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To enable location on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, open Settings > Location and turn on the switch at the top. You can also use the Location tile in the Quick panel if it is available. If an app still cannot find you, check that app’s location permission separately.
Turn on Location in Settings
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Open Settings.
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Tap Location.
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Turn on the switch at the top of the screen. Samsung notes that menu names and layouts can vary by model and software version. Samsung’s Galaxy GPS troubleshooting guidance explains these differences.
Use the Quick panel shortcut
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick panel or notification panel, then tap the Location tile if it appears. This is a faster shortcut, but its availability and placement can vary. If you do not see the tile, use Settings > Location. Samsung’s Quick panel instructions describe the shortcut.
If one app cannot access your location
The device-wide Location switch and an app’s permission are separate controls. If Location is on but a particular app cannot use it, open that app’s entry in Location permissions and select an access level that fits how you use it. An app that needs location while running in the background may require Allow all the time, according to Samsung’s Galaxy GPS troubleshooting guidance. Choose only the access the app needs.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
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- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
If location is inaccurate or keeps dropping
First identify whether the problem follows one app, happens everywhere, or occurs only in a particular place or vehicle. That distinction helps narrow down which settings or conditions to check.
One app has the problem
Review that app’s location permission and make sure it has an access level suited to its use. If it needs location in the background, check whether its permission allows that access.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Several apps show an inaccurate position
Review the Location services options on your device. Samsung identifies Wi-Fi scanning, Bluetooth scanning, and Improve Location Accuracy as settings that can help improve positioning. Their names and availability can vary by software version. Samsung also cautions that GPS reception can be weak or obstructed indoors; try checking the position outdoors with a clearer view of the sky. Samsung lists these accuracy settings and signal considerations.
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GPS performance can be affected by buildings, weather, power-saving behavior, a screen that is off, sleeping apps, a case or accessory, or a hand position that blocks the phone’s antennas. In a vehicle, electronics and some window tinting may also interfere. Samsung recommends placing the Galaxy device in a holder with a direct view through a windshield or window, away from other electronics, when using GPS navigation. A compatible car phone holder is optional; it is not required to turn on Location. Samsung’s troubleshooting page covers these possible causes and placement guidance.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Location for apps is not the same as finding a lost Galaxy
Turning on Location lets apps and features request the device’s position, but it does not by itself ensure that a missing phone or tablet can be found. Samsung’s lost-device guidance lists additional conditions, including a Samsung account, network connectivity, power, and remote-control or lost-device settings. If the device is powered off, Samsung says only its last known location may be available.
SmartThings Find provides device-finding options for registered devices, including locating a device, searching nearby, making it ring, and enabling offline finding where supported. Samsung account sign-in is required. These options are for finding devices, not prerequisites for ordinary apps to use Location.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Samsung Canada describes Samsung Find as supporting Galaxy phones and tablets running One UI 2 or later, with location-sharing and device-finding features. App names, availability, and settings can vary by region and software release, so the exact options on your device may differ.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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