Tips for a stronger GPS signal

Is the app unable to find your GPS location? Or are you seeing a straight line between the start and end of your route? In this article, we explain how GPS works and how to ensure a strong and stable GPS signal.

How Does GPS Work?

GPS (Global Positioning System) works by sending signals between your phone and GPS satellites. These satellites determine your exact location, with an accuracy of between 2 to 10 meters.

Why Can’t the App Find GPS?

This is often due to technical limitations on certain phones. Older or budget Android devices may have unreliable or choppy GPS functionality. On newer models, this is generally not a problem.

How to Improve Your GPS Signal

1. Check the GPS quality on your device
   Many older phones only included GPS functionality for showing local time, not for complex navigation apps. Want to know how good your GPS is? Go outside, open the app, and walk around. If the app can’t follow you while walking outdoors, your phone may not be suitable for automatic tracking. In that case, we recommend manually adding your trips in the app.

2. Take your phone out of your pocket or bag
   GPS requires a clear line of sight to the satellite. Anything between your phone and the sky—like clothing, car roofs, or your body—can weaken the signal. The same applies to tunnels, though in 99% of cases the app will automatically resume tracking once you're out of the tunnel.

3. Save your trip in between stops
   GPS is designed to follow movement. If you stand still for a long time or lose signal, GPS can get confused. Additionally, GPS reception is often weaker indoors. If you enter a building for a few minutes (e.g. to drop something off), the signal may be lost. That’s why we always recommend saving your trip before going inside and starting a new trip once you're back in your car.