How To Use GPS On Smartwatch: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to turn on GPS location tracking on your smartwatch?

Smartwatch GPS tracking is a great way to track your location, whether you’re running, hiking, or just want to see where you’ve been. GPS tracking on smartwatches is typically very accurate, and it can be used to track your location both indoors and outdoors. Learn how to use GPS on smartwatch.

To use GPS location tracking on your watch, you’ll first need to enable GPS. This can usually be done in the settings app on your watch. Once GPS is enabled, you can start tracking your location using a variety of different apps.

You can turn on the Location Services on your smartwatch either from your connected phone, or directly on the watch.

Benefits of using GPS on smartwatch:

  • Improved fitness tracking: GPS can be used to track your distance, pace, and speed more accurately than other methods, such as a pedometer. This information can help you to monitor your progress and improve your performance.
  • Safer outdoor activities: If you enjoy running, hiking, or cycling outdoors, GPS can help you to stay safe by tracking your location and providing real-time navigation. This can be especially useful if you are exploring new areas or if you get lost.
  • Peace of mind for loved ones: If you have children or older family members who spend time outdoors, GPS tracking can help you to keep track of their location and ensure their safety. You can set up alerts to notify you when they enter or leave certain areas.
  • Convenience: GPS can be used for a variety of other purposes, such as finding your way around a new city, tracking a package, or locating a lost or stolen device.

Examples of using GPS location tracking on a smartwatch:

  • A runner can use GPS to track their route and pace, and to see how their performance has improved over time.
  • A hiker can use GPS to navigate through unfamiliar terrain and to stay on track.
  • A cyclist can use GPS to find new bike paths and to track their speed and distance.
  • A parent can use GPS to track their child’s location on the playground or at other outdoor activities.
  • An older person can use GPS to track their location and to get help if they become lost or disoriented.
  • A traveler can use GPS to find their way around a new city and to locate attractions and restaurants.

Overall, GPS location tracking is a valuable feature that can be used to improve your fitness, safety, and convenience.

Step-by-step guide on how to use GPS on smartwatch:

gps on smartwatch

Step 1 – Enable GPS on smartwatch

Turn on GPS using your phone

  • Be sure you are logged into Google using the same Google account as your phone and watch.
  • Open the Wear OS app on your phone.
  • Open Settings
  • Find and touch Location
  • Slide the switch to turn it on.

Turn on GPS (Location) directly on your watch

  • Open Settings
  • Scroll looking for Location and Touch it
  • Touch to enable it

Step 2 – Open a GPS tracking app

There are many different GPS tracking apps available for smartwatches. Some popular options include Google Maps, Strava, and RunKeeper. How to use Google Maps on Smartwatch?

Step 3 – Start tracking your location

Most GPS tracking apps will have a start button that you can tap to begin tracking your location.

Step 4 – View your tracked location. 

Once you’ve started tracking your location, you can view it on a map in the GPS tracking app. Open Google Maps to see your location.

Sharing your GPS location tracking data with others:

Many GPS tracking apps allow you to share your GPS tracking data with others. This can be useful if you’re running a race or hiking with friends. To share your GPS tracking data, simply open the GPS tracking app and look for the share button.

Additional helpful tips for using GPS location tracking:

  • Make sure that your smartwatch has a good battery charge before you start tracking your location. GPS tracking can use a lot of battery power.
  • If you’re tracking your location indoors, make sure that your smartwatch has a clear view of the sky. GPS signals can be blocked by buildings and other structures.
  • If you’re tracking your location in a remote area, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. In case of an emergency, your GPS tracking data can help rescuers find you.
  • Some smartwatches may require you to have a specific app installed on your phone in order to use GPS location tracking.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers for using GPS location tracking:

Q: How do I use GPS location tracking on my smartwatch?

A: The steps for using GPS location tracking on a watch vary depending on the make and model of the watch. However, most smartwatches allow you to use GPS location tracking with a variety of apps, such as fitness tracking apps, maps apps, and navigation apps.

To use GPS location tracking with a fitness tracking app, you will need to open the app and start a workout. The app will then use GPS to track your location and distance traveled.

