Open Settings on your watch, turn on Location or GPS, then start an outdoor workout or maps app to acquire satellites. On Apple Watch 11, enable Location Services and start Workout or Compass. On Galaxy Watch 9 or 8, enable Location in Settings and start Samsung Health. On Garmin Venu 3 or Forerunner 965, start an activity and wait for GPS ready.
How do I enable GPS on smartwatch?
Apple Watch 11 - step by step
On your iPhone, open the Watch app, tap Privacy, then ensure Location Services is on for Apple Watch. On the watch, open Settings - Privacy and Security - Location Services - On, then set Maps, Workout, and Compass to While Using. Go outside with a clear sky view and start an Outdoor Walk or Run in Workout.
Wait for the GPS icon in the Workout summary to show location data after the first minutes. If you prefer, open Compass, allow Precise Location, and let it calibrate by walking 20 to 200 meters. Apple Watch uses on-device GPS when away from iPhone and may assist with the iPhone when nearby.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch 8 - step by step
On the watch, go to Settings - Location - On, then ensure Improve accuracy is enabled for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In Settings - Security and privacy - Permissions, confirm Samsung Health and Maps have Location allowed. Open Samsung Health, choose Outdoor Walk or Run, and wait for GPS acquired before starting.
You can also pull down the quick panel and toggle the Location tile. For best results, stand still for 10 to 30 seconds in an open area to get a strong lock. If paired with an Android phone, confirm the Galaxy Wearable app has Location permission.
Garmin Venu 3 and Forerunner 965 - step by step
Press Start, select Run or Walk, then wait for the GPS ring to turn green or show GPS Ready. Press and hold the activity button, choose Activity Settings - GPS, and select GPS Only, All Systems, or Auto Select if available. Start the activity once ready for the highest initial accuracy.
Sync with Garmin Connect to refresh satellite data, which can shorten time to first fix. For track workouts, consider All Systems for better resilience in cities. Stop the activity to save the GPS track and view it in the app.
Is GPS on smartwatch accurate?
Expected accuracy outdoors
Under clear skies, consumer smartwatch GPS typically achieves 3 to 10 meters accuracy. In urban canyons or dense forests, multipath reflections can widen errors to 10 to 50 meters. Multi-constellation and multi-band receivers reduce errors and maintain locks more consistently.
Sampling rate influences track smoothness and distance totals. One-second recording yields smoother tracks but uses more power. Smart recording can miss tight turns but conserves battery.
Factors that affect performance
Sky visibility, interference, and movement speed have large impacts. Tall buildings, metal roofs, and heavy clouds can delay time to first fix by 30 to 120 seconds. Firmware, app permissions, and recent syncs also affect reliability.
Quick ways to toggle GPS
Use watch shortcuts
- Apple Control Center
- Samsung quick panel
- Garmin hot keys
- Maps app prompt
- Workout start screen
On Apple Watch 11, Control Center shows Location Services status and taps through to settings. On Galaxy Watch 9 or 8, the Location tile instantly enables or disables GPS. On Garmin, long-pressing a hardware key brings up Controls for GPS modes.
App-specific controls
Workout, Maps, and Compass trigger GPS only while active. This on-demand behavior saves battery when you are idle. If an app asks for Location, choose Allow While Using for balanced privacy and functionality.
Battery impact and smart settings
What to expect from battery life
Continuous GPS typically draws enough power to shorten runtime to several hours on small watches. Many models deliver 5 to 12 hours of GPS tracking, depending on screen, heart rate sampling, and GNSS settings. Larger sport watches can reach 20 to 30 hours or more with efficient modes.
Screen brightness and always-on display can add 5 to 20 percent extra drain during GPS workouts. Music streaming over Bluetooth can increase drain by 15 to 40 percent. Tracking at 1-second intervals uses more energy than smart intervals.
