Waze can't find my route - how do I fix error?

A reader sent me a question:

"I have been using Waze for a long time, but this is the first time I have encountered the problem. I have entered a destination point by setting the starting point I am in. The route used to work fine (under the same circumstances), but now Waze can not find a route. I don't know what is wrong. I tried different methods: resetting Waze navigator, reinstalling the app - nothing helps.

Actually you are not the only one who get this type of question. On the Waze forum, and on other navigation sites, users complain that Waze faces such issues.

So, we will list some obvious and non-obvious ways to fix the problem with routes in Waze app on Android / iOS.

1. Check your internet connection

Chances are you are using the navigator in the car by turning on the mobile internet. Make sure that the network is stable, and that the sites in the browser open without long delays.

High speed internet is not required for Waze app, but the first few hundred kilobytes should download unobstructed from the Waze server. This information is required for correct routing.

The reason is that Waze uses internet to retrieve information about accidents, roadworks, and other events. If the internet connection is unstable, it may take longer than usual to create a route.

To check if your connection stable,

1. Go to the website,
2. Select file size,
3. Wait for the results.

2. Turn off your Wi-fi, turn on mobile internet

The problem with route creation in Waze can be explained by the fact that you are using home wi-fi, for example, driving out of the garage or parking lot. Please make sure that:

1. you have a stable internet connection
2. you are in a wi-fi area

If necessary, switch from wi-fi to mobile internet.

After that, try to create a route again, specifying the destination point in a Waze app.

3. Check if of GPS signal is stable

If Waze cannot find the starting point you entered in the route, there may be a problem with creating a route. To fix it you can do the following:

1. Try to calibrate GPS.
2. Check if GPS is working correctly on the mobile device.
3. Clarify the current location, making sure that the connection with the GPS-satellite is established.

This bug is typical for phones with Android 10 and 11, though GPS error on other OS versions cannot be excluded.

4. "No routes found": Internal Waze bug

In some cases, the problems during routing are caused by errors from the outside - for example, if the remote server is down. It does not depend on the type of connection: wi-fi or mobile internet.

Since the Waze app works with data in real time, it needs to get all the data from the server to create a route. If the Waze server does not respond, there may be a delay in getting the data necessary for navigation. This is especially true for long routes that require a lot of data from the server.

You cannot fix "no routes found" bug by yourself. However if you wait 5 - 10 minutes, the problem on the Waze server may be fixed by this time.

5. Route is too long

This usually results in a "routing server timeout", "error calculating route", "limited info" or "no route found" message.

Solutions:

1. Note that Waze has a route length limited to approximately 1000 miles. If this figure is exceeded, the navigator will not be able to build a route. In this case the developers advise to divide a route into several segments.

2. Also check Waze settings:

• Settings-> Navigation

• Type - Fastest
• Unpaved roads - Don't allow
• Avoid freeways - Disabled

This allows you to build alternate routes, bypassing the toll roads and off-roads. In this way, routes will be modified according to the user's preferences.

3. Check if the phone is connected to the Internet. It does not matter if it is mobile internet or wifi. The connection must be stable. The best solution is ping check. You can also check the quality of the connection by opening any website with your browser.

4. Close and open Waze fully. To be safe, you can forcibly reboot a phone by using the Power button.

6. Voice Guidance is not working

If you are using Waze assistant, it is possible that it is not working properly. Try to tap on the Microphone icon to test. If the test was not successful go to the settings and check all properties:

1. Waze > Voice and sound
2. "Play sound to phone speakers" - Off.

To apply the effect, clear the Waze cache as described and restart the app.

FAQ

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

The most common reason is that Waze is not connected to the Internet. It may actually be working, but Waze has not connected yet.

This can be fixed in the following ways: 1) Disable wifi and turn on mobile internet; 2) Restart the phone; 3) Close and open Waze navigator on the phone.

Can I create an alternative route in Waze?

Yes, this is possible. To choose an alternative route,

1. Use the ETA bar at the bottom of the Waze main screen.
2. Go to the Routes section to display all route options,
3. Select List view for better user experience.
4. You can also switch to the Map view and select an alternative route by tapping on it.

Why is my Waze app not working?

There can be many reasons. In most cases, updating the Waze app via Play Market may help.

In addition, some users have reported that Waze works correctly after uninstalling it manually. You can uninstall Waze by tapping on the app icon on the home screen and selecting Uninstall. Confirm by clicking on OK or Yes.

What does "routing error" mean in Waze?

It means the navigator could not build a route. A routing error can be due to a software error directly in the Waze app, or on your mobile phone. Depending on whether you have Android or iOS, the way to fix the routing error may be different. Read our guide to solve the problem.

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

In some cases it is possible. To do this:

1. Launch Waze app.
2. On the map, indicate the starting point of the route by tapping and holding on it.
3. Select the Set as Start Point command to set the starting point.
4. Similarly, set the destination point on the map where you want to create a route.
5. Confirm the end point by selecting the command Set as End Point in the popup window.
6. Waze will suggest one of the alternative routes.