GPS Tips and Tricks

runstar™ is using your phone's built-in GPS antenna to find your location and track your progress. runstar™ doesn't control how the GPS in your phone works or how well it works, but there are some general tips & tricks for getting a strong GPS signal and getting it as quickly as possible. The most basic thing to know is that the GPS antenna in the phone needs a "clear view" towards the sky where the satellites are to work properly.

Stand still

It's as simple as that, if you stand still the GPS location will be quicker.

Avoid tall buildings, trees and giants

Standing close to tall buildings and trees can affect the GPS signal and make it difficult for the phone to find you. Try walking to a more open space if you can.

Standing close to a giant can cause the same problems, same rule applies here. And we recommend to start running in this case anyway, even without a GPS signal.

Avoid clouds

Now you thinking "They must be kidding?!" Unfortunately no. If the weather is cloudy, then there isn't a clear view towards the sky…..well up to the clouds there is, but not to the satellites in space. We haven't figured out how to modify the weather yet, but we're working on it.

Be outdoors

Who are you trying to kid, you’re not on a treadmill, you’re in your couch with chips all over you. You’re just trying to reach that time goal you set up. You’re not kidding anyone, get outside and get going!

No, but seriously... if you're indoors the phone will struggle to locate you.

Have phone out of your pocket

We've already gone through this, right? Clear view towards the sky. At least while getting the first location.

Still having problems?

Restart the phone, yes we know it's the oldest trick in the book. Strangely it still works in many cases.