Google Maps Not Pointing To Direction Of Travel Android
If you’re an Android user who relies on Google Maps for navigation, you may have noticed a recent issue where the navigation arrow doesn’t point in the direction of travel. Instead, the arrow faces north while you move in a different direction. This can be incredibly frustrating and might make it difficult to follow directions accurately. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of this issue and how you can fix it.
What Causes the Arrow to Point North?
One of the most common reasons for the arrow in Google Maps to point north instead of in the direction of travel is that the compass sensor on your phone is not working correctly. The compass is responsible for identifying the direction of your phone in relation to the earth's magnetic North Pole. If it’s malfunctioning, Google Maps will not be able to determine the direction of your movement accurately.
Another possible cause of this issue could be a glitch in the Google Maps app itself. Software bugs and glitches can occur in any app, and it's possible that a recent update to the app has caused this issue for some users.
How to Fix the Issue of Google Maps Not Pointing to Direction of Travel on Android
Calibrate the Compass
The first step in fixing this issue is to calibrate the compass on your phone. Depending on the model of your phone, you may be able to access the compass calibration tool through the Google Maps app itself. Open the app and tap on the blue dot that represents your current location. From there, tap on the three dots in the top right corner, then select “Calibrate Compass” from the dropdown menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process.
If your phone doesn't have a compass calibration tool built-in, you can download one from the Google Play Store. Search for "compass calibration" and choose one of the top-rated apps. Follow the instructions to calibrate your compass.
Clear the Cache and Data from the Google Maps App
If calibrating the compass doesn't solve the problem, the next step is to clear the cache and data from the Google Maps app. Go to your phone's Settings, then select "Apps." Find Google Maps and tap on it. From there, you can clear the app's cache and data. Once you've done this, launch the app again and see if the issue has been resolved.
Update the Google Maps App
If the issue persists, it's possible that it's caused by a bug or glitch in the app. Check the Google Play Store for any available updates to the Google Maps app. If an update is available, install it and see if the issue is resolved.
Restart Your Phone
Sometimes, a simple restart can fix software glitches and issues. Try restarting your phone and launching Google Maps again to see if the arrow is now pointing in the direction of travel.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing an issue with the Google Maps arrow not pointing in the direction of travel on your Android device, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem. Try calibrating the compass, clearing the app’s cache and data, updating the app, or restarting your phone. Hopefully, one of these solutions will work for you so you can get back to using Google Maps to navigate with ease.