Android: Huawei devices and poor GPS functionality

Avenza Maps is aware that some Huawei devices running Android versions 8 and 9 are experiencing difficulties with location functionality in the app. The source of the issue stems from the device only providing Avenza Maps with low accuracy Network fixes, even if the high accuracy location mode is toggled on. If the steps in the ‘How can I get more accurate GPS results?’ did not resolve your issue there are some further settings you can adjust.

Android 8 devices

1. When setting the device Location Mode as described above, set the location mode to Use GPS only instead of Use GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks
2. From the main Device Settings page, tap Battery
3. From the Battery menu, tap Launch
4. From the Launch Menu, locate and tap Avenza Maps to disable automatic battery management. Ensure all three manual settings (Auto-launch, Secondary launch, Run in the background) remain enabled
5. Close and reopen the app​
6. Begin a new location-based activity (if you are navigating or tracking, you need to restart this tool for device settings to be applied)

Android 9 devices

1. From the main ‘Location Access’ settings menu, scroll down to Location Services and tap Google Location Accuracy
2. Toggle OFF Improve Location Accuracy
3. Return to the main Location Access settings menu, tap ‘Advanced Settings’
4. Toggle OFF both Wifi and Bluetooth scanning
5. From the main Device Settings page, tap Battery
6. From the Battery menu, tap Launch
7. From the Launch Menu, locate and tap Avenza Maps to disable automatic battery management. Ensure all three manual settings (Auto-launch, Secondary launch, Run in the background) remain enabled
8. Close and reopen the app
9. Begin a new location-based activity (if you are navigating or tracking, you need to restart this tool for device settings to be applied)

If the above still did not improve your ability to run location-based tools, a workaround to utilize GPS fixes exists by enabling airplane mode on your device. Be aware, however, that by enabling airplane mode, you will not be able to send or receive calls/messages/internet connection.

To enable airplane mode:

1. Swipe down on your device to access the Quick Settings shortcuts menu
2. Swipe down again to display the full list of Quick Settings shortcuts menu
3. Tap the airplane icon to enable airplane mode
4. Close and reopen the app
5. Begin a new location-based activity (if you are navigating or tracking, you need to restart this tool for device settings to be applied)