What is geolocation on a phone and how does it work. How to enable geolocation on Android?

Android operating systems

10.09.20196423

Modern phones are equipped with dozens of useful tools that make life much easier for their owners. Geolocation is one of these services. Without this technology, it is impossible to imagine the operation of many applications for smartphones and tablets. The owner of the gadget can enable or disable geolocation, as well as manage the parameters for transmitting geodata independently using the phone’s settings menu.

Why connect geolocation?

The GPS system ensures the correct operation of almost all stationary built-in applications related to determining time and geography. Services from Google: GoogleMaps, GoogleCalendar will work without errors and provide correct information to the owner. It will be easy for the client to find the required route, track the movement of parcels or taxis, they can easily find the required route or leave a review by adding the cafe or store they like to their “Bookmarks”. GPS services will also help you find a smartphone if it is lost, if the gadget is synchronized with the user’s personal computer.

The smartphone will also be completely personalized: in addition to the owner’s address and phone number, the device will be able to include the necessary routes or notes for loved ones and relatives, allowing you to easily find the owner’s house or use a map for sightseeing.

Maintaining a permanent route will help athletes track their progress.

Track gadget

If you place your phone somewhere within your habitat, for example, in an apartment or car, and it is turned off, then you are unlikely to be puzzled by the question of whether it is possible to track its location. Here you will have to make do with your own deductive abilities - remember where you saw the gadget last time, interview household members, or wait for the alarm to go off (it will ring even if the device is turned off). You should not connect more serious services to the search, as you may receive a fine. Contact law enforcement if you are sure that you have lost your phone outside the home and are unable to find it yourself. Although it is unlikely that your loss will be found quickly, such matters are postponed until later, while dealing with more important ones.

If the phone was stolen, it is very expensive, for example, a new Samsung or iPhone, and you have evidence of the crime - video recording or witnesses, then your case will be given priority, especially if this is not the first case in the area.

How Emergency Location Function Works

The phone only triggers the ELS feature when you dial or send a message to an emergency number.

During an emergency call, this feature can use Google geolocation and other data to pinpoint the device's location as accurately as possible.

Your phone sends your location to authorized emergency services solely to help them find you more easily. Location data is transmitted directly to these services, bypassing Google servers.

After you complete an emergency call or send a message, your phone will send Google statistics and other information about your use of the feature. This information is needed to analyze the function's operation. It cannot be used to identify the user.

Note. Emergency location sharing is different from sharing location information through Google Maps.

How is geolocation determined?

1. The best determination of coordinates occurs through the use of GPS or GLONASS satellite navigation systems. The accuracy usually does not exceed 2 meters.

2. If a satellite system is not available, then information from mobile base stations is used, but only an approximate location can be determined in this way.

3. Finding a location on the Internet using an IP address and MAC address is also used. The physical address of its owner is requested via IP via WHOIS server.

But, since most providers connect their subscribers via dynamic IPs (when several users use the same IP at once), the accuracy of determining coordinates is very poor. Usually this way you can only recognize the city. Additionally, the approximate location can be determined by which Wi-Fi network the device is connected to.

4. iPhone and iPad additionally use information from Bluetooth. So, if you lose your smartphone, if the GPS does not work, it will connect via Bluetooth to other iPhones or iPads and ask them for its location.

Interesting! To better understand how satellite search works in general, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the material - what GPS is. There you will find answers to most questions.

Geolocation methods

A GPS navigation system is available in almost any modern mobile device, with the possible exception of Wintel devices. Therefore, when it comes to determining the geoposition on a tablet or smartphone, this is the first thing that comes to mind. But there is an alternative: the device is capable of tracking its location without GLONASS, GPS, Beidou and other Galileo. To do this, definition by network coordinates must be selected in the settings. In this case, if it is necessary to establish a geolocation, requests are sent via Wi-Fi, HSDPA, LTE or GSM networks, depending on what is supported and enabled on this particular device. The accuracy of such positioning is significantly lower than when using satellite navigation systems, but for most needs it is quite sufficient. But no one prohibits the simultaneous use of both methods.

Determining geolocation using manual information input

Instead of relying on a satellite or wireless Internet connection to determine your location, you can enter geolocation data yourself if necessary. This will help all kinds of applications, programs, and browsers to provide you with up-to-date information about the services provided.

