How the test works
- Click Start and grant location permission when prompted.
- The test reads your position using the browser Geolocation API.
- Position updates are collected over several seconds.
- The test reports your coordinates, accuracy, and number of position updates.
What the test checks
- Geolocation API availability — whether the browser supports GPS
- Permission status — whether location access is granted or denied
- Position accuracy — the best horizontal accuracy reported
- Extra fields — altitude, heading, and speed when available
Why is GPS not working?
Common reasons GPS may not work: you denied location permission, the page is not served over HTTPS (GPS requires a secure context), or your device has no GPS receiver. Desktop browsers may use network-based location which is less accurate.
Supported browsers
The GPS test uses the Geolocation API, supported in all modern browsers. Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox on both desktop and mobile are supported. On desktop, location is often estimated from your IP address or Wi-Fi network, which is less accurate than true GPS on mobile devices.
Accuracy guide
- Under 10 meters — excellent, typical of outdoor GPS with clear sky view.
- 10–30 meters — acceptable for most navigation and location-based apps.
- 30–50 meters — may be network-based location; try moving outdoors.
- Over 50 meters — likely Wi-Fi or IP-based positioning only; GPS hardware may not be functioning.
Privacy
Your location data is processed entirely in the browser using the Geolocation API. No coordinates are sent to any server. The test reads your position locally and displays it on screen — nothing leaves your device.
Troubleshooting
- Permission denied — reset location permissions in your browser settings and reload the page.
- Inaccurate position — move outdoors with clear sky view; indoor GPS is often degraded.
- No position updates — ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled; they assist with location fixes on mobile.
- Desktop showing low accuracy — desktop browsers often use IP-based location, which is less accurate than true GPS.
Limitations
This test reports the position accuracy the browser receives from the operating system. It cannot distinguish between true GPS satellite fixes and network-based approximations. For a definitive GPS hardware test, use a dedicated GPS diagnostic app that can report satellite count and signal strength directly.