12 Ways to Fix Google Maps Not Working on Android or iPhone

Today, Google Maps has become a daily guide for most people to plan travel routes, discover new places, share live locations with friends and family, get information about public transportation, and more. Despite Google’s efforts to provide the best navigation system, the Google Maps app keeps experiencing technical issues and outages that affect many users who rely on Google Maps to get directions or explore unfamiliar places.

If you are currently experiencing an issue with the Google Maps app on your Android device or iPhone, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we have compiled comprehensive instructions on how to fix Google Maps not working on your Android and iPhone.

Fix Google Maps Not Working on Your Smartphone

Check the Google Maps Server Status

As with any other app, Google Maps can experience server outages for a variety of reasons, including network outages, human error, server hardware failures, and more. These issues can cause a disruption in communication between Google’s servers and other systems and affect Google Maps’ service.

To check the status of the Google Maps server, you can use tools like an outage detector and Google’s own Public Status Dashboard. These tools are designed to provide users with status information about commonly available products.

Google’s Public Status Dashboard itself allows users to check the current status of all Google services. It also includes a history display feature that shows incidents from the last 365 days. Incidents displayed on the dashboard are classified as either fault (orange) or outages (red), depending on their severity.

You can simply go to the Public Status Dashboard and check the status of the server. As mentioned earlier, in case of an outage, the dashboard will display the message “Service Disruption” or “Server Outage.”

Alternatively, you can also visit websites like DownDetector and search for Google Maps. If there is a problem with Google Maps, the website will display a message stating that users are reporting issues with Google Maps, along with user report statistics. If the server issue is confirmed, there is not much you can do to fix the problem on the user side. Wait for some time until Google fixes the problem and the server starts working normally again.

Restart Your Smartphone

Restarting a device, also known as rebooting, is a simple and effective method that can fix a variety of issues on your smartphone, including Google Maps not working. This is because when a device is running, various processes are started and stopped, and some programs may not close completely, which can lead to a sluggish system, programs not opening, error messages, and more.

When you restart your device, all programs and processes are killed, and the device gets a reboot, where all programs are reloaded from scratch. If the Google Maps app is not working, restarting the device can help restart the app and kill unnecessary processes that may cause the Google Maps app to malfunction.

Check Your Internet Connection

One of the main reasons why Google Maps does not work on your smartphone can be network problems. If you have problems with the network on your smartphone, the Google Maps app will not be able to connect to the Google server. To fix this, you can check the network status on your smartphone.

You can use different methods to check the Internet on your smartphone. The most common method is to open the browser on your smartphone and visit the Speedtest website. Then click the “Go” button and test your Internet speed. Make sure you have a download speed of at least 5 MB (this is not a final number) for Google Maps to work smoothly.

Alternatively, you can also check your internet speed by viewing the internet speed in the status bar and make sure you have at least 30 kbps for a better experience. If you are not getting enough internet or are having problems with the internet, try the following troubleshooting techniques to fix the internet issues on your Android and iPhone.

• Activate airplane mode and turn it off: You can use this method to reset your internet connection. You can use Control Panel or Main System Settings on your iPhone and Android to manage Airplane Mode on your smartphone.
• Restart your smartphone: another simple and effective method is to restart your smartphone.
• Disable Data Saver Mode/Low Data Mode: disable the data saver mode on your smartphone. Data saver mode limits the internet speed on your smartphone and turns off the data once the limit is reached. You can disable Data Saver Mode on your Android and iPhone smartphone via Settings and Data Saver Mode.
• Reset your network settings: another way to fix the problem is to reset your network settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > select General > navigate and select Reset > click Reset Network Settings. The device will prompt you to enter your passcode if you have one. On an Android phone, go to Settings > Navigate and select System > click Advanced > select Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Cellular & Bluetooth.

Allow Background Data Usage

Most people use Google Maps in the background, and as I said, the app requires a constant internet connection to function. If you restrict the app’s data usage in the background, your mobile operating system will restrict access to mobile data for the Google Maps app when the app isn’t in use. This affects the functioning of Google Maps. To fix this, you can simply enable background usage of the app.

How to allow background data usage of Google Maps on Android

• Settings: Open the main settings on your smartphone.
• Navigate to “Apps“: In the settings menu, find the “Apps” option and tap it.
  
• Selecting Google Maps: From the list of apps, select Google Maps and tap it.
  
• Accessing mobile data settings: Once you have opened the settings for the selected app, look for an option labeled “Data usage” and tap it.
  
• Manage background data usage: In the “Mobile data” menu, you’ll find an option called “Allow background data usage.” Here you can enable or disable background data usage for the selected app. If you want the app to use data in the background, make sure this option is enabled.

