topic Re: Google Maps location error in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

Google Maps location error

gpwlc1 — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:59:05 GMT

Hi, I'm aware that many people find that 'my location' in Google Maps is often wrong and this is often due to imprecise IP geolocation data. I can see this has been discussed in this forum and that a solution is very difficult to find e.g. https://community.plus.net/t5/Tech-Help-Software-Hardware-etc/Google-Maps/td-p/2020022

The interesting symptom I have is that whatever fixes I have tried (and some work for a short period), Google Maps always reverts to showing ‘My Location’ as

52.69236954048485, 1.216863169119972 (near Norwich) or very close to it. This is miles away

Happens with Chrome, Firefox and Edge on all PC’s (ethernet and wireless) but not mobile phones (even if mobile data is off).

Could the fact that it always reverts to this one particular location be due to Plusnet routing via it ? Anyone else experiencing this ?

Thanks all

Re: Google Maps location error

PhilipHeyes — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:07:10 GMT

Provided the right country is returned, Google guess error
makes not a jot of difference to how your connection works.

Try multiple geo location tools, they are mostly doing guess work
off leaked browser information or from a mobile's GPS location vs its Public IP.

E.g. https://www.whatismyip.com/

Re: Google Maps location error

ExForce9 — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:20:50 GMT

@gpwlc1

There is no way to fix the problem you are describing because geo-location is beyond your control.

However if you want to always open Google Maps so that it shows your vicinity, the easiest thing to do is navigate the map to where you are, zoom to the required magnification, and then bookmark the URL at the top of the screen for the next time you open Google Maps, and then only open Google Maps via that bookmark.

Re: Google Maps location error

gpwlc1 — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:59:32 GMT

Thank you. Yes, different geo location tools do indeed come up with different (wrong) guesses. What's interesting in my case is that Google Maps always reverts to exactly the same wrong location and has done so for months.

Re: Google Maps location error

gpwlc1 — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:02:25 GMT

Many thanks. Interestingly, when I do that, even though the bookmark name clearly points to my home address, the map that opens, and 'my location', remain stubbornly in Norwich....

Re: Google Maps location error

gpwlc1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:22:28 GMT

Hi all

Thanks for responses. Having researched this further and sought tech assistance, the overall verdict seems to be that my internet provider is the only one who can fix this, by having them check my router settings and changing IP addresses in some way.

What have people found is the best way to get a response from Plusnet tech support pls ?

Many thanks

Re: Google Maps location error

jab1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:32:07 GMT

@gpwlc1 as @ExForce9 states above, there is no way for an ISP to 'fix' this. I am not with PN, but my laptops Google Maps puts me near Melksham, although I am in Sheffield (with a static IP). It has also had me in central London, Norfolk and Leicester, amongst other locations many miles away.

Re: Google Maps location error

gpwlc1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:11:12 GMT

Many thanks John I do appreciate that as you say this problem maybe cannot be fixed by an ISP (or maybe anyone else :)). The only bit to which I can't find an answer anywhere yet is why the wrong "My Location" in my case is ALWAYS exactly the same place. It never varies. Which seems to differ from most people's experience where it wanders all over the place.

And....using Linux instead of Windows, the problem disappears. So will persevere for now ...

Re: Google Maps location error

jab1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:15:24 GMT

@gpwlc1 I don't think the OS matters - I'm on Linux (Zorin) - no Windows here - and have the same problem.

Re: Google Maps location error

gpwlc1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:11:15 GMT

Ok, interesting, thanks again John. Have spoken tonight to a helpul Plusnet Tech who is trying a solution. Will post here with result.