Google Maps is one of the applications that the American company focuses on the most. Due to its continuous updates, it is difficult to find errors or bugs when using Google maps. Yet, it does not mean that it is impossible. Are you having problems using Google Maps? Let's take a look at the most frequent errors and give you the solution.

Application crashes or closes

If your problems are caused by unexpected crashes, very slow performance, or the application not responding, you should go to the App info section. There, you can stop the application with the Force stop button.

Force stop of Google MapsForce stop of Google Maps

If it does not solve the problem, go back to App info and tap on Storage usage.

Open storage settingsOpen storage settings

First, tap Clear cache to delete temporary data from Google Maps.

Clear the cacheClear the cache

If the application continues crashing, use the Clear data button. This will reset the application and delete all data, such as offline maps. However, all information stored in your Google account will be kept.

Clear all the application’s dataClear all the application’s data

Finally, it is recommended to check if you have the latest version of the application. To do this, go to the Google Play Store, tap on your account avatar, and select My apps & games.

Google Play Store updatesGoogle Play Store updates

Use the Update button to install the latest version of Google Maps.

Update Google MapsUpdate Google Maps

By taking all these steps, Google Maps should be working normally again.

GPS not working

If the GPS is not working, you will see a red icon with a question mark in the lower right corner of the screen. There are three reasons for this. The first is that the phone's location is disabled. In this case, enable it from the quick controls of the notification toolbar.

Enable your locationEnable your location

Secondly, the problem with GPS may occur because the application does not have the necessary permissions. Open the App info tab and go to Permissions.

Access permissionsAccess permissions

Tap on Location.

Location permissionsLocation permissions

Check the option Allow only while using the app.

Grant location permissionsGrant location permissions

If after performing the above steps, you are still unable to solve the error, your device may have hardware problems. If so, you must contact the technical service.

Compass not calibrated

If the error message indicates that the compass is not calibrated, do the following. First, tap on the blue dot that positions you on the map. At the bottom of the screen, you will see the Calibrate compass option.

Adjust the compassAdjust the compass

Instructions on how to calibrate the compass will appear on the screen.

Instructions to adjust the compassInstructions to adjust the compass

By doing this, you can solve location problems and increase the accuracy of the geolocation.

Google Maps is offline or map is empty

If you receive a warning that Google Maps is offline or you are unable to see the map, it is recommended to do the following:

  • Check that you have an Internet connection, either via Wifi or mobile data.
  • Verify that your connection is stable.
  • Restart your device.
  • Follow the steps mentioned in the "Application crashes or closes" section of this article. In other words, force the application to stop, clear the cache, delete the data, and check that you have the latest version.

In general, these types of errors tend to be specific and can be easily solved.

Your favorites places are not displayed

If you cannot see your favorites places, you may have activated incognito mode. To deactivate it, tap on the avatar located on the right side of the search bar.

Incognito mode avatarIncognito mode avatar

Tap the button, Turn off Incognito mode.

Disable the incognito modeDisable the incognito mode

Your account content will immediately reappear in the application. If this does not work, verify that you are using the correct account, in case you are logged in with two different profiles.

You cannot find what you are looking for

Another common mistake is the lack of results. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please, check the following:

  • Check that you are connected to the Internet.
  • Make sure you have spelled the name of the place you want to find correctly.
  • Locate yourself in an area close to what you are looking for.
  • If the error persists, clear the application cache, all its data, or force it to stop. You can see how to do this in the first section of this guide.

You cannot use your account

Finally, let us tell you how to solve your problems with Google Maps in case you cannot use your account. This may be due to a bug in Google Play services. So, head to the Apps section of the settings and locate Google Play Services. Access the application information and finish the process with Force stop.

Force stop of Google Play ServicesForce stop of Google Play Services

In Storage usage, clear the cache.

Clear the cache of Google Play ServicesClear the cache of Google Play Services

Finally, restart the device and check that you can use your Google Maps account again.