GPS (Global Positioning System) is a widely used technology that allows devices to pinpoint their location accurately. It is an essential feature on smartphones, especially for navigation and location-based services. However, some Android users may find that their GPS turns off automatically or becomes unreliable at times. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to rely on GPS for directions or tracking your fitness activities. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to keep GPS always on on Android devices, ensuring a seamless and reliable GPS experience.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods to keep GPS always on, there are a few prerequisites you need to have:
1. An Android device: Ensure that you have an Android smartphone or tablet with GPS functionality. Most modern Android devices come equipped with GPS.
2. Android version: The methods mentioned in this blog post are applicable to various versions of Android. However, there might be slight differences in the settings and options depending on the Android version and device manufacturer.
3. Access to device settings: To make changes to your GPS settings, you need to have access to your device settings. This can usually be accessed through the Settings app on your Android device.
What Requires Your Focus?
To keep GPS always on on your Android device, you need to focus on adjusting the relevant settings and ensuring that your device doesn’t automatically turn off the GPS. You might need to tweak some settings or use third-party apps to achieve this. The methods we will discuss in the following sections will guide you through the necessary steps to keep GPS always on.
Method 1: Using Android Settings
Adjusting the GPS settings on your Android device is one of the simplest ways to ensure it stays on. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Location" or "Security & location" (depending on your device).
Step 3: Make sure the toggle switch for Location is turned on.
Step 4: Tap on "Mode" or "Location mode" (depending on your device).
Step 5: Select "High accuracy" or "GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks" to enable the most precise location tracking.
Step 6: Some devices may have an additional option called "Battery saving" or "Battery optimization." Disable this option to prevent the system from optimizing GPS usage for better battery life.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to adjust GPS settings. | 1. May drain the device battery faster if GPS is used extensively. |
| 2. Gives you more control over the GPS functionality on your device. | 2. Some device-specific options and settings may vary. |
| 3. Ensures that GPS stays on when you need it for navigation or location-based apps. | 3. May consume more data when using GPS for location tracking. |
Method 2: Via Developer Options
For users who have enabled Developer Options on their Android devices, there is a specific setting to keep GPS always on. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "About phone" or "About device" (depending on your device).
Step 3: Look for "Build number" or "Software information" and tap on it repeatedly (usually 7 times) until you see a toast message saying "You are now a developer."
Step 4: Go back to the main Settings screen and scroll down to find "Developer options."
Step 5: Tap on "Developer options" and scroll down to locate "Stay awake" or "Stay awake while charging."
Step 6: Enable the "Stay awake" option. This keeps the screen and GPS active while the device is connected to a power source.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides a dedicated option to keep GPS always on for developer-enabled devices. | 1. Requires enabling Developer Options, which may be hidden or vary across Android versions and device manufacturers. |
| 2. Keeps GPS active even when the device is charging. | 2. May drain the device battery faster if GPS is used extensively. |
| 3. Useful for developers or advanced users who need to keep GPS active for testing or development purposes. | 3. Not applicable to devices without Developer Options enabled. |
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
If the built-in settings on your Android device do not provide the desired control over GPS functionality, you can rely on third-party apps. Many apps in the Google Play Store offer advanced GPS controls and customization options. Here’s how to use a third-party app to keep GPS always on:
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Search for "GPS control" or "GPS manager" apps.
Step 3: Read reviews and check ratings to find a reliable app that suits your needs.
Step 4: Install the selected GPS control app from the Play Store.
Step 5: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to configure GPS settings according to your preferences.
Step 6: Enable the option to keep GPS always on or prevent automatic GPS turn-off.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides more advanced control and customization options compared to built-in settings. | 1. Requires downloading and installing additional apps, which may occupy storage space. |
| 2. Allows fine-tuning of GPS behavior for specific apps or scenarios. | 2. Some apps may require extra permissions or show ads. |
| 3. Useful for users who require granular control over GPS functionality. | 3. May have compatibility issues with certain devices or Android versions. |
Method 4: Via Power Saving Mode
Power-saving mode on Android devices is designed to conserve battery life by limiting certain features and functions. However, this mode may also turn off the GPS to save power. If you frequently face GPS turning off issues, you can try disabling power-saving mode. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Battery" or "Battery & performance" (depending on your device).
