GPS positioning is slow or the workout route is inaccurate on my watch/band

If your watch/band supports GPS but GPS positioning is slow or the workout route is inaccurate during an outdoor workout, perform the following operations.

The GPS positioning speed is affected by multiple factors. It is normal that the difference between the GPS positioning speeds of different devices is about 30 seconds.

GPS signals are greatly affected by environmental factors, including high-rise buildings, signal reflections, interference from metal objects, and surface reflections from large bodies of water (such as lakes or seas). As a result, GPS positioning may be slow or the workout route may be inaccurate.

• It is recommended that you exercise in an open area with as few obstructions as possible for your watch/band to provide optimal workout services.
• If there is no GPS signal in your current location (such as when you are indoors and in tunnels), GPS positioning will not work.
• It is recommended that you open the workout screen and start GPS positioning 5 to 10 minutes before you start an outdoor workout (such as before you arrive at the workout field or when you are warming up) and wait until the GPS signal is found.

2. Check whether your watch/band is paired with and connected to the HUAWEI Health app.

When your watch/band is not frequently connected to the HUAWEI Health app, the message Update GPS satellite info in Huawei Health. will be displayed on your watch/band. If you see this message, it means that GPS positioning is slow or the workout route is inaccurate:

• We recommend that you ensure that your phone has a stable network connection, open the HUAWEI Health app, and keep your watch/band connected to the app for at least 5 minutes (or at least 10 minutes if you are using an iPhone) every day or before you start an outdoor workout in order for the GPS satellite of your watch/band to be automatically updated.
  

  If you are using a HUAWEI WATCH 3 series watch:

  • Update your watch, phone, and HUAWEI Health app to their latest versions.

  • If the watch works in Smart mode, you can update the GPS satellite of the watch by connecting to a Wi-Fi, using mobile data, or connecting to the HUAWEI Health app.
  • If the watch works in Ultra-long Battery Life mode, you can only update the GPS satellite of the watch by connecting to the HUAWEI Health app.
• It is recommended that you wait until the GPS signal is found before you start an outdoor workout.
• If GPS positioning does not work well during an outdoor workout, it is recommended that you take off your watch/band and lift the device so it is facing up to the sky in order for it to receive a better GPS signal.

3. It is recommended that you use a rubber strap.

• Metal straps affect GPS positioning. We recommend that you use a rubber strap for outdoor workouts.

  If you still want to use a metal strap, it is recommended that you keep your watch/band paired with and connected to the HUAWEI Health app (on a Huawei phone running EMUI 5.0 or later or an iPhone running iOS 9.0 or later) and take your phone with you during an outdoor workout to improve how you track your workout route.

  

  If you are using a HUAWEI WATCH 3 series watch:

  • Android phones: It is recommended that you keep your watch/band paired with and connected to the HUAWEI Health app (on a Huawei phone running EMUI 5.0 or later) and take your phone with you during an outdoor workout to improve how you track your workout route.
  • iOS phones: It is recommended that you switch to Ultra-long Battery Life mode, keep your watch paired with and connected to the HUAWEI Health app (on an iPhone running iOS 9.0 or later), and take your phone with you during an outdoor workout to improve how you track your workout route.

4. Update your watch/band and HUAWEI Health app to their latest versions.

We will continue to optimise the algorithms for the GPS-based workout route feature. Please stay tuned for system updates and update your watch/band and the HUAWEI Health app to the latest versions at your earliest convenience.

• It is recommended that you wait until the GPS signal is found before you start an outdoor workout.

If the issue persists, back up your data and take your watch/band and proof of purchase to an authorised Huawei Customer Service Centre for assistance.