8 Easy Ways to Fix Google Maps Not Working On Android
Apps have made our lives easier. Take Google Maps, for example, it’s especially helpful when going around unfamiliar places without the fear of getting lost. But what happens when you launch the app and find that Google Maps is not working? Is there any way to fix this? Let’s find out.
If the Google Maps app isn’t working, you can try adjusting settings within the app to resolve issues like search problems or a non-functioning timeline. However, if the app itself is malfunctioning, you’ll need to use your Android phone’s settings to troubleshoot it. To help you with this process, we have created a list of eight straightforward methods to solve this problem. Continue reading for further details.
1. Restart Device
Restarting your device is an easy way to fix app issues. It closes all app functions and forces them to completely restart, which can also help fix issues with the Google Maps app. Here’s how to do it: Step 1 – Long-press the power button. Step 2 – Tap on Restart.
Wait for your device to finish restarting. Enter the device PIN, if required, and try opening Google Maps again. If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next fix.
2. Force Quit and Restart App
Restarting a device restarts all functions, while restarting an app helps fix issues like the app not starting or working properly. Follow these steps:
1. In the bottom left corner, tap on the Recent icon or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
2. Hold the Google Maps app and swipe up.
Once the app is cleared from the screen, it will be closed from running in the background. To ensure all app functions have ceased, you can also force the Google Maps app to close from the settings menu. Here’s how. Open Settings. Tap on Apps. From the list of apps, tap on Maps.
Step 4: In the bottom right corner, tap Force stop.
Step 5: Tap OK.
Try opening the Google Maps app again to see if it is working as expected.
Checking internet speeds can be as simple as playing a video. Open YouTube and set the video to full HD 1080p or 4k (if your device supports it) and check the playback. If the video plays smoothly with no buffering or quality drops, your internet connection is fine. However, if you experience buffering or quality drops, your internet connection may be the issue.
To review, start by checking the internet speed on your Android device. If the speeds are slow, switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi. You can also refer to our guides on fixing mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
4. Enable Location Accuracy
Navigation apps rely on precise location data to accurately determine a user’s starting point on a map and calculate distances for route planning. Granting location permissions is crucial for these apps to function properly. Failure to do so can result in issues such as crashes or the inability to open the app. To resolve this, ensure that all necessary permissions are enabled. Follow these steps:
1. Open Settings and select Location.
2. Verify that the Location toggle is enabled, then tap on App permissions.
Step 3: Scroll through the apps and tap on Maps.
Step 4: From the options, select ‘Allow all the time’.
Step 5: Turn on the ‘Use precise location’ toggle.
This will ensure that the Google Maps app has access to precise location data and improve its accuracy.
5. Allow the App to Run In the Background
To prevent Google Maps from draining your battery, most devices automatically set it to restricted or battery-saving modes. Users can also manually toggle these options. However, restricting background access can lead to issues like “Google Maps stopped working” on Android, as it limits the app’s functionality to save battery life. To fix this problem, follow these steps to unrestrict the Google Maps Android app:
1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Tap on Maps.
Step 3: Tap on Battery.
Step 4: Tap on Unrestricted.
This solution should address your issues while also preventing Google Maps from draining your Android’s battery. Visit our other article for guidance on managing Google Maps’ impact on your device’s battery life.
6. Clear Cache and Data
Clearing the cache of any app can eliminate temporary files and other stored app data used to speed up app loading times. Deleting app data, on the other hand, removes all the files, account settings, and databases associated with the app on your device. This also removes any corrupted app data that may be causing issues with the Google Maps app.
Please note that deleting data is permanent. If you still want to try it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Apps.
Step 2: Find and select Maps.
Step 3: Tap on Storage.
Step 4: Tap on Clear cache.
Step 5: Clear data.
Step 6: Tap Delete.
Once done, relaunch the Google Maps app. If it still doesn’t open, try these fixes mentioned below.
7. Update Google Maps
Updating an app gives you access to the latest features, security updates, bug fixes, and more. It ensures your app performs as expected, as outdated apps can crash due to software incompatibility or a buggy interface. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Google Play Store and tap the search bar.
Step 2: Type “Google Maps” and select the app from the search results.
Step 3: Tap on Update.
Wait for the app to finish updating. Use the above method to close the app from the background and restart it.
8. Update Android
Just like app updates, Android software updates keep your device up-to-date. They can also fix any compatibility issues or bugs that may be preventing Google Maps from opening. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Software update.
3. Tap on ‘Download and install’.
If an update is available, download and install it. Restart your device to finish the installation.
FAQs for Using Google Maps on Android
1. Can you save parking locations in Google Maps?
To save parking locations in Google Maps, open the Android app and tap More at the top of the screen. Under Services, tap Parking. Save the parking location accordingly.
2. How to add a home address in Google Maps?
To add a home address in Google Maps, open the app and tap Saved from the menu. Then, tap Labelled > Home. Use the search bar to add your home address in Google Maps. This feature can also be used to add your Work location.
It can be frustrating when the app won’t work as you’re about to leave. This article aims to help you solve and fix the problem of Google Maps not working on your Android. If you’ve noticed a decline in the quality of Google Maps navigation, try calibrating it to stay on track.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.