 different Samsung devices listed in this thread), and my wife is having the same issues on a different Galaxy Note 10+. The issue started at least a week or two ago.

I've gone through and...

  • cleared the various application cache(s)
  • disabled and re-enabled Location Services through phone settings
  • restarted the device
  • power cycled the device
  • enable and disable Wi-Fi
  • toggled Wi-Fi and Bluetooth location scanning

Do you want each consumer to reach out to each individual company? This really doesn't sound like an application issue but more an infrastructure or proprietary software issue.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Thank you so much for the additional information and details that you have provided regarding your experience Johrael. We can understand wanting to get some answers about what is causing this. We are attempting to gather as much information as we can from the individuals reporting this matter. On your device, did you also complete a software update of any kind around the time this started happening?

 

CandiceH_VZW

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Johrael
Enthusiast - Level 1

The last software update was applied on March 16, 2020. Software was updated to N975USQS3BTB3.

I honestly cannot remember if the issues started around that time. I remember having some intermittent issues earlier in March before that update and I have been having issues since then.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Johrael, we've sent you a private message to further address this GPS issue for both you and your wife. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you. 

 

 

AlanS_VZW

Rachlp2205
Enthusiast - Level 1

I'm also having the issues. I depend on my phone Daily.