Waze Can't Find My Route - How to Fix This Error?

A reader asked me this question:

"I’ve been using Waze for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve encountered a problem. I entered a destination point and set my current location as the starting point. The route used to work fine (under the same circumstances), but now Waze can’t find a route. I don’t know what’s wrong. I tried different methods like resetting the Waze navigator and reinstalling the app—nothing helps."

Actually, you're not the only one with this type of issue. On the Waze forum and other navigation sites, users have reported similar problems with Waze failing to calculate routes.

So, let’s go through some common and less obvious ways to fix this problem with the Waze app on Android and iOS.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

If Waze can't locate the endpoint, it's likely you're using the app in your car with mobile internet.

Solution: Ensure your network connection is stable, and check if websites in your browser are opening without significant delays.

High-speed internet isn’t required for the Waze app, but the first few hundred kilobytes must download without interruptions from the Waze server. This data is essential for accurate routing.

Waze relies on the internet to retrieve information about accidents, roadworks, and other events. If the connection is unstable, it may take longer than usual to generate a route.

To check if your connection is stable:

1. Visit this website,
2. Choose a file size,
3. Wait for the results.

2. Turn Off Your Wi-Fi and Use Mobile Internet

The issue with route creation in Waze could be due to using home Wi-Fi, for example, when you’re driving out of a garage or parking lot. To ensure smooth route calculation:

1. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
2. Confirm you're still within a Wi-Fi area.

If needed, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile internet.

After that, try generating a route again by setting the destination point in the Waze app.

3. Check if the GPS Signal is Stable

If Waze cannot find the starting point you entered, it may be having trouble generating the route. To fix this, try the following:

1. Calibrate your GPS.
2. Check if the GPS is functioning correctly on your mobile device.
3. Ensure your current location is accurate, confirming that the connection to the GPS satellite is stable.

This issue is common on phones with Android 10 and 11, although GPS errors can occur on other OS versions as well.

4. "No Routes Found": Internal Waze Bug

In some cases, route calculation problems are caused by external factors, such as a remote server being down. This issue is independent of your internet connection type (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

Since the Waze app works with real-time data, it needs to fetch information from the server to create a route. If the Waze server is unresponsive, there may be delays in retrieving the data necessary for navigation. This is especially true for longer routes that require more data from the server.

Unfortunately, you cannot fix the "no routes found" error yourself. However, if you wait 5–10 minutes, the issue on the Waze server might resolve itself.

5. Route is Too Long

This issue usually results in error messages like "routing server timeout," "error calculating route," "limited info," or "no route found."

Solutions:

1. Route Length Limit: Waze has a route length limit of approximately 1,000 miles. If your route exceeds this limit, Waze won’t be able to calculate it. In this case, the developers recommend dividing the journey into multiple shorter segments.

2. Check Waze Settings:

Go to Settings -> Navigation:

Ensure the following settings are applied:

• Type: Fastest
• Unpaved Roads: Don’t allow
• Avoid Freeways: Disabled

These settings help build alternative routes, avoiding toll roads and off-road paths, while tailoring the route to your preferences.

3. Check Internet Connection: Ensure your phone is connected to a stable internet connection, whether through mobile data or Wi-Fi. A good option is to perform a ping check or test your connection by loading a website in your browser.

4. Restart Waze: Fully close the Waze app and reopen it. For extra security, you can force reboot your phone by holding the power button.

6. Voice Guidance Not Working

If you’re using Waze’s voice assistant and it isn’t working, try tapping the microphone icon to test it. If the test fails, follow these steps to check and adjust your settings:

1. Go to Waze > Voice and Sound.
2. Ensure that "Play sound to phone speakers" is turned off.

To apply the changes, clear the Waze cache and restart the app.

FAQ

Why does Waze show an "error calculating route" message?

The most common reason is that Waze isn’t connected to the internet. Even if your internet is working, Waze may not have connected yet.

Try these solutions:

1. Disable Wi-Fi and switch to mobile data.
2. Restart your phone.
3. Fully close and reopen the Waze app.

Can I create an alternative route in Waze?

Yes, you can create an alternative route in Waze. Here’s how:

1. Use the ETA bar at the bottom of Waze’s main screen.
2. Go to the Routes section to display all available route options.
3. For better visibility, switch to List view.
4. Alternatively, switch to Map view and tap on the alternative route you’d like to take.

Why is my Waze app not working?

There could be several reasons for this. In most cases, updating the Waze app through the Play Store may resolve the issue.

Additionally, some users have reported that Waze starts working correctly after a manual reinstallation. To uninstall Waze, tap and hold the app icon on the home screen, then select Uninstall. Confirm the action by tapping OK or Yes.

What does "routing error" mean in Waze?

A "routing error" means that Waze was unable to calculate a route. This could be due to a software issue within the Waze app itself, or a problem with your mobile device. The solution may vary depending on whether you’re using Android or iOS. Check out our guide for more detailed troubleshooting steps.

Can I force a route in Waze if it says "error calculating route"?

In some cases, it is possible to force a route. Here’s how:

1. Open the Waze app.
2. Tap and hold the location on the map where you want to start the route.
3. Select Set as Start Point from the menu.
4. Repeat the same steps for the destination by tapping and holding the endpoint on the map.
5. Select Set as End Point.
6. Waze will then offer an alternative route based on the points you’ve set.