A Lowrance GPS location not found error can prevent your navigation system from showing your current position, tracking movement, or providing accurate route guidance. This issue is common in marine GPS units and chartplotters when the device cannot communicate properly with GPS satellites, the antenna has connection problems, or system settings are incorrect.

If your Lowrance GPS cannot find your location, the problem may be caused by weak satellite reception, GPS antenna issues, outdated software, incorrect GPS source settings, or power-related problems.

This guide explains the causes of Lowrance GPS location errors and provides step-by-step solutions to restore accurate positioning.

Why Is My Lowrance GPS Showing Location Not Found?

Your Lowrance GPS may fail to detect your location due to several reasons:

• Weak GPS satellite signal
• Device used indoors or under cover
• Damaged or disconnected GPS antenna
• Incorrect GPS source selection
• Outdated software
• Corrupted settings
• Power supply problems
• Faulty network connection
• Blocked satellite visibility
• Software update issues

Understanding the cause helps you find the right solution.

Common Signs of Lowrance GPS Location Problems

You may notice:

• "Location not found" message
• GPS position unavailable
• Boat position not moving on the map
• GPS signal lost
• No satellite connection
• Incorrect location display
• Slow position updates
• Navigation errors

How to Fix Lowrance GPS Location Not Found

Follow these troubleshooting steps to restore GPS location.

1. Move Your Device to an Open Area

GPS requires a clear view of the sky to communicate with satellites.

Location problems often occur when the device is used:

• Inside storage areas
• Under covered docks
• Near tall buildings
• Around large obstacles

Solution:

Move your boat or vehicle to an open area and wait several minutes for the GPS signal to reconnect.

2. Restart Your Lowrance GPS

A simple restart can fix temporary GPS communication errors.

Steps:

1. Turn off your Lowrance device.
2. Disconnect power if necessary.
3. Wait for a few minutes.
4. Turn the device back on.
5. Check the GPS location.

Restarting refreshes system communication and satellite detection.

3. Check GPS Antenna Connection

A loose or damaged antenna connection is one of the most common causes of location errors.

Check:

• Antenna cable connection
• Connector condition
• Antenna mounting position
• Cable damage

Solution:

1. Turn off the GPS unit.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the antenna cable.
3. Restart the device.
4. Check satellite information.

4. Check Satellite Signal Status

Lowrance GPS units allow you to view satellite information.

Steps:

1. Open the GPS settings menu.
2. Select satellite status.
3. Check signal strength.
4. Wait until satellites are detected.

If no satellites appear, the antenna or GPS receiver may require attention.

5. Verify GPS Source Settings

Some Lowrance systems support internal and external GPS sources.

Incorrect settings may prevent location detection.

Check:

• GPS source selection
• Internal GPS activation
• External antenna connection
• Network GPS settings

Select the correct GPS source and restart the device.

6. Check Power Supply

Lowrance GPS requires stable power to operate correctly.

Check:

• Battery condition
• Power cables
• Fuse connections
• Wiring

A weak power supply can cause GPS location failures.

Solution:

Secure all connections and restart the unit.

7. Update Lowrance Software

Outdated software may cause GPS location problems.

Software updates can improve:

• GPS performance
• Satellite communication
• System stability
• Device compatibility

Update steps:

1. Check your Lowrance model.
2. Download the correct software update.
3. Copy the update to a compatible microSD card.
4. Insert the card into the device.
5. Install the update.

8. Check microSD Card and Chart Data

A damaged or corrupted memory card can affect navigation performance.

Try:

1. Turn off the Lowrance GPS.
2. Remove the microSD card.
3. Restart the device.
4. Check if GPS location returns.

If the GPS works without the card, the chart card may need repair or replacement.

9. Reset GPS Settings

Incorrect settings can prevent accurate location detection.

Before resetting:

• Backup waypoints.
• Save routes.
• Export important navigation information.

Then:

1. Open system settings.
2. Select reset options.
3. Restore default settings.
4. Restart the GPS.

10. Allow Time for Satellite Acquisition

If your Lowrance GPS has not been used for a long time, it may take longer to find satellites.

Try:

• Keeping the device powered on.
• Staying in an open location.
• Waiting several minutes.

A clear satellite connection improves location accuracy.

Fix Lowrance GPS Location Not Found After Update

If the problem started after a software or chart update:

Try:

• Restarting the device.
• Checking GPS source settings.
• Reinstalling the update.
• Removing and reinserting the SD card.
• Restoring previous settings.

Updates can sometimes change system configurations.

Fix Lowrance GPS Location Not Updating

If your location is stuck:

Check:

• Satellite signal
• Antenna connection
• GPS source
• Software version

Then:

• Restart the device.
• Move to an open area.
• Wait for satellite connection.

Fix Lowrance GPS Showing Wrong Location

Incorrect location may occur because of:

• Weak satellite reception
• Incorrect GPS settings
• Antenna problems
• Old software

Solutions:

• Update software.
• Check antenna placement.
• Reset GPS settings.
• Allow time for accurate positioning.

Tips to Prevent Lowrance GPS Location Problems

Follow these maintenance tips:

• Keep GPS software updated.
• Check antenna connections regularly.
• Use your GPS in open areas.
• Maintain stable power connections.
• Backup navigation data.
• Keep chart cards in good condition.
• Check GPS settings after updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Lowrance GPS say location not found?

The most common causes are weak satellite signals, antenna connection problems, incorrect GPS settings, or outdated software.

How long does Lowrance GPS take to find location?

The time depends on satellite visibility, antenna condition, device usage history, and software status.

Can a software update fix Lowrance GPS location problems?

Yes. Software updates can resolve bugs and improve GPS communication.

Why is my Lowrance GPS not showing satellites?

Possible causes include blocked sky visibility, antenna problems, power issues, or GPS configuration errors.

Do I need to reset my Lowrance GPS?

A reset may help fix configuration problems, but always back up important navigation data first.

Conclusion

If your Lowrance GPS location is not found, the issue is usually related to satellite reception, antenna connection, software settings, or power problems. Start by moving to an open area, restarting the device, checking the antenna, and verifying GPS settings.

Keeping your Lowrance system updated and maintaining proper hardware connections will help ensure accurate location tracking and reliable marine navigation.