Pros:

High degree of accuracy.
The ability to determine geolocation in any area.
The user needs much less time to enter his geolocation data than it would take a special program.

The downside is the fact that every time you change your location, you need to manually change your location data.

How to enable GPS location on Android?

Let's look at how to find and configure the location function on Android

. Go to system parameters. This can be done by clicking on the gear icon in the notification panel or, using the separate Settings application.

In the list, select the “Security and Location” section. Go down to the “Privacy” section and click on “Location”.

This window is responsible for setting up and tracking all geographic data used. To enable GPS functions, move the slider at the top. Unlike specialized devices, there will be no questions here: “How to set up a navigator in a tablet or phone on Android”

. Just turn on Yandex or Google maps and get directions.

Important: To speed up the connection to navigation satellites, you will need to enable a parameter that increases the accuracy of the work. Select “Location determination” and give permission for a more precise determination. Now mobile Internet and Wi-Fi networks will be used for acceleration.

What is geolocation and location?

Geolocation is the determination of the location of an object on the surface of the earth. In the Android operating system, many applications are attached to it, with which you can search for the required establishments, organizations and attractions on the city map, as well as determine your location.

This search is realized through communication with navigation satellites. The smartphone automatically finds and selects satellites whose signal is stronger for data exchange. All satellite navigation systems are available for modern phones, regardless of their country. Currently, GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou (the latter in China) are successfully used.

Methods for enabling navigation services

There is no single instruction on the Internet for connecting GPS for all types of smartphones on Android OS; each model has its own method. However, there are still general instructions that you can follow, and not even just one, since there are many ways that allow you to quickly and without unnecessary hassle connect navigation services at any time convenient for the client.

There are two simple methods to activate GPS on smartphones running Android OS:

Using the Quick Access Toolbar;
Settings app.

Both of these methods are, in fact, working with system utilities and do not require the smartphone user to have serious programming knowledge or practical skills in working with a smartphone in general. Even the most inexperienced user who has purchased a smartphone for the first time can connect GPS.

Important note: While connecting to the routing service, you cannot turn off your Wi-Fi network. Firstly, this will save internal Internet traffic on the smartphone, which directly depends on the chosen tariff. Secondly, this will provide a faster and better connection of the geolocation service to the smartphone.

Also, a constant connection to a Wi-Fi network ensures timely updates of all applications that require constant improvement.

Using the Quick Access Toolbar

The easiest way to set up a geolocation service utility on a mobile device. To do this, you need to use the smartphone setup service center:

You need to open the Quick Access Toolbar. On any smartphone running Android OS, it opens by swiping down the screen;
After this, you should go to the “Notification Center”, which will automatically open in the exit menu;
Next, you need to select the “Quick Settings” tab. The icon for this tab is often depicted as a white gear with small squares around it;
After clicking on the icon, the “Settings” section should open, in which you need to select the “Location” tab. When selected, the icon will light up bright green.

Ready! Now all the necessary services will automatically turn on on the smartphone and go into active mode, downloading materials for updates and maintaining the functionality of applications.

Note: In some versions of Android OS, the Quick Settings icon may look like a paperclip or pin, and in older versions of the system there is a GPS icon instead of the icon.

Using the Settings app

The “Settings” system utility contains complete information about all phone parameters. Also, thanks to this section, you can easily configure any function of the device. Returning the navigation system to working condition again will not be difficult, especially since detailed and clear instructions with screenshots are presented below.

First, you need to launch the “OS Android” application menu and select the “Settings” application. It has an icon in the form of a gray gear; this icon is the same on all smartphone models, since it is a system one.
Next, you need to find the “Location” item, gradually scrolling down the options ribbon. This item can be found in the “Personal Data” system section, just above the “Date and Time” section.
If for some reason your smartphone does not have a “Location” section, then you need to check for the presence of a “Privacy and Security” section. In most modern smartphone models, the GPS network parameter is located in this section, since it relates to the area of personal information for the user that must be protected, permission to publish which must be asked.
Now you need to find a special gray slider in the upper right corner and move it so that it lights up green. This light is an indicator of the GPS network operating mode, and the green light indicates that the network is working and everything is fine with the connection.
Ready! Now, for comfortable and error-free operation of the device, you need to reboot the gadget and set new date and time settings, if necessary.

