How do I know if my mobile's GPS is working? Test the GPS chip on your mobile with the GPS Test app The GPS Test Compass
Using your smartphone as a navigation system is an afflicting banality. But what few people know is that a phone's GPS chip doesn't just tell you the shortest route to your destination. It can also give you your speed, your altitude or be used as a compass..
How do I know if my mobile's GPS is working?
Who has never complained about the slowness of their GPS ? Tired of waiting several minutes before your phone locates your location? The smartphone needs to receive the signal from at least four satellites to determine your position. Depending on the climatic conditions (clouds), this operation can take several minutes.
There are different ways to solve these signal reception problems and get a much faster fix. You can for example activate the A-GPS option . This technology eliminates the need to download the satellite ephemeris table..
- Launch your navigation software
- Click on the menu button
- Select the settings option
- Press GPS mode
- Activate the A-GPS option
The fix will now be done in less than 15 seconds. The A-GPS (Assisted GPS) system uses the mobile operation network to help your smartphone accurately determine the position of the satellites.
Test the GPS chip on your mobile with the GPS Test app
If this manipulation did not solve your fixing problems, check the state of the GPS chip on your Android mobile. Indeed it may be a material concern. You should know that the chips integrated in the phones are not free from defects..
To do a quick check-up, we will use the GPS Test application . This will allow us to know precisely how many satellites your mobile is able to receive.
- Download GPS Test
- Launch the application
- Click on the first tab
- This section will give you very precise information on the operating status of your GPS: SNR (Signal to Noise Ration, signal strength from the satellite, etc.)
The GPS Test Compass
The navigation applications have some disadvantages especially for hikers. It is for this reason that the GPS test application offers a compass mode. This option is very practical for traveling outside urban centers. It can also tell you your speed or altitude.
- Launch GPS Test
- Click on the fourth tab to access different information (altitude, longitude, latitude, speed and direction)