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GPS tracker reports the wrong location

A tracker shows a location hundreds of metres off, jumps between places or stops updating.

Applies to
  • LTE and GPS trackers
  • Pet and asset trackers
  • Vehicle trackers
Last verified2026-10-14
Quick answerTroubleshooting · last verified 2026-10-14

A tracker shows a location hundreds of metres off, jumps between places or stops updating. Most common cause to check first: Indoor use where GPS is blocked

Applies toLTE and GPS trackers, Pet and asset trackers, Vehicle trackers
CategoryTracking
Escalate whenIf the tracker is accurate outdoors but drifts indoors, the position comes from Wi-Fi or cell positioning rather than GPS: judge accuracy by the reported method.
Last verified2026-10-14
How to cite this pageIoT Atlas. "GPS tracker reports the wrong location". https://hi-spark.net/troubleshooting/gps-tracker-location-inaccurate.html Last verified 2026-10-14.

Likely causes

  • Indoor use where GPS is blocked
  • Assisted positioning using Wi-Fi or cell towers
  • Low battery forcing less frequent fixes
  • Poor sky view in cities or under cover
  • Firmware or platform mapping delay

Quick checks

  • Compare the reported accuracy value in the app
  • Check whether the device reports LTE, Wi-Fi or GPS fixes
  • Test outdoors with a clear sky view
  • Note the update interval setting

Step-by-step fix

1

Force a manual location update outdoors

2

Check the reported positioning method and accuracy

3

Adjust the update interval and battery mode

4

Update firmware

5

If the device never gets a GPS fix outdoors, request a service check

Frequently asked questions

Why does this happen: GPS tracker reports the wrong location?

A tracker shows a location hundreds of metres off, jumps between places or stops updating.

What is the most likely cause?

Indoor use where GPS is blocked; Assisted positioning using Wi-Fi or cell towers; Low battery forcing less frequent fixes.

What should I check first?

Compare the reported accuracy value in the app; Check whether the device reports LTE, Wi-Fi or GPS fixes; Test outdoors with a clear sky view; Note the update interval setting.

How is it fixed?

Force a manual location update outdoors; Check the reported positioning method and accuracy; Adjust the update interval and battery mode; Update firmware; If the device never gets a GPS fix outdoors, request a service check

When should the case be escalated?

If the tracker is accurate outdoors but drifts indoors, the position comes from Wi-Fi or cell positioning rather than GPS: judge accuracy by the reported method.