Turn location services on or off for specific apps

Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Make sure location services are turned on.
Scroll down to the program you want.
Click the program and choose one of the following options.
Ask Next Time: You can choose from "When using the app", "Allow once" or "Don't allow".
“While using the application”: access to location services information is allowed only while the application or one of its functions is displayed on the screen. If you select the While Using an Application option, the status bar may turn blue when an application is actively using your location data.
“Always”: access to location information is allowed even when the program is running in the background.

This may provide explanations about how apps use your location information. Some programs may only offer two options:

Location services use GPS and Bluetooth data (if available), as well as public Wi-Fi hotspots and cell towers to determine the approximate location of your device.
Applications will not use your location data without first asking and obtaining your permission.

GPS service status

All geolocation options on absolutely all smartphone models are absolutely free and 24/7. Also, geolocation works smoothly without the Internet, regardless of the purchased tariff.

When using the option of determining the location of a smartphone in space, an additional check of the cellular operator’s services is performed, and the direction of transmitting waves from special communication line towers is coordinated.

Mobile system operators test the response speed based on the coordinates of the gadget’s location at one time or another.

How to set geolocation on my husband's phone without him knowing

There can be many reasons for the need to determine the location of another person: concern for a loved one, suspicions of one of the spouses, persecution of a debtor, surveillance; search methods can also be different, for example, by number or using services that provide geolocation services, with or without the consent of the smartphone owner. Not all methods are legal.

To determine the location of the owner of an Android smartphone, you can use the remote control service. It is designed to search for a mobile phone in case of theft or determine the location of a child for his safety.

To set up the function, you need to add a Google account to your husband’s device and save his login and password in a safe place. Next, open the “Find My Device” service on your PC, you can find it through a search engine, and enter the data from this account on the input page.

On the expanded map you will see the location of your husband’s device, provided that the phone is turned on and connected to the Internet.

Correctly setting up the GPS module on Android

Most of the cheap smartphones presented in the store are imported from China, without minimal system setup. Subsequently, store employees do this, changing the interface language and preinstalling other versions of the operating system. But the parameters for connecting to satellites are at a “deeper level” and require painstaking work. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly configure GPS on your Android smartphone.

Operating modes

There are several sources of information to track the position of a device in space. When you activate the function, you will be asked to choose one of three modes:

According to all sources. The preferred option, in early versions of the Android operating system, was called “High Precision”. Offers maximum accuracy in determining the location of the device, using all available tools for geopositioning. Data will be collected from the mobile operator, from GPS satellites, information via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi channels (if enabled).
By network coordinates. In earlier versions of Android, the mode was called “Battery Saver”. This function used only data from a cellular operator or wireless networks for tracking. Economy mode is called because GPS is deactivated and does not consume battery power. This helps the user to extend battery life and conserve battery power.
By GPS satellites. In early versions of Android it is called “By device sensors”. For geolocation, only data from a GPS tracker is used. Information from wireless networks and mobile operators will not be taken into account.

Compass calibration

If it is impossible to enhance the signal reception on smartphones, then no one can stop you from improving the performance of the digital compass. The fact is that on some devices it is not calibrated, as a result of which the navigation program cannot understand in time which direction of the world your smartphone is facing. At this moment it seems to you that the device does not pick up GPS.

To calibrate your compass, you'll need the GPS Essentials app. Download and install it, then do the following:

Step 1. Launch the program.

Step 2: Enter Compass mode.

Step 3. If the compass works stably, then the problem is not with it. If the compass refuses to show the cardinal directions correctly, then calibrate it.

Step 4. First, rotate the smartphone around its axis with the screen facing up. Next, turn it over from bottom to top. Well, then turn it over from left to right. This should help. In some versions of the application, you first need to select Calibrate in the section settings.

Changing location modes

There are 3 modes for phones and tablets running Android 5.1 and below:

Device only. This mode is very accurate, but searching for satellites, especially during a cold start, may take some time. In addition, you need to be close to a window or balcony, or better yet, in an open area under a cloudless sky. High energy consumption.
Save battery power. Establishing coordinates using wireless networks: Wi-Fi; mobile network; Bluetooth. For this mode to work correctly, Wi-Fi or mobile Internet must be turned on. The mode is less energy-consuming, but also less accurate.
High accuracy. A combination of the previous two modes. The most accurate, fastest and energy-consuming mode.

