Why a Faulty RTC Battery Causes GPS Inaccuracy
A user reports that their Android smartphone's GPS is not working accurately. The technician has confirmed that Location settings are set to High accuracy mode. Which of the following is the BEST next step to resolve this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume GPS inaccuracy is always a network or hardware issue, but CompTIA tests the understanding that sensor calibration (compass) is a common software-level fix before escalating to hardware replacement.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Calibrate the compass
Calibrating the compass is the best next step because Android smartphones use a magnetometer (compass) to determine orientation, which is essential for accurate GPS positioning, especially when the device is moving. High accuracy mode uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks, but if the compass is uncalibrated, the device cannot correctly interpret direction, leading to inaccurate location fixes. Calibration resolves this by re-establishing the magnetometer's reference to the Earth's magnetic field.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the GPS antenna
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the GPS antenna is an invasive hardware procedure that is almost never necessary on modern smartphones, where the antenna is integrated into the main logic board and not user-serviceable. Accuracy problems are overwhelmingly caused by software calibration, signal obstruction from cases or buildings, or environmental interference, none of which a replacement antenna would resolve. Moreover, opening the device risks damage to fragile connectors and can void the warranty, making this an inappropriate first-line or even secondary step.
- ✓
Calibrate the compass
Why this is correct
Calibrating the compass is the correct fix because GPS accuracy on smartphones depends heavily on the magnetometer's readings to establish orientation and assist in filtering satellite signals. When the compass is disturbed by magnetic interference or long-term drift, the device's location calculations become inaccurate even if satellite reception is fine. Performing the built-in calibration, typically by moving the phone in a figure-eight pattern, allows the device to learn and compensate for local magnetic distortion, directly restoring positional accuracy.
- ✗
Update the PRL
Why it's wrong here
Updating the PRL (Preferred Roaming List) is a cellular feature that tells a CDMA or LTE device which carrier networks to use when roaming, so it manages voice and data connectivity, not satellite positioning. GPS on a smartphone receives timing and navigational data from GNSS satellites, and while assisted GPS may use cellular data to speed up satellite acquisition, it does not affect the geometric accuracy of the position fix. Therefore, refreshing the PRL would have no bearing on GPS accuracy, making this option irrelevant to the reported issue.
- ✗
Reset the network settings
Why it's wrong here
Resetting network settings clears saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN profiles to resolve cellular, data, or connectivity glitches, but it does not touch the GPS receiver, its antenna, or the magnetometer calibration. GPS position accuracy is influenced by satellite geometry, signal strength, and sensor fusion from the compass and accelerometer—none of which are controlled by network configuration. Thus, this reset is a general troubleshooting step that would not target the specific GPS inaccuracy the user is experiencing.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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