Original topic:

[bug report] GPS is unusable on Galaxy A20 model SM-A205YN

(Topic created on: 08-08-2022 10:16 AM)
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noseratio
Active Level 1
Options
Galaxy A

Hello,

My Samsung Galaxy A20 phone is unable to get a GPS fix (the Australian model SM-A205YN). I have 4 of these phones in use by my extended family and they all suffer from the same GPS issue. 

I've done a great deal of troubleshooting before posting this (being an experienced IT person myself). All the phones have been updated to the latest firmware A205YNDVU3ASJ4, I've done quite a few factory resets, cache formatting etc. 

 

I'm confident this is a software issue and here's why. If I turn on the Flight mode, reboot the phone and then run GPS Test or Google Maps (while still in the Flight mode), I always get the GPS fix in less than 30 seconds(with the clear sky view).

Then if I turn off the flight mode, I keep getting GPS fixes for a while, but then that stops and I have to repeat the above steps. Perhaps, there's a problem accessing AGPS/GNSS helper servers, which doesn't manifest itself when the phone is offline and hence only actual satelite signals are used.

It appears, A30 is also having issues with GPS: https://r2.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-A/Samsung-A30-GPS-problem/td-p/1390803

 

I was unable to find an official channel to submit a bug report for Samsung software. If there is any, please let me know. I appreaciate any follow-up on this. It's a great phone otherwise and I don't want to go through the hassle of warranty claims for all the four of them .

 

Thanks.

9 Comments
Samsung_specialist
Community Manager
Options
Galaxy A

Hello,

Can you please mention how the issue started? please make sure that Location settings is ON before testing. If it is first time to set-up, then try to use it while being connected to wifi or mobile data. If there is not available, then please go outside the house or building to connect to GPS system. It may take some few minutes to establish the connection. However, if the device is connected to internet, connection would be quicker.

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noseratio
Active Level 1
Galaxy A

Thanks for replying, I've done all the boilerplate troubleshooting. This is a real issue with some of A20s (most likely, a software issue), because my S9 always works well next to my A20 in the same physical locations. I'm not the only one, quite a few other A20 owners are also affected, at least in Australia:  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/482051

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franciscinelli
Beginner Level 2
Galaxy A

I have also done everything every read from the script tech support checklist that you have to go through because most people can't be bothered to fix things themselves or try and I am.in the same boat as of a week ago. I am always losing my gps fix, fused location is useless in maps and Waze, and it started before metro pushed the September security update.

I have bought the GPS status app and I thought it was helping but it isn't today. Restarting, and airplane mode and turning location off and on is pointless. You end up driving around lost anyway for like 30 minutes.

 

To speak to the idea that keeping airplane mode off and resetting GPS allowing it to work, I have experienced this as well but am not about to mess with anything my phone is now on the verge of crashing with background processes failing and lag like crazy. I am so upset with this phone.

But gps fix has to come. There are too many people with this problem and we all rely on our phone to navigate. It's useless. I want an upgrade or replacement at this point it's wasting so much of.my day and I'm waiting for it to make me late for something important, or get in an accident trying to fix it.

I've had this phone since beginning of March.

 

So what the #@&?

 

 

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koosa4u
Beginner Level 2
Galaxy A

Hi, we are having the exact same problem and have a total of 5 Vodafone prepaid galaxy a20's. Is there a fix to this problem? Otherwise we will be demanding a refund. It's 2020, even the original galaxy s1 had better gps than this! Not happy Jan!

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Hendrik7423
Beginner Level 2
Galaxy A

Hi, I am in South Africa, and I have the same problem with my A20. Is there a fix for the problem yet? There  should be a fix,  or refund then if the phone can't operate correctly.

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Elvira
Beginner Level 2
Galaxy A

My husband and I are having the same issue with our A20 phones and it is extremely frustrating. We've tried everything. Has this been sorted out?

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Mjh1185
Beginner Level 2
Galaxy A

Same problem here. Usa with  SM-A205U varient

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daoodkhan
Beginner Level 3
Galaxy A
My Samsung Galaxy A20 phone is unable to get a GPS fix (the Australian model SM-A205YN). I have 4 of these phones in use by my extended family and they all suffer from the same GPS issue. 

I've done a great deal of troubleshooting before posting this (being an experienced IT person myself). All the phones have been updated to the latest firmware A205YNDVU3ASJ4, I've done quite a few factory resets, cache formatting etc. 
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Samsung_specialist
Community Manager
Options
Galaxy A

Greetings from Samsung!

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Kindly send us the device logs. The device logs you will send it via Samsung Members App> the technicians will diagnose these logs to determine the cause > they will respond to you with the solution and if you need to go to service center for physical diagnosis.

 

- To send the device logs, please follow the below:

Press and hold Samsung members Icon > Then tap on Error reports > Select category of your report > Make sure that "Send Log Data" is selected to help resolve your inquire > Describe your problem in details > Change the frequency to whatever you prefer > Then send it.

For more information regarding, you are welcome to visit our website and watch tutorial sending logs by following the link below:

https://www.samsung.com/ae/support/mobile-devices/how-to-send-error-report-in-your-galaxy-device/  

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