Power-saving choices to try
- Lower screen brightness
- Disable always-on
- Use smart recording
- Turn off music
- Use single-band
On Garmin, All Systems improves accuracy but drains faster than GPS Only. On Samsung, leaving Wi-Fi off during workouts can help marginally. On Apple Watch 11, avoid unnecessary apps in the background during long runs.
Table - quick paths to turn on GPS
| Brand | Model example | Settings path | Quick action | Start tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Watch 11 | Settings - Privacy and Security - Location Services - On | Control Center - Location | Workout - Outdoor Run |
| Samsung | Galaxy Watch 9 | Settings - Location - On | Quick panel - Location | Samsung Health - Outdoor Walk |
| Samsung | Galaxy Watch 8 | Settings - Location - On | Quick panel - Location | Samsung Health - Outdoor Run |
| Garmin | Venu 3 | Activity - Settings - GPS - On | Controls menu - GPS mode | Run - Wait for Ready |
| Garmin | Forerunner 965 | Activity - Settings - GPS - Select mode | Controls menu - GNSS | Run - GPS Ready |
Troubleshooting GPS lock issues
Fix slow or failed locks
Go outside, away from trees and buildings, and stand still until locked. Toggle Airplane Mode off and on to reset radios, then retry. Update firmware and sync to refresh satellite assistance data.
On Apple Watch, in the Watch app, reset Fitness Calibration Data if distances seem off. On Samsung, confirm Google Play services and Samsung Health are updated. On Garmin, sync with Garmin Connect to update almanac and ephemeris.
Check permissions and connectivity
On iPhone, go to Settings - Privacy - Location Services and allow Apple Watch apps. On Android, ensure Galaxy Wearable and Samsung Health have Location allowed. On Garmin, allow Garmin Connect Location and Bluetooth permissions for faster sync.
Using maps and offline navigation
Apple Watch 11 mapping basics
Use Maps on the watch for glanceable turn prompts when Location Services is on. Offline map support relies on the paired iPhone for most areas. Start directions on iPhone for richer data, then glance at the watch while walking.
Samsung Galaxy Watch navigation
Install Google Maps if not present, then allow Location. Start walking directions and keep Location On for prompts on the wrist. Offline map data lives on the phone and supports watch prompts when connected.
Improve comfort and signal consistency
Fit and strap choices
A snug but comfortable fit improves optical heart rate during GPS workouts. Swap for breathable bands to reduce sweat and slippage with our Apple Watch straps. Lighter materials help during long runs and tri sessions.
Keep the watch clean to avoid sensor occlusion. Consider accessory cases sparingly, as bulky metal can reflect signals. Explore helpful add-ons in Apple accessories if you train often outdoors.
FAQ
Do I need my phone for GPS?
No, these watches have built-in GPS and record tracks standalone. If the phone is nearby, some models can assist initial lock. Audio navigation often still needs the phone for maps.
Why does GPS not start indoors?
Signals are weak or blocked by roofs. Use indoor modes like Treadmill for speed and distance. Step outside briefly to acquire, then return if needed.
How long should a GPS lock take?
With fresh assistance data, 5 to 20 seconds is common. Without it or in tough environments, 30 to 120 seconds happens. Syncing daily reduces the wait.
Can I record GPS without starting a workout?
Most watches log GPS only when an app requests it. Start a Workout, Run, Walk, or Maps session to capture a track. Background logging without an activity is rare by design.
Does water affect GPS?
Water attenuates radio signals heavily. Swimming open water may reduce accuracy and break locks at times. Keep strokes steady near the surface for better results.
Conclusion
To turn on GPS on your smartwatch, enable Location or GPS in Settings, then start a GPS-enabled app like Workout, Run, or Maps outdoors and wait for lock. On Apple Watch 11, Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 or 8, and Garmin Venu 3 or Forerunner 965, these steps initiate accurate tracking. Keep permissions, firmware, and syncs up to date for fast, reliable fixes.
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