What to do if GPS is not working properly on Galaxy Watch Active2
Your Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 has a GPS antenna so that you can monitor your real-time location information without connecting to a mobile device. However, GPS on your watch may become inaccurate or take 2 to 3 minutes longer than usual to obtain your location if the watch is disconnected from your phone for more than a day. Read on below to find out how to improve your watch's GPS accuracy.
Before you try out the below recommendations as to your solution, be sure to check if your watch's software and related apps are updated with latest version. Find out more about how to update software and apps on the Galaxy Watch Active2 with Samsung Support.
Step outside, and then restart the watch
If you are indoors, move outdoors to restart the watch. Avoid obstacles like standing in between walls or poor weather conditions, in order to receive GPS signals.
To restart your watch, press and hold the Power key, and then tap Power off. Once the watch has completely shut down, press and hold the Power key again to restart it.
Although GPS will work inside a building or a house, it works best outdoors with an open view of the sky so that signals can be received and communicate with satellites.
So, adjust your settings on your watch first before checking your location with a GPS app while outdoors.
Step 1. On the Apps screen, tap on Settings > Connections.
Step 2. Swipe to and tap Location and tap the switch to activate it.
The following can result in lost connection of GPS signals:
- Your watch and phone have been disconnected for more than a day.
- The location services have been deactivated on the watch or your phone, if not both. Find out more about what to do if the location services are inaccurate on your phone.
If the problem persists, we recommend you try the below options to customise your settings.
Note:
- Make sure your location method on your phone is set to High accuracy.
- When GPS antenna in your Galaxy Watch Active2 will be used when using the Samsung Health feature, even though your Galaxy Watch Active2 is connected to your mobile device.
- GPS signal strength may decrease in locations where the signal is obstructed, such as between buildings or in low-lying areas, or in poor weather conditions.
When your watch is connected with a phone, the watch will obtain its GPS location from the phone to help improve the location accuracy. If your phone is experiencing issues with no mobile data or a low signal, contact your carrier for network support.
Step 1. From your phone, navigate to and tap Settings > About phone.
Step 2. Tap on Status.
Step 3. Tap on SIM card status.
Step 4. Check to see the Mobile network state displays "Connected".
If your devices are connected through Bluetooth, "Connected via Bluetooth" will display at the top of the app. You can check the connectivity on the Home screen of the Galaxy Wearable app.
If the devices are not connected:
- The Galaxy Wearable app will display "Disconnected from watch".
- Tap on Connect to reconnect the devices.
When connected via Wi-Fi:
- The Galaxy Wearable app will display "Connected remotely".
Step 1. Navigate to the Settings > Connections.
Step 2. Turn on the switch for Bluetooth.
If the problem persists, reset the watch using the Galaxy Wearable app. After the reset is complete, reconnect the watch to your phone again.
Note:
- Be sure to regularly check for software updates using the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
- Device screenshots and menu may vary depending on the device model and software version.
If you're experiencing unusual behaviour on Samsung mobiles, tablets or wearables, you can send us an error report or ask us a question in the Samsung Members app.
This allows us to take a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about sending an error report through the Samsung Members app.
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