To use GPS location tracking with a maps app, you will need to open the app and search for a location. The app will then use GPS to show you your current location and the location that you searched for.

To use GPS location tracking with a navigation app, you will need to open the app and enter a destination. The app will then use GPS to guide you to your destination.

Q: Why is GPS location tracking not working on my watch?

A: There are a few reasons why GPS location tracking may not be working on your watch:

  • GPS may not be enabled on your watch.
  • Your smartwatch may not be connected to your phone.
  • The GPS feature may not be enabled in the app that you are using to track your location.
  • You may be in an area with poor GPS reception.
  • Your smartwatch’s software may be out of date.
  • Your smartwatch may need to be reset to factory settings.

Q: How do I fix GPS location tracking on my watch?

A: To fix GPS location tracking on your watch, you can try the following:

  • Make sure that GPS is enabled on your watch.
  • Make sure that your smartwatch is connected to your phone.
  • Enable the GPS feature in the app that you are using to track your location.
  • Move to an open area with a clear view of the sky.
  • Restart your smartwatch and your phone.
  • Check for updates to your smartwatch’s software.
  • Reset your smartwatch to factory settings.

Q: How can I improve the accuracy of GPS location tracking on my watch?

A: To improve the accuracy of GPS location tracking on your watch, you can try the following:

  • Make sure that GPS is enabled on your watch.
  • Make sure that your smartwatch is connected to your phone.
  • Move to an open area with a clear view of the sky.
  • Avoid using GPS location tracking in areas with tall buildings or dense vegetation.
  • Keep your smartwatch’s software up to date.

Q: How can I reduce the battery drain from GPS location tracking on my watch?

A: To reduce the battery drain from GPS location tracking on your watch, you can try the following:

  • Reduce the frequency of GPS location updates.
  • Disable GPS location tracking when you are not using it.
  • Use a power bank to charge your smartwatch on the go.

Common problems and solutions for using GPS location tracking:

Problem: GPS location tracking is not working on my watch.

Solutions:

  • Make sure that GPS is enabled on your watch.
  • Make sure that your smartwatch is connected to your phone.
  • Make sure that the GPS feature is enabled in the app that you are using to track your location.
  • Try restarting your smartwatch and your phone.
  • Check for updates to the software on your smartwatch.
  • Try resetting your watch to factory settings. How to reset a smartwatch to factory settings?

Problem: GPS location tracking is not accurate on my watch.

Solutions:

  • Make sure that GPS is enabled on your watch.
  • Make sure that your smartwatch is connected to your phone.
  • Make sure that the GPS feature is enabled in the app that you are using to track your location.
  • Try moving to an open area with a clear view of the sky.
  • Try restarting your smartwatch and your phone.
  • Check for updates to the software on your smartwatch.
  • Try resetting your watch to factory settings.

Problem: GPS location tracking is draining my smartwatch’s battery quickly.

Solutions:

  • Reduce the frequency of GPS location updates.
  • Disable GPS location tracking when you are not using it.
  • Use a power bank to charge your smartwatch on the go.

Conclusion

GPS location tracking on smartwatches is a great way to track your location and stay safe. By following the tips above, you can learn how to use GPS location tracking on your watch effectively.

Additional helpful information:

Turn on GPS Location on your watch to enable features of apps that use location services. With the GPS (Location Services) activated, you can use your phone to find your watch, and vise versa, use your watch to find your phone.  It is recommended that the GPS or Location Services be enabled all the time.

Other apps will use your location for their own purposes. You can manage which apps use your location on your Android phone. (What Apps use Location Services?)

You must turn on GPS to use Google Maps on your watch. (How to use Google Maps on Smartwatch?)

With GPS enabled on both your watch and your phone, you can use your phone to find your watch. How to find my watch from my phone?

You can use your watch to find your phone if you have GPS turned on in your watch, and Location services enabled on your phone. Use your Smartwatch to find my phone

The best Smartwatch apps for travel and navigation – Explore with Ease: Best Travel & Navigation Smartwatch Apps