The application GPSTest allows you to view in real time which satellites are being used on your phone, including GPS and Galileo. It's free, lightweight, and compatible with Android and iOS. You can download it below:
GPSTest
With the advancement of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), it is possible to have much greater accuracy in tracking and location, especially when combining different constellations such as GPS (USA) and Galileo (Europe). GPSTest is one of the few applications that provides visual and technical access to this data, offering a complete reading of the performance of your GNSS receiver directly on your smartphone.
What is GPSTest
GPSTest is a free, open-source application designed to help users visualize which satellites are active, the type of signal being received, and the constellation being used—GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and others. It also displays detailed information such as latitude, longitude, elevation, speed, estimated accuracy, and signal strength.
Despite being quite technical, its interface is intuitive, allowing even lay users to understand the status of their device's GNSS signal. The app requires no registration, displays no ads, and is extremely lightweight, making it one of the most useful tools for testing your phone's navigation performance.
Main Features
GPSTest offers a range of features that make it a powerful tool for professionals and positioning technology enthusiasts. Check out its main features:
- Real-time satellite viewing: see which satellites are visible, active, and in use by your device.
- Multiple constellation support: monitor GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou and other systems simultaneously.
- Detailed technical information: track data such as PRN, azimuth, elevation, C/N0 (Carrier to Noise Ratio), horizontal accuracy, etc.
- Signal strength graphs: view bars with different colors indicating the signal quality of each satellite.
- Celestial map: graphical representation of the position of satellites in relation to the horizon.
- Constant updates: The app is maintained by an active community, which ensures frequent improvements and compatibility with new devices.
- Dark mode: ideal for use at night or to save battery.
How to Use GPSTest
After installing GPSTest from the App Store or Google Play, simply open the app. It automatically starts GNSS tracking and displays data received from your phone's GPS module. Within seconds, you'll see the available satellites, their signals, and corresponding information.
In the “Status” tab, you can see:
- Visible satellites: complete listing with details of each satellite detected.
- Satellites in use: those who are actively contributing to the calculation of their position.
- Constellations: Different icons indicate whether the satellite belongs to the Galileo, GPS, GLONASS, etc. system.
- Estimated accuracy: margin of error of your position in meters.
In the “Sky” tab, you have access to a sky chart with the location of the satellites, which helps you understand why certain signals may be weak (physical obstructions, for example).
How do I know if my cell phone uses Galileo?
Not all phones fully support the Galileo system. With GPSTest, you can easily check this. If the app detects Galileo satellites and indicates that they are being used in the positioning solution, then your device is compatible.
Galileo satellites are typically displayed with a triangular symbol. When they're active and in use, you'll see green signal bars next to them. This indicates that your phone is utilizing this European constellation to improve location accuracy.
Advantages of Using GPS + Galileo
By combining multiple satellite constellations, the device can achieve greater reliability and accuracy, especially in challenging environments such as dense urban areas or mountainous regions. Here are some advantages:
- Reduction in fixing time: more visible satellites speed up the time it takes to determine your position.
- Greater accuracy: With more data from different sources, the calculation of your location is more accurate.
- Redundancy: if one system experiences temporary failures, the other can compensate.
- Better performance in hard-to-reach places: such as urban tunnels, dense forests or deep valleys.
When to Use GPSTest
GPSTest is useful in a variety of situations. Here are some examples:
- Test GNSS signal quality: find out if the problem is in the location or in the device.
- Check Galileo support: find out if your cell phone really uses the European system.
- Diagnose navigation problems: If apps like Waze or Google Maps are having trouble locating you, GPSTest can help you identify the cause.
- Compare performance between devices: ideal for those who work with technology and want to test different models.
App Limitations
While extremely useful, GPSTest has limitations. It not suitable for navigation via maps or routesIt is a diagnostic and monitoring tool. It does not provide directions, nor does it allow you to save tracks or create travel routes.
Additionally, users with newer Android (such as Android 13 or 14) may need to grant additional location permissions or manually enable access to GNSS sensors for the app to function properly.
Tips for Best Use
- Use in open air: reception improves dramatically when there are no obstructions between the cell phone and the sky.
- Enable high precision mode: go to your cell phone's location settings and activate the mode that uses GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
- Keep the app updated: Newer versions fix bugs and bring compatibility improvements with new devices.
- Avoid using in closed spaces: walls, roofs and electromagnetic interference can impair signal reception.
Conclusion
GPSTest is an essential app for anyone who wants to understand how their phone's location system works. With it, you can confirm whether your device is using Galileo satellites, as well as evaluate signal strength, fix time, and location accuracy.
Whether for technical testing, curiosity, or to troubleshoot navigation issues, GPSTest performs its function efficiently, lightweight, and free of charge. Download now and discover the potential of your phone with GPS and Galileo working together!