How to allow background data usage for Google Maps on iPhone

• Open ‘Settings‘ on your iPhone
• Scroll down and tap on ‘General.’
• Now, tap on ‘Background App Refresh.’
• A list of apps will be displayed. Now find Google Maps and turn on the switch.

Enable Location

Google Maps or any other location service app primarily needs your location to provide you with the service. Most of the time, and for most users, location is turned off by default. This may be for privacy reasons or to save your smartphone’s battery life. If you are having trouble with Google Maps, there’s a good chance that your location services are turned off. To fix this, you can simply enable location services on your Android and iPhone. Below we have described the detailed steps to enable location services on your Android and iPhone.

For Android devices (most versions):

• Open the ‘Settings‘ app on your Android device.
• Tap “Location” in the “Settings” menu.
  
• You will see a slider or switch next to ‘Use Location‘ or similar settings. Slide the slider to the right or tap the switch to activate it.
  
• Once you enable location services, Google Maps needs your location and can access it immediately. You can open Google Maps again and use the app.

For iPhone (iOS 8 and up):

• Open the ‘Settings‘ app on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap ‘Privacy.’
• In the “Privacy” menu, tap ‘Location Services.’
• Next to “Location Services,” you will see a switch. Tap the switch and turn on location services.
• Once you enable location services, the Google Maps app on your iPhone will be able to access it immediately.

Check the Apps Location Permissions

Now that you have enabled location services on your smartphone check that Google Maps has the necessary permission to access location services on your Android and iPhone. In the latest version of Android and iPhone, you can configure and disable individual services for apps. If you accidentally disabled the location permission for Google Maps, you can easily re-enable it in the settings of your Android and iPhone.

How to enable location permissions for Google Maps Android

• Go to settings: Open settings on your smartphone
• Navigate to the apps: In the settings menu, look for the “Apps” or “Applications” option
  
• Find Google Maps: In the list of apps, find the Google Maps app and click on it.
  
• Permissions: Now, in the “App Info” section, look for the “Permissions” option.
  
• Now you can see the list of allowed and disallowed permissions of Google Maps. If the location permission is not allowed, tap on the location and click on Allow only when using the app or Ask every time (you need to give location permissions to Google Maps every time you want to use the app).
  

How to enable Locations permissions on iPhone

• Settings: Open the most important settings on your iPhone
• Open Privacy settings: Now scroll down, and select Privacy.
• Select Google Maps: Now select Google Maps from the list.
• Turn on location permission. Now go to the location permission and click on the switch to enable it.

Improve the Accuracy of the Location

Enable High Accuracy in Location

If you face location errors on Google Maps, try to improve the accuracy of the location. You can use various methods to improve location accuracy on Google Maps on your Android and iPhone. We have provided a detailed step-by-step guide for you below. Applying these methods will improve location detection accuracy and eliminate errors.

Android:

• Open the Settings app on your phone.
• Navigate to the “Location” option.
• Expand the “Advanced” menu and tap “Google location accuracy.”
• Turn on the “Improve location accuracy” button if it is not already enabled.

iOS:

• Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Navigate to “Privacy” and then tap on “Location Services.”
• Search for “Google Maps” in the list and turn on the “Precise Location” option.

Calibrate Compass

• Launch the Google Maps app on your Android or iPhone.
• Tap the blue dot that shows your current location.
• Tap the “Calibrate compass” option at the bottom.
• Perform the gesture on the screen to form a figure eight with your phone.
• After calibration, check if Google Maps can detect your correct location.

Disable Mock Locations

• Launch the Settings app on your Android.
• Go to “System” and open the “Developer options” menu.
• Scroll down and look for “Select mock location app.” Make sure that no app is selected here.
• Alternatively, you can disable the “Developer Options” menu to prevent any changes made there.

Disable VPN

Most of the time, Google Maps works fine with the VPN turned on. However, if the VPN is not set up correctly, you may experience conflicts when using Google Maps, and the app may not work as intended. To fix this, you can simply disable the VPN while using Google Maps on your iPhone and Android.

Force Stop Google Maps

Force stopping is especially useful when an app is not working properly, or there are any issues within the app. It can be used to fix problems such as frequent app crashes and app glitches. If Google Maps is having problems on your smartphone, force quitting the app can help you solve the problem.

How to force stop app on the Android smartphone

• Open the Settings app: tap the Settings app on your device.
• Select Apps or Apps & Notifications: Depending on your device, you may need to select “See all apps” to view all opened applications.
  
• Select the app you want to close: Now, from the list of apps, select Google Maps.
  
• Force Stop the App: Choose the “Force Stop” option.
  
• Confirm your decision: Confirm your decision by selecting “Force stop.”
  