Step 3: Look for an option called "Battery saver" or "Power saving mode."
Step 4: Disable the battery-saving mode by toggling the switch off.
Step 5: Check if the GPS stays on without any interruptions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Conveniently disables power-saving mode to prevent GPS turning off. | 1. May result in increased battery drain if power-saving mode is disabled. |
| 2. No need to install additional apps or make complex adjustments. | 2. Disabling power-saving mode may impact overall device performance. |
| 3. Suitable for users who frequently encounter GPS issues due to power-saving mode. | 3. Power-saving mode may be beneficial for conserving battery life in certain situations. |
Why Can’t I Keep GPS Always On?
There can be several reasons why you might not be able to keep GPS always on on your Android device. Some common reasons include:
1. Battery optimization: Android devices often have battery optimization features that automatically turn off power-consuming functions, including GPS, to conserve battery life. To fix this, you can disable battery optimization for GPS-related apps or the system.
2. App-specific settings: Some apps may have their own GPS settings that override the system settings. Check the app settings and ensure that GPS is enabled for the respective apps.
3. Device limitations: Certain Android devices or models may have limitations that prevent GPS from staying always on. This could be due to hardware constraints or specific software restrictions imposed by the manufacturer.
To address these issues, you can try the following fixes:
1. Disable battery optimization for GPS-related apps or the system.
2. Check the GPS settings for individual apps and ensure they are enabled.
3. Update your device’s software to the latest available version, as manufacturers often release updates to address such issues.
Implications and Recommendations
Based on the methods discussed above, here are three recommendations to consider:
1. Regularly update your device: Keeping your Android device up to date with the latest software version can help address any GPS-related bugs or issues. Manufacturers often release updates to improve device performance and stability.
2. Be mindful of battery consumption: While keeping GPS always on can be convenient, it may result in faster battery drain. To optimize battery life, consider using GPS only when necessary or enable it selectively for specific apps.
3. Explore app-specific settings: Some GPS-related apps have their own settings that allow you to customize the behavior of GPS. Take the time to explore these options and fine-tune GPS functionality according to your preferences.
5 FAQs about Keeping GPS Always On on Android
Q1: Does keeping GPS always on drain the battery faster?
A: Yes, keeping GPS always on can lead to increased battery consumption. GPS requires constant communication with satellites and tracking your location, which uses significant power. It is recommended to use GPS selectively or enable it only when needed to optimize battery life.
Q2: Can I keep GPS always on without using third-party apps?
A: Yes, you can keep GPS always on without using third-party apps by adjusting the GPS and power-saving settings on your Android device. Method 1 and Method 4 mentioned in this blog post provide ways to achieve this.
Q3: Are there any risks associated with using third-party GPS control apps?
A: While most third-party GPS control apps are safe to use, it is recommended to download apps from trusted sources and read user reviews before installing them. Some apps may require additional permissions or display ads, which may affect user experience.
Q4: How can I find Developer Options on my Android device?
A: To find Developer Options, go to the Settings app on your Android device, scroll down to "About phone" or "About device," and tap on it multiple times (usually 7 times) until you see a message indicating that you are now a developer. Then, you can find Developer Options in the main Settings screen.
Q5: Will keeping GPS always on affect my data usage?
A: Keeping GPS always on may slightly increase data usage, as it requires communication with satellites and fetching location information. However, the impact on data usage is generally minimal unless you are constantly using GPS for navigation or location-based services.
Final Words
Keeping GPS always on on your Android device can significantly enhance your experience with navigation, location-based apps, and fitness tracking. By adjusting the GPS settings, utilizing Developer Options, exploring third-party apps, or disabling power-saving mode, you can ensure that GPS stays on when you need it the most. Keep in mind the implications and recommendations mentioned in this blog post to strike a balance between functionality and battery life. Experiment with the different methods and find the one that works best for your specific needs.