To turn on GPS on a Samsung phone, open the Settings app and tap Location. If the switch at the top is off, simply toggle it on to enable location services.
How to turn on GPS on a Samsung phone
The primary method to enable GPS on your Samsung phone is through the Settings menu. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone.
- Tap Location.
- If the switch at the top is Off, tap it to turn it On.
For a faster shortcut, use the Quick panel: swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap the Location icon to enable or disable location services.
Alternate location settings paths by model
Depending on your Samsung device model and region, the path to the Location settings may vary slightly. Samsung documents these alternate paths:
- Settings > Biometrics & Security > Location, found on some models.
- Settings > Privacy > Location, used on certain devices and in specific regions.
Regardless of the path, once you reach the Location screen, the same toggle switch controls your GPS functionality.
How to improve GPS accuracy
To get a faster and more accurate location fix, Google provides an Improve Location Accuracy setting. This uses Wi‑Fi access points, cellular towers, GPS, and device sensors together, which is especially helpful indoors or near large buildings.
On newer Android versions, go to Settings > Location > Location Services > Location Accuracy. On Android 11 and lower, the path is Settings > Location > Advanced > Location Accuracy. Turn the feature on.
Samsung says a location option can improve accuracy “to street level,” and advises turning it off when not in use to conserve power.
Checking your GPS accuracy
After enabling GPS, verify it works by opening a mapping app like Google Maps. The app should display your current position. Google documents two accuracy levels:
- Approximate, about 3 square kilometers in range.
- Precise, usually within about 50 meters, and sometimes within a few meters or better.
If the fix seems slow or inaccurate, ensure you have a clear view of the sky and that the Improve Location Accuracy setting is enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate GPS toggle on Samsung phones?
No. Samsung phones use a Location switch, not a separate GPS-only toggle. Turning on Location enables GPS along with other positioning technologies.
Which Samsung Galaxy models are supported?
Samsung’s documentation covers Galaxy phones generally. Specific carrier pages reference models such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S26, but the steps apply to most modern Galaxy devices.
Do the steps differ between Android versions?
Yes. Google documents one path for current Android versions and a different path for Android 11 and lower when accessing the Improve Location Accuracy setting. The main Location toggle remains the same across versions.
What if the setting name varies by device or region?
Samsung’s documentation lists three possible paths: Location, Biometrics & Security, or Privacy. Check each if you cannot find the Location setting under the main menu.
Can I use GPS for tracking a phone location?
Yes. Enabling location services is essential for tracking a phone location through apps like Find My Mobile or Google’s Find My Device, as long as the phone is signed in and connected.
Is GPS available on every Apple iPhone?
Apple says GPS and cellular location are available on iPhone and iPad (Wi‑Fi + Cellular) models.
What does no location found mean on iPhone [explained]?
On an iPhone, “No Location Found” typically means the device cannot determine its position, often due to Location Services being off, poor GPS signal, or being in an area with limited satellite visibility. This is similar to what happens on a Samsung phone when GPS is unavailable or disabled.
