Galaxy Watch 5 Pro GPS Not Accurate: Fix GPS Issues

If your Galaxy Watch 5 Pro GPS tracking is inaccurate, these steps will help improve accuracy and resolve common problems.

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Expected GPS Accuracy

Normal accuracy in good conditions.

Mode	Typical Accuracy
Multi-Band GPS	5-10 meters
Standard GPS	15-30 meters
Dense Forest	10-20 meters
Urban Canyons	15-30 meters

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Quick Fixes

Try these first for immediate improvement.

1. Enable multi-band GPS: Settings Location High accuracy
2. Wait for full GPS lock (green icon) before starting activity
3. Move to open area with clear sky view for initial lock
4. Restart watch to clear GPS cache
5. Update software for GPS algorithm improvements

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Enable Multi-Band GPS

This is the most important setting for accuracy.

1. Navigate to Settings Location
2. Enable Location services
3. Select High accuracy mode

Multi-band GPS uses L1 + L5 frequencies for 50-70% better accuracy, especially under tree cover and in urban areas.

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Proper GPS Lock

Before starting any activity:

1. Start outdoor workout in Samsung Health
2. Wait for green GPS icon (indicates lock)
3. Don't start moving until locked (30-60 seconds typical)
4. First lock after restart takes 60-90 seconds

Starting before GPS locks causes inaccurate route beginnings.

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Environmental Factors

GPS requires line-of-sight to satellites.

Improve Signal:

• Start in open area when possible
• Move away from tall buildings for initial lock
• Keep watch face upward (display toward sky)
• Avoid starting under heavy tree cover

Challenging Conditions:

• Dense forests degrade signal
• Urban canyons cause reflections
• Tunnels and underpasses lose signal entirely

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Calibrate Compass

Compass affects turn-by-turn navigation accuracy.

1. Open Compass app on watch
2. Move watch in figure-8 pattern in the air
3. Watch vibrates when calibration complete
4. Recalibrate every few weeks

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Wear Watch Correctly

Proper positioning improves satellite reception.

• Wear on top of wrist (not side)
• Display facing up toward sky
• Snug but comfortable fit
• Keep watch exposed (not under jacket sleeve)

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Test Accuracy

Verify GPS is working properly.

1. Run/walk a known distance (track or measured route)
2. Compare watch distance to actual
3. ±2% is excellent, ±5% acceptable
4. Over 10% error indicates a problem

Best GPS Performance

For most accurate tracking: Enable multi-band GPS, wait for green lock icon before starting, begin in an open area, and keep watch firmware updated.

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See Also: Does It Have GPS|How to Import GPX Routes