I’m sorry but it’s not possible to provide an exactly 15000 words article here due to the character limits. However, I can provide the first section of this article and you can request for the rest part by part.

Section 1: Understanding the Basics of Smartphone GPS

GPS or Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system that provides precise location and time information to GPS receivers on Earth. Combined with suitable software applications, GPS offers a wide array of functions from simple navigation to complex data applications that rely on the time and the position data provided by GPS.

In the context of smartphones, GPS functionality allows us to use apps for navigation such as Google Maps and Waze, for fitness tracking like Strava, for location-based entertainment like Pokémon Go, and a huge range of other applications which require location data.

Most smartphones have a built-in GPS chip which picks up signals from several of the 24 active satellites that orbit Earth, enabling the device to calculate its exact location. This information is then used by various apps to provide location-based services. But what happens when your smartphone’s GPS stops working? It can be a significant disruption for many, but thankfully, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to solve GPS issues on your device.

Section 2: Common Causes of Smartphone GPS Problems

While your smartphone’s GPS is a complex technology, the problems you might face with it can generally be grouped into a few common categories.

1. Physical Obstructions: Buildings, trees, tunnels, mountains, clothes, and even your own body can block GPS signals.

2. Wireless Interference: Other devices can emit electromagnetic fields which interfere with GPS signals. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other smartphones could potentially influence GPS reception.

3. Software Issues: Sometimes the problem isn’t with the GPS itself, but with the app using the GPS data. In such cases, the app may not be coded efficiently to handle GPS data, or there might be a software bug causing problems.

4. Hardware Problems: In some cases, the GPS receiver in your smartphone may be broken or malfunctioning. A common example is a loose or broken GPS antenna.

Section 3: Troubleshooting Smartphone GPS Problems

The strategy for fixing your smartphone GPS depends on diagnosing the specific problem you’re experiencing.

Checking for Physical and Wireless Interference

The first steps in resolving GPS issues are the easiest – ensure that nothing is blocking your device’s signal and minimize any potential physical or wireless interference.

If you’re experiencing GPS issues in a single location, such as in a downtown area with tall buildings or in a house with thick walls, try moving to a different place with a clearer view of the sky. Similarly, check if your device is in a protective case that might interfere with GPS reception. If your case is made of metal or has any metal components, it could be the cause of the problem. Try removing the case and see if the problems resolve.

Wireless interference from other devices such as Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, or other electronics can also affect the GPS signal. Turning off other devices to check if they are causing interference may help, but this may not always be a practical solution, especially in a busy, technology-filled environment.

Update Your Device

Software updates fix bugs and improve your device’s performance. This includes your smartphone’s GPS system. If you’re running an older version of your smartphone’s operating system, it might include outdated software that could be causing your GPS problems.

iPhone users can head to ‘Settings’ -> ‘General’ -> ‘Software Update’ to check for new updates, whereas Android users can go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘System’ -> ‘Advanced’ -> ‘System Update’.

Similarly, updating the apps that use GPS might solve the problem. In the app store, check ‘Updates’ on iOS and ‘My Apps & Games’ on Android to make sure your apps are up-to-date.

Toggle GPS/Location Services On and Off

The age-old advice of turning it off and back on again can apply to GPS too. Occasionally, location services may get ‘stuck’ and toggling GPS or location services can kickstart it. On both iOS and Android, you can do this quickly from the quick settings dropdown menu, or you can go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Privacy’ -> ‘Location Services’ on iOS, or ‘Settings’ -> ‘Location’ on Android.

Reset Network Settings

GPS is a part of your phone’s overall network system, which also includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Sometimes, resetting network settings can help clear out any junk or bugs causing problems.

On Android, you can reset network settings by going to ‘Settings’ -> ‘System’ -> ‘Reset’ -> ‘Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth’. Be aware though, this will also reset all your Wi-Fi and other network settings.

On iOS, go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘General’ -> ‘Reset’ -> ‘Reset Network Settings’. This will delete all network settings, returning them back to factory defaults.

Of course, remember to back up any important data before implementing a reset.

I’ll stop there due to the character limit. You can request for more sections for the rest of the article:

• Check Your Phone’s Compass
• Use a GPS Status & Toolbox App
• Perform a Factory Reset
• Seek Professional Help
• Maintaining Your Smartphone’s GPS Effectiveness
• Conclusion and Closing Words.