Changing geolocation sources

On phones with Android operating system version 6.0 and higher, the previously described items have different names:

By GPS satellites.
By network coordinates.
According to all sources.

The principle of operation is the same.

Sending coordinates to Google services

Google may collect location data from you to improve its search and recommendations. In the location settings section there are items responsible for activating or deactivating this function.

Important! If you do not want your smartphone to transmit your coordinates to Google, disable this feature.

Depending on the firmware version, this item may be called “Geodata transfer” or “Location history”.

You can track the places you've visited in your location history.

Geolocation on Instagram

An Instagram location is a tag with coordinates indicating where a photo or video was taken.

What gives

Used to promote business:

Having established a geolocation point, open the map and look at the marked location. This will help people figure out where the photo was taken;
Search using geotags. By marking your location, it is easier for other users to find you;
Create a mark on the map indicating the office, store, and so on. In advertising posts, indicate the created tag. More people will visit the establishment. By specifying a geolocation to an establishment, a person will be able to build a route to it.
Use popular geotags to increase the reach of your publication.

We looked at what geolocation is on Instagram. How is this used in practice?

How to create a new location

Check that your data from Facebook and Instagram is synchronized. On Instagram go to:

Next: Select: Next: Link Facebook if you haven't done so before.

Open Facebook, select:

Choose a section:

Find a suitable photo:

Click the geolocation icon.

Select:

Write down the name:

If the coordinates are not determined, an inscription will appear where you can go:

Enter the category:

Create a refinement:

Further:

If not, remove the label and enter the address manually. Click "Create". Further:

Open Instagram. Download content. Further:

Enter the name of the created place in the search bar. Once it is displayed, click on it:

Select Share.

Geotag added. Use on Facebook and Instagram.

What to do if GPS doesn't work?

Before this, we considered an option where the navigation worked, but it took a long time to connect to satellites due to incorrectly specified information. But, there are times when the module does not work completely. The problem can be divided into two categories: a problem with the part or a problem with the software.

Hardware – the module has physical damage resulting from a fall or moisture getting inside the case. It may not be supplied with power due to damage to the microcircuit or the GPS was initially of poor quality. The problem can be solved by contacting a specialized service center.

Software - when receiving a batch of cheap Chinese smartphones without an official license, stores try to reinstall the operating system on it, to the “global” version. This allows you to enable the Russian language and install services from Google.

Not all models have official suitable firmware, so an amateur image with the most similar characteristics is used. Often, such systems are written by enthusiasts, which is why some modules do not work correctly, including GPS. If the firmware is installed on the wrong gadget, a whole range of problems will appear. We recommend reinstalling it to another version to solve the problem. Often, users install Paranoid Android or CyanogenMod.

Auxiliary services

In addition to the satellite receiver itself, auxiliary settings are sometimes very useful for determining your location. As a rule, they are easily enabled on the phone itself:

A-GPS. This service downloads your location data from the Internet using data from the cellular networks to which you are connected. Of course, its accuracy is much lower, but it speeds up accurate satellite determination.
Wi-Fi. Didn’t you know that you can also determine your location using data from Wi-Fi networks?
EPO.

Bottom line

GPS connection allows you to quickly navigate the area, find your phone if lost, and much more. The working location tracking function consumes almost no battery power, while providing a number of benefits to the user. Therefore, it is very important to know how to enable and configure it.

Sources:

https://tarifam.ru/kak-vklyuchit-gps-na-telefone-android/
https://mymeizu-online.ru/spravka/vklyuchit-geolokaciyu-v-telefone.html
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/3467281?hl=en
https://mob-mobile.ru/statya/9612-geopoziciya-v-smartfone-chto-takoe-i-kak-ona-opredelyaetsya.html
https://appsetter.ru/nastroyka-gps-na-android-smartfone.html
https://support.apple.com/ru-ru/HT207092
https://sovets24.ru/1693-geolokaciya-na-android.html
https://SetPhone.ru/rukovodstva/kak-uluchshit-gps-priem-na-android/
https://rAndroid.ru/hardware/kak-vklyuchit-i-nastroit-gps-na-android
https://andevice.ru/nastrojka-gps-na-android/
https://androidnik.ru/kak-vklyuchit-geolokacziyu-na-telefone-androide/