Find & improve your location’s accuracy in Google Maps

Understand what the blue dot means

The blue dot shows your location on the map. When Google Maps isn’t sure about your location, a light blue circle shows around the blue dot.

• You could be anywhere within the light blue circle.
• The smaller the circle, the more certain the app is about your location.
• If the blue dot isn’t visible or is gray, Maps can’t find your current location. Instead, Maps shows the last location you visited.

Tip: If there’s something between you and cell towers, like a parking garage or tall buildings, your blue dot might not be accurate.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app .
2. At the bottom right, tap Your location .
   • The blue dot on the map shows your location.

To help Google Maps find your location with the most accurate blue dot, turn on location services.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Privacy Location Services.
3. Make sure Location Services is turned on.
4. Scroll and select Google Maps.
5. Choose While Using the App or Always.

Tip: Timeline works best when Location Services is set to Always.

Troubleshoot location accuracy issues in Google Maps

Your location accuracy has an issue if:

• There’s a wide blue circle around the blue dot and a low accuracy message.
  • If this shows, tap the message to get:
    • Info on your location accuracy issue
    • A suggestion on how to resolve it
    • An option to try to calibrate Maps to improve your accuracy
    • A link to share feedback
• The blue dot is gray.
• There’s no blue dot.

To improve your location, follow the on-screen instructions. If that doesn’t resolve your issue, below is a list of common issues and resolutions.

Location accuracy issue	How to troubleshoot
Location button is red with a question mark inside.	To allow Google Maps to determine your location, turn on Location services.
Location jumps around on the map.	Turn off Battery saver mode.
Location accuracy is low: Use your camera to calibrate.	Calibrate with Live View.
Location accuracy is low: Check that your mobile data or Wi-Fi settings are turned on.	Turn on Mobile data or Wi-Fi. Turn off Airplane mode.
Location accuracy is low: Calibrate without Live View.	Calibrate your device’s compass.
Location is out of date	Turn off Airplane mode.
Location accuracy is low: Due to weak GPS or Wi-Fi signals.	To improve location accuracy, find a location with a better GPS or Wi-Fi signal.

To estimate your location, Maps uses sources like:

• GPS: To know your current location up to around 20 meters, Maps uses satellites.
  • When you're inside buildings or underground, the GPS is sometimes inaccurate.
• Wi-Fi: The location of nearby Wi-Fi networks helps Maps know where you are.
• Cell towers: Your connection to mobile data can be accurate up to a few thousand meters.

Understand & manage your location when you search on Google.