Google Maps does not work on mobile devices
Google Maps is a powerful tool that helps you explore new places with turn-by-turn directions. But what if Google Maps stops working with mobile data?
This can be frustrating and ruin your travel plans in the process. You might be wondering why Google Maps works fine on Wi-Fi but fails on mobile data.
Don't worry, there are a few ways to fix Google Maps on mobile and resume your travels. Below we will explain some common solutions that you can try to resolve the problem.
Make sure mobile data is enabled
This may seem obvious, but you (or another app) may have inadvertently disabled your mobile data connection. Users with limited data plans often turn it off to stay under their data cap, for example.
To check that your cellular data is enabled on your iPhone, swipe down to the notification section and tap the data switch to toggle it on or off.
On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen to bring up the notification shade and turn on the Mobile data switch.
If your mobile data is not working at all, please take out the SIM card to reset it and check if there is any damage. If your mobile data isn't working at all, despite your best efforts, call your provider for further assistance.
Restart your phone
If you are having problems with Google Maps not working on mobile data, the easiest solution is to restart your phone
To do this, press and hold your device's power and volume button combination on Android and select the Restart option.
If you're an Apple user with a modern iPhone, you can turn your iPhone off and back on again. Are you using an older iPhone? No problem, you can also shut down or restart your legacy iPhone.
Calibrate Google maps
If you have an established connection, but the directions aren't accurate, it's a good idea to calibrate Google Maps for more accurate results.
Also, make sure you have location data turned on for the best accuracy while traveling.
Enable data roaming
Making sure that the data roaming setting is enabled allows the use of the cellular network in different regions. Therefore, it is vital for data connectivity and for Google Maps to function properly.
On an iPhone, check your roaming settings by opening Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turning on the Data Roaming switch.
On Android, you can find it by going to Settings > Network & Internet and turning on the Roaming switch.
Disable low data mode
Android and iPhone devices come with a data saver mode that allows you to save the data your phone uses. Works with background data usage by apps, including Google Maps. This can cause the browser to stop working.
On iPhone, head over to the same section as cellular data options by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turning off Low Data Mode.
If you're using Android, you should find it in Settings > Network & Internet, then turn off the Data Saver switch.
Allow Google Maps to use mobile data
If you're having trouble with Google Maps on your iPhone, you can turn off cellular data for apps. If you've done this before for Google Maps, you'll need to enable it to use mobile data again.
To check, head to Settings > Cellular. Swipe down, find Google Maps, and toggle the switch if it isn't already.
How to fix Google Maps when it doesn't work
If Google Maps isn't working, it's probably a problem with the mobile app, especially on Android. If the Google Maps app on your phone or tablet is crashing or you're experiencing other issues that affect your Maps experience, try the solutions below.
Restart the app
The first thing to try is to restart the app. Close the app completely, then tap its tile to launch Google Maps again so it Re-synces with Google's servers. This tends to solve the problem for most iPhone users. You can also try hard resetting your phone.
Check Wi-Fi connection
First, check if Google Maps is set to work only on Wi-Fi. You can find the toggle in the Settings menu of the app. While Wi-Fi only mode is a great way to conserve data usage, it won't allow the app to work when you're out of range.
If you don't have a strong cellular signal, try connecting to a Wi-Fi source by touching the Wi-Fi icon and selecting a network, or turning your Wi-Fi off and on to see if it will automatically connect.
If you know you are out of range, you need to download offline Google Maps in advance so that you can check the map on your phone without signal.
Update the app
Make sure you're using the latest version of the Google Maps app to use its latest features. If you're signed in to your Google account, you can update the Google Maps app directly from the Play Store.
If you're not signed in to your Google account:
On your phone or tablet, go to the Maps app in the Play Store.
Tap Open in the Play Store app.
Do not touch install, or you will be redirected to a login screen that does not allow you to skip.
You will be prompted to sign in.
At the top right, tap More (three-dot icon) and then Updates.
Find map: Navigate and explore, then Refresh.
Clear cache and data
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app.
Tap Apps & notifications.
Locate the Google Maps app from your list of downloaded apps.
After selecting the app, the storage and cache options should be available.
Clearing the cache will delete temporary data and clearing data storage will permanently delete all app data. Try clearing the cache first, and if that doesn't work, try clearing the storage data.