Google Location Accuracy Service Improves Android Positioning via Crowdsourced Data

Google’s Location Accuracy Service helps Android smartphones determine precise geographic positions by combining data from multiple sources beyond just satellite signals. According to a report by Engadget, this feature is essential for navigation apps, sharing location pins, and safety features, ensuring users know exactly where they are even in challenging environments.

The service aggregates anonymous information about wireless signals and sensor data from a user’s device and other nearby phones to create a crowdsourced database of estimated locations. Engadget notes this process is similar to how traffic apps collect road condition data or how item trackers use Bluetooth signals to locate misplaced keys or wallets within a dense network of devices.

Context and Background

Precise location tracking relies heavily on the phone’s built-in GPS antennas, but these signals can be obstructed indoors or in densely populated urban areas. Engadget explains that when GPS signals are unclear or unavailable, the phone may incorrectly display a user’s last known position rather than their current location, which can be frustrating for navigation or emergency purposes.

To mitigate this, the Location Accuracy Service allows the device to utilize Wi-Fi networks, cellular towers, and internal sensors such as the accelerometer, barometer, and gyroscope. Engadget states that enabling this setting ensures the phone uses all available wireless signals to triangulate position, whereas disabling it restricts the device to using only GPS and basic sensors, significantly limiting its accuracy capabilities.

Who Is Affected

This guidance applies to users of Android smartphones who experience issues with map location accuracy or need precise positioning for turn-by-turn directions. Engadget highlights that the setting is particularly useful for individuals marking parked car locations in busy shopping malls or those who rely on location sharing for safety reasons if they become lost or injured.

The specific menu paths to adjust these settings depend on the operating system version installed on the device. Engadget indicates that users with Android 12 and above should navigate to Settings, then Location, followed by Location Services, and finally Location Accuracy to toggle the feature on or off.

For devices running Android 11 and below, the path is slightly different. According to Engadget, users on these older versions must go to Settings, select Location, choose Advanced, and then tap on Location Accuracy to access the same functionality and ensure the crowdsourced data feature is active.

What should you do?

Users experiencing inaccurate map locations should check their device settings to ensure the Location Accuracy Service is enabled. Engadget advises verifying that the setting is turned on so the phone can access Wi-Fi, cellular, and sensor data for better positioning, especially when indoor GPS signals are weak or non-existent.

Background: Location tracking

Look for rapid battery drain, unexpected data usage, and apps requesting background location access. Check for unused location permissions in settings, review background app refresh status, and disable precise location for apps that only need general area data to stop silent tracking.

Read the full guide: Spot Location Tracking: Signs of Silent GPS and Wi-Fi Monitoring

What to do and how to stay safe: Android

• Check the Location Accuracy setting in your Android device's location menu to ensure it is enabled.
• Verify the correct navigation path based on your Android version (Android 12+ vs Android 11 and below).
• Ensure your device has access to Wi-Fi and cellular networks to allow the service to use crowdsourced signal data.
• Monitor location accuracy in areas with poor GPS reception, such as indoors or dense urban centers.

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Location Accuracy Service on Android?

It is a feature that uses GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular signals, and device sensors to determine precise location, formerly known as Google Location Services.

How do I enable Location Accuracy on Android 12?

Go to Settings, then Location, select Location Services, and tap on Location Accuracy to enable the feature.

Does this service use my personal data?

According to Engadget, Google anonymously collects information about wireless signals and sensors from your device and others to crowdsourced estimated location data.