Your location might be difficult for Google Maps to find. If the GPS location of your blue dot on the map is inaccurate or missing, you can take steps to help fix the problem.
Understand what the blue dot means
The blue dot shows your location on the map. When Google Maps isn’t sure about your location, a light blue circle shows around the blue dot.
- You could be anywhere within the light blue circle.
- The smaller the circle, the more certain the app is about your location.
- If the blue dot isn’t visible or is gray, Maps can’t find your current location. Instead, Maps shows the last location you visited.
Find your current location in Google Maps
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app
.
- At the bottom right, tap Your location
.
- The blue dot on the map shows your location.
.
Turn on location services
To help Google Maps find your location with the most accurate blue dot, turn on location services.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap Privacy
Location Services.
- Make sure Location Services is turned on.
- Scroll and select Google Maps.
- Choose While Using the App or Always.
Location Services.Troubleshoot location accuracy issues in Google Maps
Your location accuracy has an issue if:
- There’s a wide blue circle around the blue dot and a low accuracy message.
- If this shows, tap the message to get:
- Info on your location accuracy issue
- A suggestion on how to resolve it
- An option to try to calibrate Maps to improve your accuracy
- A link to share feedback
- If this shows, tap the message to get:
- The blue dot is gray.
- There’s no blue dot.
To improve your location, follow the on-screen instructions. If that doesn’t resolve your issue, below is a list of common issues and resolutions.
| Location accuracy issue | How to troubleshoot |
|---|---|
|
Location button is red with a question mark inside. |
To allow Google Maps to determine your location, turn on Location services. |
| Location jumps around on the map. | Turn off Battery saver mode. |
|
Location accuracy is low: Use your camera to calibrate. |
Calibrate with Live View. |
|
Location accuracy is low: Check that your mobile data or Wi-Fi settings are turned on. |
|
|
Location accuracy is low: Calibrate without Live View. |
Calibrate your device’s compass. |
|
Location is out of date |
Turn off Airplane mode. |
|
Location accuracy is low: Due to weak GPS or Wi-Fi signals. |
To improve location accuracy, find a location with a better GPS or Wi-Fi signal. |
Improve location accuracy in Google Maps
If your location is still wrong, you can restart your iPhone or iPad. You can also:
Turn on Wi-Fi- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- At the top, turn on Wi-Fi.
If your blue dot's beam is wide or points in the wrong direction, calibrate your compass.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app
- Make a figure 8 until the beam becomes narrow and points in the right direction.
- You only have to do this a few times.
Calibrate with Live View
Orient yourself with Live ViewQuickly orient yourself to your surroundings and nearby landmarks in Live View. You can also find how far away certain landmarks are from you and how to get there. These landmarks can include iconic places, like the Empire State Building in New York City, or easily recognizable places, like local parks and tourist attractions.
There are 2 ways to orient yourself in Live View with the use of landmarks:
- Search for a place or tap it on the map.
- At the bottom right, tap Live
.
- At the bottom right, tap Live
- Search for a category, like restaurants or shopping malls.
- Tap View map.
- Scroll through the selection of places, then select one.
- Tap Live
.When you’re in Live View:
- To help Maps find your location, follow the on-screen instructions.
- Tip: Point your phone camera at buildings and signs across the street instead of at trees or people.
- When Maps knows where you are:
- You get the distance to your destination.
- You can enter Live View walking navigation.
While you’re outside:
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app
.
- Tap the blue dot
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Tip: Based on Street View availability, Maps may or may not open the Live View calibrator.
Learn how Google Maps finds your current location
To estimate your location, Maps uses sources like:
- GPS: To know your current location up to around 20 meters, Maps uses satellites.
- When you're inside buildings or underground, the GPS is sometimes inaccurate.
- Wi-Fi: The location of nearby Wi-Fi networks helps Maps know where you are.
- Cell towers: Your connection to mobile data can be accurate up to a few thousand meters.
Understand & manage your location when you search on Google.