Troubleshooting GPS Issues

This topic lists out steps to take to fix common GPS tracking issues.

Troubleshooting Methods

Try these methods below to investigate and fix your GPS issues:

 

A) Turn your phone off and on.

 

B) On your phone, turn your GPS off and on.

 

C) Check that Strava is allowed to use your location.

  1. On your phone, go to your Settings app. (0:05)
  2. Click on Apps. (0:11)
  3. Select Strava. (0:24)
  4. Click on Permissions. (0:34)
  5. Toggle ON for Location. (0:40)

 

 

D) Disable battery saver settings on for Strava.

  1. On your phone, go to your Settings app. (0:04)
  2. Click on Apps. (0:13)
  3. Select menu in the top right-hand corner of your screen. (0:22)
  4. Click on Special access. (0:24)
  5. Click on Optimize battery usage. (0:30)
  6. In the drop-down, select All apps. (0:36)
  7. Toggle OFF for Strava. (1:00)

 

 

E) Change your location settings to High accuracy.

  1. On your phone, go to your Settings app. (0:05)
  2. Click on Connections. (0:11)
  3. Select Location. (0:20)
  4. Click on Locating method. (0:27)
  5. Select High accuracy. (0:31)

 

 

If you're in a low-signal GPS area, remove your phone from your pocket or other barrier to get a better signal.

 

 

GPS issues with your tracking device or Strava app can result in a different distance reported in your Strava activity than what you actually ran. The following are common GPS issues:

  • GPS drift – GPS records a route that follows the shape of the road your ran, but deviates from it.
  • Lost GPS signal – GPS signal may be lost for a period of time and then connects again at a later point. You will see a straight line connecting the two points and may record a greater distance.
  • GPS bounce – The GPS track appears to be small "zig-zags" along the road and records a greater distance.

 

GPS drift

 

Lost GPS signal

 

GPS bounce

See Also