How to Fix Android Auto Wrong Location or GPS Problems
Applies to
Android Auto, Android phones, Google Maps, Waze, GPS, location services, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, and compatible car infotainment systems
Last updated
10 July 2026
Problem
Android Auto is showing the wrong location, losing GPS signal, placing your car on the wrong road, or giving navigation instructions that do not match where you are. Google Maps or Waze may jump around, lag behind, or fail to update while driving.
This can happen because location permissions are restricted, the phone has a poor GPS signal, battery saving is limiting navigation, the phone is overheating, or the navigation app needs updating.
Solution
Check that location is enabled, allow precise location for your navigation app, keep the phone where it can receive a good GPS signal, update Android Auto and your maps app, then turn off battery restrictions that may interrupt navigation.
Step by step instructions
Check location is turned on
Open Settings on your Android phone.
Go to Location.
Make sure location is turned on.
If location is off, Android Auto may not be able to show your position correctly in Google Maps, Waze, or other navigation apps.
Check location permission for Google Maps or Waze
Open Settings.
Go to Apps.
Find your navigation app.
This may be:
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Another Android Auto compatible navigation app
Open Permissions.
Make sure location permission is allowed.
For best results, choose the option that allows location while using the app.
If your phone offers precise location, turn it on.
Check location permission for Android Auto
Open Settings on your phone.
Go to Apps.
Find Android Auto.
Open Permissions.
Allow location permission if it is listed.
Also check permissions for Google, Google Maps, Waze, and Google Play services.
Android Auto needs the phone and navigation app to share location data correctly.
Test the navigation app on your phone
Before connecting to the car, open Google Maps or Waze on your phone.
Check whether your location is accurate.
Start a route while parked.
If the location is wrong on the phone, the problem is not only Android Auto.
Fix the phone’s location or GPS issue first.
Move the phone to improve GPS signal
Your phone needs a clear enough signal to calculate location accurately.
Avoid keeping the phone:
- In a closed glovebox
- Under heavy objects
- Deep inside a centre console
- Behind thick metal objects
- In a bag
- Under a wireless charging cover that causes overheating
Move the phone to a more open position in the car and test again.
Check for overheating
Navigation, charging, mobile data, Bluetooth, and wireless Android Auto can make the phone warm.
If the phone overheats, location accuracy and performance may drop.
Keep the phone out of direct sunlight.
Avoid leaving it on a hot dashboard.
Remove a thick case if the phone gets very warm.
If possible, place the phone somewhere cooler with airflow.
Turn off battery saver
Battery saver can reduce location accuracy or restrict background navigation.
Open Settings.
Go to Battery.
Turn off battery saver or power saving mode.
Then check battery settings for:
- Android Auto
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Google Play services
Set them to unrestricted or not optimised if your phone offers that option.
Improve location accuracy settings
Open Settings.
Go to Location.
Look for options such as Location accuracy, Google Location Accuracy, or Improve location accuracy.
Turn on available options that use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks to improve location.
Menu names vary depending on the phone brand and Android version.
Update Android Auto and navigation apps
Open the Google Play Store.
Update:
- Android Auto
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Google Play services
Restart your phone after updating.
Location and navigation problems can appear after app updates, phone updates, or service changes, so keeping these apps current is important.
Clear the navigation app cache
If the wrong location continues, clear the cache for the navigation app.
Open Settings.
Go to Apps.
Find Google Maps or Waze.
Open Storage.
Select Clear cache.
Restart the phone and test Android Auto again.
Avoid clearing storage unless you are happy to reset app data and settings.
Download offline maps
If your route often goes through areas with poor signal, download offline maps before travelling.
For Google Maps:
Open Google Maps on your phone.
Tap your profile picture or initials.
Select Offline maps.
Choose your area.
Download the map.
Offline maps can help with route continuity when mobile signal is weak, although live traffic and some search features may still need data.
Check mobile data
GPS gives your location, but navigation apps also use mobile data for search, traffic, route updates, and map loading.
Make sure mobile data is turned on.
Check that airplane mode is off.
If your phone has weak signal, navigation may lag or stop updating properly.
Try another navigation app
If Google Maps shows the wrong location, test Waze.
If Waze has the same issue, the problem is likely with the phone’s location, GPS signal, battery settings, or car environment.
If only one app has the issue, focus on that app’s permissions, cache, and updates.
Restart the phone and car system
Disconnect Android Auto.
Restart your phone.
Turn off the car fully.
Open and close the driver door if needed so the infotainment system powers down.
Start the car again.
Reconnect Android Auto and test navigation.
Remove and reconnect Android Auto
If location still behaves incorrectly only in Android Auto, reset the car connection.
Open Settings on your phone.
Search for Android Auto.
Open Previously connected cars.
Remove your car.
Then delete your phone from the car’s Bluetooth or connected devices list.
Restart both the phone and car.
Set up Android Auto again.
Optional methods or tools
- Download offline maps before long journeys
- Test both Google Maps and Waze
- Use wired Android Auto if wireless Android Auto causes overheating or lag
- Clear the cache for Google Maps or Waze
- Check whether your phone has a high accuracy location setting
- Update your car infotainment software if location problems started after a car update
Best practices or tips
- Keep location and precise location enabled for your navigation app
- Place the phone where it can maintain a good GPS signal
- Keep the phone cool during long drives
- Turn off battery saver when using Android Auto navigation
- Update Android Auto, Google Maps, Waze, and Google Play services regularly
Android Auto wrong location problems usually come from the phone’s GPS, location permissions, app cache, battery saving, or poor signal. Testing the navigation app on the phone first helps confirm whether the issue is caused by Android Auto or by the phone’s location service.
Once location permission, precise location, app updates, and battery settings are correct, Android Auto should track your journey accurately. For longer routes, keeping the phone cool and downloading offline maps can help avoid navigation problems in areas with weak mobile coverage.
