Find and improve your location’s accuracy
Sometimes Google Maps might have trouble finding where you are located. If the location of your blue dot on the map is inaccurate or isn't showing up, here are some things you can do to help fix the problem.
See your current location on the map
To see where you are right now on the map, follow the steps below.
- Open the Google Maps app
.
- You’ll see a blue dot, which shows where you are. If you don’t see a blue dot, go to the bottom right and tap Your location
.
How Maps finds your current location
Maps estimates where you are from sources like:
- GPS: This uses satellites and knows your location within a few meters.
- Wi-Fi: The location of nearby Wi-Fi networks helps Maps know where you are.
- Cell tower: Your connection to a cellular network can be accurate up to a few thousand meters.
Turn on location services
To help Google Maps find your location with the most accurate blue dot, follow the steps below.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap Privacy
Location Services.
- Make sure the switch next to “Location Services” is green.
- Scroll down and select Google Maps.
- Choose While Using the App or Always.
More ways to improve location accuracy
If your location is still wrong, here are some things you can try.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Choose Wi-Fi.
- At the top, slide Wi-Fi on.
To restart your phone or tablet, turn it off and on.
- Turn your phone off: Hold down the power button
Power off.
- Turn your phone on: Hold down the power button until your phone turns on.
What the blue dot means
The blue dot shows you where you are on the map. When Google Maps isn’t sure about your location, you’ll see a light blue circle around the blue dot. You might be anywhere within the light blue circle. The smaller the circle, the more certain the app is about your location.
Notes:
- If you see a gray dot, this means that we can’t find your current location and we’re showing you the last location you visited.
- If there’s something between you and cell towers, like a parking garage or tall buildings, your blue dot might not be accurate.