[Q] Can't get good GPS fix (in US)?

[magus57]

Not sure what it is, but I haven't been able to get a solid GPS fix since I got the phone. Any other phone I use may take a minute, but it'll get a pretty accurate fix afterward - 50 feet or less. And this is in the same exact place.

I sat with the phone and the GPS Test app by Chartcross initially, and had 24 satellites in view. I went and downloaded FasterGPS and updated the GPS for US servers (since the Mini came from France I believe), and now I can get between 3 and 6 in use, but it only locks very rarely, and even when it does, it's only to like 500 feet in accuracy. As I'm typing, it randomly jumped to 7 satellites, accuracy bounced between 200 and 300 feet...and a few seconds later it went back to no lock and going between 3 and 6 in use.

Suggestions? I already rooted the phone, as well as installed Xposed and Crossbreeder. And of course, I have all proper GPS settings turned on.

EDIT: I went and did that simple fix all around the web of tightening the screws...didn't seem to help much. I went outside, and had no problem getting like 20/23 satellites, accuracy to like 5 feet. But as I go inside, I lose accuracy/satellites, until I get to my apartment and have nothing again. Is the S4 Mini's GPS antennae just weaker than other's?

 

[Whosat]

When indoors, did you turn your wifi on?

 

[magus57]

When indoors, did you turn your wifi on?

Nope, always used data for the phones. And even using Wifi on the S4 Mini doesn't seem to help in terms of a GPS fix.

 

[Whosat]

I've noticed on all 3 android phones I've had, that gps generally doesn't work indoors.

I did get a faster fix outdoors using the app GPS Status and updating the A-GPS data from within the Tools menu.

You should also try moving in one direction as you are trying to get a fix outdoors - always works for me.