🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues
Solve common problems with camera access, GPS permissions, accuracy issues, and browser compatibility.
Camera Not Working - Check Permissions
If camera doesn't activate: 1) Look for camera icon in browser address bar and click to allow. 2) Check browser settings: Chrome (Settings > Privacy > Camera), Safari (Preferences > Websites > Camera). 3) Reload the page after granting permissions.
Tip: On iOS, also check Settings > Safari > Camera and ensure "Ask" or "Allow" is selected.
Camera Not Working - Check Browser
Camera access requires: HTTPS connection (secure site), modern browser (Chrome 70+, Safari 13+, Firefox 75+, Edge 79+), and no camera conflicts (close other apps using the camera). Also, ensure camera isn't blocked by privacy software.
Tip: Try a different browser if issues persist. Chrome and Safari generally have the best camera API support.
GPS Not Working - Grant Permissions
If GPS isn't working: 1) Check for location icon in browser address bar. 2) Browser settings: Chrome (Settings > Privacy > Location), Safari (Preferences > Websites > Location). 3) System settings: ensure location services are enabled system-wide.
Tip: iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location Services must be ON. Android: Settings > Location must be ON.
GPS Not Working - Improve Signal
If location shows very poor accuracy or fails: 1) Go outside or near windows. 2) Wait 60+ seconds for GPS lock. 3) Enable WiFi (even if not connected - helps assisted GPS). 4) Restart your browser. 5) Restart your device if GPS hasn't worked in a while.
Tip: GPS cold start (first use after being off) can take 1-2 minutes. Be patient.
Address Not Showing - Check Connection
If GPS coordinates show but no address: 1) Check internet connection (required for reverse geocoding). 2) Wait a few seconds - address lookup takes time. 3) Try capturing again after waiting. 4) Some remote locations have no registered addresses - this is normal.
Tip: Coordinates are more reliable than addresses. The address is a convenience feature.
Low Quality Images - Improve Capture
If images are blurry or pixelated: 1) Clean camera lens. 2) Ensure adequate lighting. 3) Hold device steady during capture. 4) Check if browser is limiting camera resolution (try different browser). 5) On mobile, ensure "High Quality" camera mode if available.
Tip: Image quality depends on your device camera, not GPSnap. Better device = better images.
Slow Performance - Optimize Browser
If the tool is slow: 1) Close other browser tabs. 2) Clear browser cache and cookies. 3) Disable unnecessary browser extensions. 4) Ensure device has sufficient free storage. 5) Restart browser. 6) Try a different browser.
Tip: Processing large images (10MB+) can be slow on older devices. This is normal.
Overlay Text Not Readable - Adjust Settings
If GPS overlay is hard to read: 1) Change overlay position (top/bottom) to find better background contrast. 2) Increase font size in settings. 3) Frame your shot to place overlay on darker/lighter backgrounds. 4) Avoid busy backgrounds behind overlay.
Tip: Dark backgrounds work best for white text overlay. Adjust your framing accordingly.
Browser-Specific iOS Safari Issues
iOS Safari has unique requirements: 1) Must grant permissions in Settings > Safari > Camera and Location. 2) Private browsing may block some features. 3) Close and reopen Safari if permissions don't take effect. 4) Ensure iOS is updated to latest version.
Tip: iOS 13+ works best with GPSnap. Older iOS versions may have limited camera API support.
Still Having Issues - Get Help
If problems persist after troubleshooting: 1) Take screenshots of any error messages. 2) Note your device model, OS version, and browser version. 3) Document exact steps that cause the problem. 4) Contact us through the contact form with this information.
Tip: Include browser console errors (F12 > Console) when reporting bugs for faster resolution.