Fix Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro GPS Not Working
You can try several fixes to fix the GPS not working issue on your Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro. We recommend trying all the fixes until the problem is solved. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Fix 1: Check your Watch Band
If you are using a metal watch band on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro and experiencing issues with the GPS not working, then it is likely that the band is interfering with the GPS signal. To troubleshoot this issue, you should first check the watch band.
The metal links on the watch band act as an antenna and can cause interference with the GPS signal. If the GPS is not working, try removing the watch band links to see if that helps. If the GPS starts working after removing the links, the watch band is the culprit.
Sometimes, the watch band may be too tight and create a barrier between the watch and the skin. This can also cause interference with the GPS signal, so it’s worth loosening the band to see if that improves the GPS performance. You can also try other bands made of silicone or leather.
Fix 2: Check for Software Updates
This issue can also be caused by software not being up-to-date. Software updates may contain bug fixes that can help prevent the GPS from malfunctioning. Thankfully, you can update your software pretty easily and fix any issues related to the software.
To check for software updates on your Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro:
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your compatible smartphone.
- Scroll down and tap on Watch settings.
- On the settings page, scroll down and select the Watch software update option.
This will open a page where you can check if an update is available. If an update is available, follow the instructions on the page to download and install the update.
Software updates fix bugs and improve the performance of your watch. Be sure to regularly check for software updates using the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone. If you still face the GPS issue after updating the watch, move down to the next solution.
Fix 3: Move Outdoors and Restart your Watch
GPS signals can be affected by your environment, so if you’re indoors or in a dense urban area, the signal will be weaker than if you’re outdoors in an open area. So, take your Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro outside, and then try restarting it.
Here’s how to restart your Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro:
- Press and hold the Home (power) button for a few seconds until the context menu appears.
- Tap Power off.
- Wait for a few seconds for your watch to turn off completely.
- Again, press and hold the Home (power) button to turn it on.
Once your watch has restarted, check to see if the GPS is now working correctly.
Fix 4: Make Sure your Phone is Connected to a Mobile Network
In order to use the GPS feature on the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro, your device must be connected to a mobile network. You can verify that your device is connected by following these simple steps.
- Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
- Scroll down and tap About phone.
- Tap Status information > SIM card status.
- Make sure the Mobile network is connected.
Once the Mobile network is connected, you should be able to use the GPS feature on your Galaxy Watch 5/5 Pro.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to verify that your device is connected to a mobile network and fix any GPS-related issues. However, if the issue persists, you can try the next solution.
Fix 5: Make Sure your Watch and Phone are Connected Via Bluetooth
Connecting your Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro to your smartphone via Bluetooth is one of the most important steps for enabling GPS tracking. Unfortunately, this connection is not always reliable and can sometimes cause issues with GPS tracking. If you’re having trouble with your GPS connection on your Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro, here are some steps to help you ensure that your watch and phone are connected via Bluetooth.
First, make sure that your watch and phone are close together. The Bluetooth connection between the two devices can be disrupted if there is too much distance between them. Try placing your watch and phone in the same room and see if that helps.
Next, make sure both devices are adequately charged. A low battery can cause a disruption in the Bluetooth connection.
If you’re still having issues, check to see if your phone’s Bluetooth settings are enabled. To do this, go to your phone’s settings, select Bluetooth, and ensure it is turned on.
Lastly, ensure your watch and phone are properly connected via Bluetooth. Here’s how:
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your compatible phone.
- Tap the Home tab.
- Make sure the top of your screen displays “Connected via Bluetooth.”
- If your screen displays “Disconnected from watch,” tap Connect.
- If your screen displays “Connected remotely,” go to your phone Settings > Connections > Bluetooth and turn on the Bluetooth toggle.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro connected to your phone via Bluetooth and get your GPS tracking working again. Yet, if you’re still having trouble, move down to the following solution.
Fix 6: Use a GPS App to Check your Location
If you are still having trouble with GPS not working on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro, using a GPS app to check your location can be a great way to help fix the issue. Here’s what you need to do.
The first step is to download a GPS app from your watch’s app store. We recommend using the popular MapMyRun app from Under Armour. Once you have the app downloaded, go outdoors and start an exercise. Now you can swipe to the map to see your GPS location.
While the GPS will also work inside a building or a crowded area, it is best to use it outdoors where there is little to no obstruction.
Using a GPS app to check your location is a great way to help fix any GPS not working issues on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro. With a few simple steps, you can get your watch back up and running in no time.
Fix 7: Reset your Galaxy Watch
In the end, if nothing works out for you, you can try resetting your watch to fix the GPS not working issue. Resetting your Galaxy Watch will delete all its data. So, make sure you have a backup before proceeding.
To reset your Galaxy Watch 5 or 5 Pro:
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your compatible phone.
- Go back to the steps in Fix 5 and make sure your watch and phone are connected via Bluetooth.
- Scroll down and tap Watch settings.
- Tap General > Reset.
- Tap Reset again to confirm. This will reset your Galaxy Watch.
Once your watch is reset, connect it to your phone and install any available updates. The GPS issue should now disappear.
Fix 8: Replace your Watch
The last option is to replace your Galaxy Watch. If the other methods do not work, your device is likely malfunctioning or the GPS unit is not functioning properly. In this case, it is best to replace your Galaxy Watch.
Final Words
By following the fixes discussed above, you can fix GPS, not working issues on your Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro. Be sure to check for software updates, reset the device, and even replace the Watch if necessary. With the help of these troubleshooting methods, you should be able to get the GPS on your watch up and running in no time.
