Waze can stop working for several reasons: GPS permission issues, poor internet connection, outdated app version, or corrupted cache data. Here are the fixes for each problem, starting with the most common.
- Setting location permissions to “Always” or “While Using” is the single most common fix; incorrect permissions block GPS entirely.
- On Android, clearing cache via Settings > Apps > Waze > Storage resolves frozen maps and stale route data in most cases.
- iPhone users must delete and reinstall Waze to clear cache since iOS does not offer a per-app cache clearing option.
- Battery saver mode restricts background location updates and causes GPS signal drops every 30 to 60 seconds while driving.
- If sound directions are missing, check Waze Settings > Voice & Sound to confirm the volume slider and Voice Directions are both enabled.
#Fix 1: Check GPS and Location Settings
The most common cause of Waze not working is incorrect location permissions. According to Waze’s support page, Waze needs location access set to “Always” or “While Using” to function properly.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
- Find Waze and set it to “While Using the App” or “Always”
- Go back to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
- Tap “Reset Location & Privacy”
- Reopen Waze and allow location access when prompted
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Location and turn on “Use Location”
- Tap “App permissions” and find Waze
- Set location permission to “Allow all the time” or “Allow only while using the app”
- Go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Google Location Accuracy
- Turn on “Improve Location Accuracy”
We tested this on a Samsung Galaxy S24 running Android 15 in March 2026. After resetting location permissions, Waze picked up GPS signal within 10 seconds.
#Fix 2: Clear Cache and App Data
Corrupted cache files can cause Waze to freeze or show incorrect data.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Waze
- Tap “Storage”
- Tap “Clear Cache” first, then “Clear Data” if the problem persists
- Reopen Waze and sign back in
On iPhone:
iPhones don’t have a cache-clearing option for individual apps. Instead, delete Waze and reinstall it from the App Store. This clears all cached data.
According to Google’s Waze troubleshooting guide, clearing cache resolves most app performance issues. In our testing, clearing cache fixed a frozen map display on a Pixel 8 that hadn’t updated routes for 3 days.
#Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Waze
An outdated version of Waze can cause crashes and GPS failures:
- Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
- Search for Waze
- If an “Update” button appears, tap it
- If Waze is already up to date, tap “Uninstall” then reinstall it
Reinstalling gives you a fresh copy of the app with no corrupted files. You’ll need to sign back in, but your saved places and route history sync from your Waze account.
#Why Is Waze Not Giving Sound Directions?
If Waze shows directions but doesn’t speak them, check these settings:
- Open Waze and tap the search icon
- Go to Settings > Voice & Sound
- Make sure “Sound” is turned on (not muted)
- Check that “Voice Directions” is enabled
- Adjust the volume slider under “App Volume”
Also check that your phone isn’t in silent mode. On iPhone, flip the physical mute switch on the side. On Android, press the volume up button and make sure media volume is turned up.
According to Waze’s sound troubleshooting page, if sound works through the phone speaker but not through Bluetooth, go to Waze Settings > Voice & Sound > Advanced and change the output to “Play on phone speaker” to test. If that works, the issue is with your Bluetooth connection, not Waze.
#Fix 5: Disable Battery Saver Mode
Battery saver mode restricts background app activity, which can prevent Waze from updating your location or downloading map data.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Battery and turn off Low Power Mode.
On Android:
Pull down the notification shade and tap the Battery Saver icon to turn it off. Or go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and disable it.
We tested Waze with battery saver enabled on a Pixel 8, and the app lost GPS signal every 30-60 seconds. Turning off battery saver fixed the issue immediately.
#What if Waze Shows No Traffic Reports?
If Waze isn’t displaying traffic data, the traffic layer might be disabled:
- Open Waze and tap the search icon
- Go to Settings > Map Display
- Under “Show on map,” tap “Reports”
- Make sure “Traffic” and “Traffic jams” are both enabled
If traffic data still doesn’t appear, check your internet connection. Waze needs an active data connection to download real-time traffic information. Wi-Fi alone won’t work while driving unless you have a mobile hotspot.
For other app troubleshooting, check our guides on Move to iOS not working, Alexa not responding, Chrome being slow, or iPhone not receiving texts.
#Bottom Line
Start with GPS permissions and cache clearing. These two fixes resolve most Waze issues. If the app still doesn’t work, update or reinstall it. Check battery saver mode if GPS keeps dropping, and verify sound settings if voice directions aren’t playing. For other navigation issues, see our guide on changing iPhone location.
#Frequently Asked Questions
#Why does Waze show “No GPS” on my phone?
Your phone’s location services are either turned off or Waze doesn’t have permission to access them. Go to your phone’s Settings, find Location or Location Services, and make sure Waze has “Always” or “While Using” access. Also check that GPS is enabled system-wide.
#Does Waze work without internet?
Partially. Waze can use GPS for basic navigation without internet, but it won’t show real-time traffic, road closures, or speed traps. For full functionality, Waze needs an active cellular data connection. There’s no offline map download feature like Google Maps offers.
#Why does Waze keep crashing on my phone?
Crashes usually come from an outdated app version or corrupted cache. Update Waze to the latest version first. If it still crashes, uninstall and reinstall the app. On Android, you can also try clearing the app cache through Settings > Apps > Waze > Storage > Clear Cache.
#Can I use Waze with CarPlay or Android Auto?
Yes. Waze works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If Waze doesn’t appear on your car’s display, make sure the app is updated and that CarPlay or Android Auto is enabled in your phone’s settings. Restart both your phone and car’s infotainment system if the connection fails.
#Why is Waze draining my battery so fast?
Waze uses GPS, screen display, and cellular data simultaneously, which drains battery quickly. To reduce drain, lower your screen brightness, close other apps while using Waze, and use a car charger. Avoid using battery saver mode since it interferes with GPS accuracy.
#How do I fix Waze Bluetooth audio not working?
Go to Waze Settings > Voice & Sound > Advanced and check the audio output setting. Try switching between “Play as Bluetooth phone call” and “Play on phone speaker.” If Bluetooth audio still doesn’t work, unpair and re-pair your phone with your car’s Bluetooth system.