How to Fix Google Maps Stopped Working Error
Whenever we need to find a location these days, we quickly pick up our phone and open Google Maps. The popular app offers a detailed map of the area, navigation services, information on public transportation, and many other features. However, we have all probably encountered a scenario where Google Maps stopped working and showed an error message. The internet is full of articles that give you many instructions on how to fix this issue. The problem is, like all apps, Google Maps has had multiple updates over the years, and the solutions that worked before may not work now. In this article, we will give you the most current information you need to fix Google Maps problems in 2023.
1.Restart the App
Restarting an app can fix many problems, and Google Maps is no different. When you ‘restart’ the app, the previous activity stops, and your Android phone clears up its memory. Before trying the complicated fixing instructions for the app, a simple ‘restart’ is worth a try.
Restart the Phone
If restarting the app doesn’t resolve the problem, a phone restart is the next option. After the phone is switched off you need to wait about ten seconds and then turn it back on. This process will clear some glitches, and the app may start working again.
- Enable Location Accuracy
One of the most common reasons behind Google Maps issues is the location accuracy problem. When you activate the option, it will offer exact location information, allowing Google Maps to identify where you are in real time.
Steps to Follow:
- Launch the Google Maps app on your device. In the upper-right corner of the screen, click on your profile image.
- From the menu, choose Settings and click Location Services under Google location settings.
- Choose Improve Location Accuracy from the menu.
After executing these steps, restart Google Maps, and it will be able to pinpoint your precise position.
- Disable Wi-Fi Only Mode
Sometimes the Google Maps app fails to update your current location in real time. This problem often occurs if you have selected the Wi-Fi only mode. Google Maps will only download the latest data when the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network if you have turned on the ‘Wi-Fi-only mode’. If the phone is using mobile data, the app won’t download/update current information and will malfunction. Disable ‘Wi-Fi only mode’ in the app to resolve this problem.
Steps to Follow:
- Open Google Maps, press your profile image, and then choose Settings.
- Disable the Wi-Fi only mode.
- Return to the main screen after closing Settings.
When this process is completed Google Maps will start operating with mobile data. If you want to use the app frequently outside the Wi-Fi network, ensure you have a sufficient data pack recharge.
- Check the Network Connection of Your Phone
Slow or unstable network access may be one of the main reasons behind Google Maps not functioning correctly. Turn on Aeroplane Mode for at least 60 seconds, and turn it off if you are using mobile data. All problems with your mobile network should now be resolved. Switch off your router if you are using Wi-Fi, then switch it back on after 60 seconds. Your Wi-Fi network should be fixed as a result. If you have a VPN enabled on your device, that might be another factor affecting Google Maps functions. The problem may have been caused by you forgetting to turn it off before using Google Maps. Just disable the VPN and restart Google Maps.
- Check Google Maps Server Status
The Google Maps servers may occasionally go down or develop glitches that stop the app functions. It’s possible that Google Maps won’t work correctly in such circumstances. If this is the case, you wait while Google resolves the problem. However, you may check to see if Google services are online or not. You may use any web browser on a smartphone to access the Google Maps Status Dashboard to see if the Google Maps servers are up and functioning. It is reasonable to believe that the problem is on your end if you discover that all the Google services are functioning as they should.
- Update the App
If Google Maps has stopped functioning, it might be because your phone is using an old version of Google Maps. To resolve the problem, try upgrading Google Maps to the most recent build.
Follow these steps to update Google Maps:
- Start the Google Play Store application on your Android phone.
- Find Google Maps in the search box and click on it.
- If you see the Update button, click it to update the app. This button won’t appear if an update isn’t available.
- Relaunch the app after the update, and it should function properly.
- Clear Cache
Your smartphone saves cache memory so that it can load the apps without delay when you open them on your phone. Cache memory prevents the apps from reconnecting to the server each time it needs to access data. However, there are several reasons why this stored data could occasionally get damaged. The app may malfunction because of damaged cached data, and it can even crash repeatedly in rare situations. Therefore, erasing the cache saved in your phone memory is another method for fixing the Google Maps problem.
To delete the cache memory for Google Maps on Android, follow these instructions:
- Find the Google Maps app on your phone.
- Click the “i” on the pop-up window that appears when you long touch the app.
- Choose “Storage & cache”.
- Select “Clear cache” to remove Google Maps cache memory.
- Reopen the Google Maps app.
This process ought to make the Google Maps problem go away.
- Check Date and Time Accuracy
Google Maps may behave strangely if the time and date on your Android and iOS devices are off. If the time and date on your smartphone are inaccurate because of a technical problem, your Google Maps chronology will become inaccurate in such circumstances. In this situation, Google Maps may display locations you haven’t been to or stop your device from accessing GPS. You should thus verify the time and date on your Android phone if you are having trouble with Google Maps.
- Enable Background Data Consumption
Applications can collect data for later use and send you alerts even while they are not actively working on your smartphone. This is known as background data consumption. As a result, the apps can remain updated and open quickly as soon as you activate them. Enabling background data consumption is crucial for a program like Google Maps since it enables the app to continually update its data on your real-time location information.
Follow these steps to use background data for Google Maps:
- From the Settings, select the “Apps” option.
- Find Google Maps in the list of applications and select it.
- Activate “Background data” under “Mobile data & Wi-Fi”.
Once enabled, Google Maps can access background data from your smartphone even when it is not in use.
- Change Location Services Permission
Your current location information is necessary for Google Maps to work correctly. Google Maps won’t work if there is a problem with your GPS, on-device location permissions, or any other location-related issue. Make sure that the Google Maps app has the correct location permissions so that it can function without glitches.
Steps to Follow:
- On your Android device, go to Google Maps settings and scroll down to the Location option.
- Select ‘Allow only while using the app’ under Maps.
- Restart the Google Maps app.
Conclusion
You can use the troubleshooting procedures we described above if Google Maps has stopped functioning on your phone and you are unable to find a solution. Most of the time one of these steps will help solve your problem, but if the problem doesn’t go away, you can consider a factory reset. However, a factory reset will delete all your phone data, and many people don’t want to use that option for the inconvenience. You can also consider using a Google Maps alternative app if you are constantly having issues with Google Maps.
FAQs
Can Google Maps crash the phone browser?
Google Maps might occasionally cause your browser to crash. This issue most commonly happens with Google Chrome because of the high data consumption.
Why does my Google Maps app keep crashing?
There may be several reasons for Google Maps to keep crashing on your smartphone. It can be caused by a Google server outage or by a problem with your Android device. Wi-Fi only mode, older versions of the app, and location issues can also crash the app.
Why is Google Maps not showing my current location?
Ensure the location permission for Google Maps is on if the app is not updating your current location. Without precise location data, the app will not function as intended.
How can I update Google Maps?
Go to the Play Store on your Android smartphone and search for Google Maps. When you find the app in the store, you will see the update option if you are using an older version of the app. If your app version is up-to-date, you won’t be able to see the update option.