How to force stop app on your iPhone

• Open the app switcher by double-clicking the Home button (on an iPhone with a Home button) or swiping up from the bottom of the Home screen (on other iPhone models).
• Find the Google Maps app in the list of recently opened apps and swipe up to close the app.

Clear the Cache of the Google Maps

A cache is a temporary storage space used by cell phones and applications to access recently or frequently used information quickly. Caching can significantly improve application performance. However, caching can also have some disadvantages. For example, if the cache is too full, it can affect the performance of your applications. If the cached data is outdated, errors may occur, or outdated information may be displayed. Clearing the cache, that is, clearing the stored data, can often solve these problems, such as the problem of Google Maps not working.

Update the Google Maps App

Updating the app to the latest version can also fix many bugs. Updating the app brings new features and also fixes many issues with the current version of the app. You can update Google Maps on your Android and iPhone from the official app stores.

Install and Uninstall the Google Maps App

When you uninstall the Google Maps app on your iPhone and Android, all of its data and settings are removed, This not only helps in freeing up the space but also helps in resolving the app. Reinstalling an app can often resolve issues that you may have been experiencing with it. If the app was crashing, running slowly, or not functioning correctly.

Try Google Maps Alternatives

If none of the steps worked for you, you could try the Google Maps alternative to use location services on your Android and iPhone temporarily.

• Google Maps Go: Google Maps Go is the lite version of Google Maps designed for low-powered devices. The app has a similar user interface and features, making it the best choice for those who want the same Google Maps experience and do not want to use an alternative app. It is only available for Android in the Google Play Store. If you use Apple Maps, you can use this app (see below).
• Apple Maps: If you are using an iPhone, Apple Maps is the best alternative to Google Maps if you are having trouble with Google Maps. Known for its beautiful design and integration with Siri, Apple Maps offers most of the features users expect from leading maps apps. It’s exclusive to Apple devices and has a good reputation for privacy.
• Waze: This popular maps app offers real-time traffic data and has social features like route sharing and carpooling. It works on both Android and iOS. Waze is also owned by Google.

Simple Fixes for Your Google Maps Problems

Google Maps is the most used application in the world, and it can be very frustrating when the app does not work and problems occur. You can use simple troubleshooting techniques to fix the problem.

FAQs Fixing Google Maps Not Working Problem

Why does my Google Maps app keep crashing?

There can be many reasons why your Google Maps app crashes on your smartphone. It can be an outdated app, process interruption, bugs in the app, network issues, and more. You can follow the troubleshooting methods to fix this issue easily.

Why does Google Maps drain my battery so quickly, and how can I fix it?

This is the most common problem reported by many users. Google Maps consumes a lot of your device's battery because it relies heavily on GPS and the Internet. Using GPS and the internet on your phone can drain your battery quickly, and this is a common issue. However, if your battery is draining faster than usual, you can take steps such as turning on battery saver mode or using maps offline.

Why is Google Maps not showing my location?

There are a few reasons why Google Maps might not be showing your location:

• Your device's location services are turned off: Make sure that your device's location services are turned on. You can usually find this setting in your device's settings menu.
• Your device does not have a GPS chip: Some devices do not have a GPS chip, which is necessary for Google Maps to determine your location. If your device does not have a GPS chip, you will not be able to use Google Maps to track your location.
• There is a problem with the Google Maps servers: Sometimes, there are problems with the Google Maps servers that can cause the app not to show your location. If you think this is the case, you can check the Google Maps status page to see if there are any known issues.

Why is Google Maps not giving me directions?

There are a few reasons why Google Maps might not be giving you directions:

• You have not entered a starting or destination point: Make sure that you have entered a starting and destination point in Google Maps. You can do this by tapping on the search bar and entering the address or name of the location.
• There is a problem with your internet connection: Google Maps needs an internet connection to give directions, so if your internet is down, you won't be able to get directions.
• There is a problem with the Google Maps servers: Sometimes, there are problems with the Google Maps servers that can cause the app not to give directions. If you think this is the case, you can check the Google Maps status page to see if there are any known issues.

Can I use Google Maps offline if it’s not working?

Yes, Google Maps offers an offline feature that allows you to download maps for specific areas and use them without an internet connection. To use Google Maps offline, open the app, go to the area you want to download, and search for "OK Maps" or go to the "Offline maps" section in the app's settings to download a specific region.

Does Google Maps not working affect navigation in other apps?

It depends on how other apps are integrated with Google Maps. Some apps rely on Google Maps for their navigation features, so if Google Maps is not working correctly, it might impact navigation within those apps as well. However, other apps may use alternative mapping services or have their own built-in navigation systems, which may still function even if Google Maps is experiencing issues.