Google Maps is one of the most useful tools available to smartphone users. It enables people to preview a trip and plan ahead for obstacles. However, knowing how to find where you are right now on the map is imperative to navigating with Google Maps.
Read more: How to share your location in Google Maps on Android and iOS
THE SHORT ANSWER
To find where you are right now on Google Maps on Android or iOS, open the mobile app and find the Your location button in the bottom right corner. This looks like a small target. If you don’t see yourself on the map as a blue dot, you must press the Your location button to turn it blue with a circle in the middle. You will then see your current location show up on the map.
KEY SECTIONS
How to find your current location on Android
Google uses your location for many things. However, in Google Maps, the most helpful feature about tracking your location is that if you enter any destination, Google Maps will plot a route from where you currently are to your destination.
To find where you are on Google Maps, the app must have permission to use your phone’s built-in GPS to access your location. You also must have Location turned on in your settings.
Curtis Joe / Android Authority
On the map, in the bottom right corner above the navigation bar, you will find the Your location button, which looks like a target. If it is grey, not blue with a circle in the middle, that means you are out of the frame and not centered. Press the grey target, and when it turns blue with a circle in the middle, your location will appear on the map as a blue dot.
How to find your current location on iPhone
Getting your location on iOS works the same way as on Android. The only difference is the interface looks slightly different due to the nature of iOS apps.
You will show up as a blue dot on the map. If you cannot see yourself, that means you are out of the frame and the Your location button, which looks like a target, is grey rather than blue with a circle in the middle. Press the Your location button in the bottom right to center Google Maps on your current location.
How to calibrate Google Maps
If you find that how you show up on Google Maps is inaccurate, you may need to recalibrate Google Maps. This will correct your Google Maps location and fix your tracking.
First off, open your Google Maps app and find your current location. As mentioned earlier, you can do this by pressing the target-shaped Your location button in the bottom right.
Now, tap the blue dot on the map that represents you. It should show up with a blue cone in front of it facing whichever direction your phone is pointing.
Curtis Joe / Android Authority
This will open the Your Location menu with multiple options, including the option to share your location. From here, select the button labeled Calibrate; this has a small compass next to it.
Curtis Joe / Android Authority
Google Maps will ask you to Tilt and move your phone around in a figure-eight pattern. Do as instructed and, when your compass accuracy reads high or better, press Done.
Curtis Joe / Android Authority
Google Maps uses numerous parameters in determining your location. These include your device’s built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers, and browser information.
Can you use Google Maps to locate a cell phone?
Yes, with Find My Device. That said, the phone must be on and have a working battery to be tracked.
Why does Google Maps say “unable to refresh location?”
There are many ways Google Maps can run into errors such as this.
If you are using your phone offline, make sure that your map is downloaded on Google Maps. Ensure you are running the latest version of the Google Maps app, as outdated versions commonly run into this particular error. If your phone is low on battery or has issues with the built-in GPS, these can both stop Google Maps from refreshing your location.
Why is Google Maps not tracking my location?
If you cannot see yourself correctly on the map, you may need to calibrate your compass in Google Maps.
