How to use the GPS test
- Starting: If you've already allowed location for this site, the test starts by itself. Otherwise click Allow location access and accept your browser's prompt. On iPhone and iPad, tap Enable compass if it appears; the compass needs motion access.
- Latitude and longitude: Your position in decimal degrees, with degrees, minutes and seconds underneath. Copy puts them on your clipboard, and Open map shows them on OpenStreetMap.
- Compass: The dial turns so the red needle points north, and the marker at the top shows the way your device is facing. Devices without a compass sensor, like most laptops, show your direction of travel instead while you're moving.
- Accuracy: How far off the position could be. A small number such as ± 5 m means a good GPS fix; hundreds of metres or more means the location came from Wi-Fi or your internet connection.
- Likely source: A best guess at where the fix came from, based on its accuracy. Browsers don't say directly.
- Altitude, speed and direction of travel: Shown when your device reports them. Most phones only report altitude with a GPS fix, and speed and direction only while you're moving.
- Updates and last update: The test keeps tracking while the page is open, so you can watch the accuracy improve as your device locks on.
Your location stays in your browser. It isn't sent to our server or stored; it only leaves your device if you choose Open map.
What the accuracy tells you
- Under 30 m: Almost certainly a real GPS fix. Outdoors with a clear sky, phones often reach 3 to 10 m.
- 30 to 150 m: GPS indoors or near tall buildings, or a good Wi-Fi position.
- 150 m to 2 km: Positioned from nearby Wi-Fi networks or cell towers. Typical for laptops.
- Over 2 km: Estimated from your internet connection. This only tells you the rough area, and VPNs move it entirely.
Common Issues & Fixes
It says location permission was denied
- Site permission: Click the lock or settings icon next to the address bar, set Location to Allow, and reload the page.
- System setting: Turn on Location Services for the device (Windows: Settings → Privacy & security → Location; macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services; Android and iOS: in Settings), and make sure your browser is allowed to use it.
The location is far off or the accuracy is poor
- Go outside: GPS needs a view of the sky. Indoors, near a window is better than the middle of a building.
- Give it time: The first fix can take 30 seconds or more. Watch the accuracy number shrink as updates come in.
- Turn on Wi-Fi: Even without connecting, Wi-Fi helps phones and laptops find their position faster indoors.
- Laptops and desktops: Most don't have GPS at all, so their position comes from Wi-Fi or the internet connection and can be off by hundreds of metres or more.
- VPN: A VPN can make the internet-based position point to the VPN server's city.
The compass doesn't move or points the wrong way
- No sensor: Laptops and desktops usually have no compass, so the dial stays dimmed. It follows your direction of travel if you move.
- Calibrate: Move your phone in a figure-eight a few times. Magnetic interference from cases, cars and electronics throws compasses off.
- iPhone and iPad: Allow motion access when asked. If you declined, close the tab and open the test again.
Use this GPS test to quickly confirm your device's location services and compass before a trip or a run, or when a maps app seems lost. For detailed satellite information, use a dedicated GPS app.
Frequently asked questions
Can it show how many satellites I'm connected to?
No. Browsers only give websites a position, its accuracy, and a few extras such as altitude and speed. Satellite counts and signal strengths are only available to installed apps.
Does this work on a laptop?
Yes, but most laptops have no GPS chip, so the location comes from nearby Wi-Fi networks or your internet connection and is much less accurate. The compass also needs a sensor that laptops rarely have.
Is my location saved?
No. The test runs entirely in your browser and never sends your location to our server.