One of the most used Google apps must be Google Maps, an exquisite mapping service that, over years, grew to be so much more than a convenient navigation tool. This app almost always comes to mind whenever Android users mention maps and Google has a big advantage over the competition in this department. This comes as no surprise considering that Google Maps are integrated into the search engine and other services. All of this is not of much use to some Android users who claim that Google Maps are not working for them.
Some report that Maps hand, crash, or have a hard time pinpointing the precise location. We made sure to explain how to resolve this in a few simple steps.
Table of contents:
- Clear cache and data from Google Maps
- Check the Network and inspect the Location settings
- Reinstall Google Maps
- Download an older version of the app
Why is Google Maps not working on Android?
Google Maps usually won’t work on Android due to connection and GPS issues. Although, there are instances when a bug is causing issues with the app.
In case Google Maps are not working for you, check the steps we listed below.
Solution 1 – Clear cache and data from Google Maps
The first thing to do is clear the cache and data locally. Google Maps tend to pile up a lot of locally stored pre-loaded data that tends to get corrupted over time. To address a large spectrum of issues that might occur, we suggest starting with this.
Follow these steps to clear cache and data from Google Maps on Android:
- Open Settings.
- Choose Apps.
- Select Manage apps, App manager, or All apps.
- Locate and open Google Maps.
- Tap Storage.
- Clear Cache and then Clear Data.
- Restart your device, enable Location, and check if Maps are working.
Make sure that Google Maps have permission to access location in the background, as well.
Solution 2 – Check the Network and inspect the Location settings
To use the full potential of Google Maps, you’ll need both a stable network connection and GPS Location Services. You can, indeed, download and use offline maps, but they still depend on Location Services. Also, based on the region, the overall experience (navigation and exploration) isn’t all that good in smaller areas in comparison to metropolitan regions.
So, if there’s any loading-related issue, we recommend thoroughly inspecting the network and GPS before moving on.
Follow these instructions to ensure that both GPS and Wi-Fi (or mobile data) are working as intended:
- Make sure the Location is on and Google Maps have permission to access the Location Services.
- Enable the “Use assisted GPS” in Location settings. If available, enable Precise Location or Bluetooth and Wi-Fi scanning.
- Calibrate the compass or use Live View to calibrate maps.
- Enable Location History in Google Account settings. Our reader Sebbo noticed this and we thank him for the input.
- Reboot your router or make sure that your APN is properly configured for Mobile Data.
- Reset Network Settings.
Solution 3 – Reinstall Google Maps
If the previous steps fail, you can try and reinstall Google Maps from the Google Play Store. That way, you’ll get the latest version of Google Maps while addressing possible local issues in the process.
Follow these steps to reinstall Google Maps on your Android:
- Navigate to the Play Store.
- Locate Google Maps.
- Uninstall the app.
- Install the app again and then reboot your phone.
Solution 4 – Download an older version of the app
Finally, if none of the steps helped you address the problem, we suggest downloading an older APK version of Google Maps. You can do so on any APK-aggregate website, like APK Mirror or any other that comes to your mind. Although, you should avoid wandering off to suspicious websites.
Follow these steps to download an older APK of Google Maps and install it on your Android handset:
- Uninstall Google Maps.
- Navigate to APK Mirror or any other APK hub online.
- Download an older APK version but not older than two months.
- Grant permission to install apps from untrusted sources.
- Install the APK and give it a go.
You can, alternatively, use Google Maps Go (get it on Play Store) for the time being. It’s a lighter alternative but it might come in handy until Google Maps issues are sorted out on the developer’s end. If you are experiencing Google Maps not talking directions issue, you can explore it in this article.
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to post your suggestions or questions in the comments section below or reach us on Facebook and Twitter.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2020. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.
