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Network internet connection error in Waze: how to fix
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Readers often send in a similar question that goes something like this:
Waze says "no network connection". However, in other mobile applications (messengers, browsers, YouTube, etc.) the internet connection is stable. What can I do to fix Waze connection issues?
Although Waze runs most of the time without errors, network problems are a common cause of malfunction. Determining the location in most modern apps depends not only on GPS, but also on the mobile network, the Internet and many other factors.
Table of Contents
- Why does waze say no network connection: the most common cases
- Fixing Waze connection issues
- Step 1: Restart the phone
- Step 2: Restart your phone in safe mode
- Step 3: Clear Waze Cache
- Step 4: Reinstall or update Waze app
- Step 5: Use a mobile network instead of Wi-Fi
- Step 6: Reset network settings
- Other Causes
- System failure
- Device malfunction
- Lack of memory on your phone
- Mobile provider technical problems
Why does waze say no network connection: the most common cases
The first thing to check is whether the WiFi connection is enabled in other apps. Most often this helps to determine that the problem lies exactly there, as in other cases there is a high probability of a system failure.
However, there can be many reasons for a connection error. And this applies to any mobile application, GPS navigation, including Waze app. Let's look at the most common symptoms.
1) Disabled notifications
The device does not receive messages about traffic jams, police, traffic accidents, both in the background and while the app is running;
2) Maps are not loaded
Only those that have been previously downloaded or saved work.
3) Routes are not displayed
When viewing the history, the saved places are not displayed, and it is not possible to build a route to the end point. In addition, your location may not display well on the map.
4) The assistant does not work
The voice assistant does not work completely. These are not all possible manifestations. It can also be simply too long loading maps (if the Internet connection is unstable), "jumping" the user icon on the map, etc.
Fixing Waze connection issues
Step 1: Restart the phone
The first step in solving connection issues in Waze is to restart your phone.
Shut down the Waze app and restart your device.
In case the navigator freezes and the phone does not respond to any movements, try to restart it forcibly.
To do this:
Press the Power and Volume buttons (different devices require different buttons to be pressed. Check the top and bottom one);
Keep the buttons pressed for 10-15 seconds;
Wait until the startup screen appears on Android.
These actions will forcibly restart your phone. If the problem is minor, it will be solved at this stage and Waze will be connected to the Internet.
Step 2: Restart your phone in safe mode
Safe mode is a special feature provided by the developers that allows you to turn on your device without running third-party apps. With it, you can determine if the problem is with Waze or another app that conflicts with it.
How to use safe mode:
Hold down the Power button;
Tap the "Off" touch button;
A safe mode screen will pop up in front of you, tap "OK" to start it.
Your phone will be rebooted after this and show "Safe mode" in the corner of the screen.
Now, check if Waze and navigation systems are working.
In order to disable safe mode, reboot your phone again. On some devices, you can disable safe mode by pulling down the "curtain" at the top and tapping a "safe mode on" button.
If everything is working correctly - the network problem may be caused by malware or incorrectly installed third party apps. To find out which one it is, open the apps that you have recently downloaded one by one and check if Waze has any connection problems again.
Step 3: Clear Waze Cache
A common technical error that affects the quality of Internet connection in Waze GPS navigator is that the cache size is too large. Developers advise to clear cache first. In order to do this, you need to:
- Go to Settings;
- Open the "App manager" or "Apps" section depending on your device;
- Scroll down and select Waze from the list of apps;
- In newer Android versions, tap the "Storage" button;
- Tap on the "Clear cache" button.
- Open and check if the Waze app is stuck on connecting.
These actions may cause you to exit your Waze account, so make sure you remember the data from it beforehand, or that it is saved in your Android or iOS device.
Step 4: Reinstall or update Waze app
If Waze is not installed correctly or the version of the application does not meet your system requirements, login or network errors may occur.
Often the connection issue lies in an improperly installed app. This can be caused by downloading from third-party resources other than Google Play and AppStore, or by not having enough memory on your device when installing.
First step is to update the Waze app via Play Store.
Maybe the bug will go away that way. Also, developers often release minor updates when bugs occur.
If there is no "Update" button, just uninstall the app and install it again.
Step 5: Use a mobile network instead of Wi-Fi
Navigation apps have been known to use not only GPS systems to navigate, but also mobile networks, towers, and many other ways to determine your location.
- Method 1: Try disconnecting your device from the Wi-Fi network and switching to mobile data.
- Method 2: If you have more than one SIM card on your device - change the primary SIM card and see if Waze works correctly in that case.
Step 6: Reset network settings
If you are using mobile data and you have not had any problems before, reset network settings.
Note. Keep in mind that when you reset your settings, it allows data sync, removes any restrictions in apps you've given, turns off bluetooth and air mode, VPN, Wi-Fi, etc. So after resetting, you'll have to configure a lot of things again. In order to reset the network:
- Open the Settings;
- Go to the "System" – "Advanced settings" (or General management on Samsung Galaxy) section;
- Tap on "Reset settings" (or Reset);
- Select "Reset network settings";
- Tap on the "Reset settings" button and confirm the action.
This step will reset the network settings to basic settings. If you have entered any data manually before, do it again.
Other Causes
There are some reasons why Waze experiences the same WiFi connection troubles, but it may have nothing to do with the internet on your device.
System failure
Sometimes the problem lies not in your device, but in the navigator services themselves. System failures in large companies do not happen very often, but they do happen. This is why on long trips it is recommended to use 2-3 apps with loaded maps.
Check the work of other navigation apps - Google Maps, for example.
Device malfunction
If the issue lies solely in positioning, the problem may lie in the sensors on your phone. Make sure they are working with special apps.
Lack of memory on your phone
Sometimes Waze maps and routes don't load as there isn't enough space on the device to work properly.
Make sure you have at least 200MB available in the storage space where Waze is installed.
Instruction: How to clear memory on your phone
Mobile provider technical problems
If none of the above methods helped, the problem may be with the network itself. The connection may be poor, or the operator has technical troubles. Alas, there is no way to influence this. Wait for some time and check the network connection again after half an hour.
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Ilia is a professional writer. He has expert knowledge in GPS and cartography with 15 years of experience. Additionally, Ilia has extensive experience in data recovery on PC and mobile. He started his career as a journalist by reviewing PC and mobile apps. His current responsibilities are to keep track of users' questions on MGT and answer them.