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Editorial Team
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Asked: 2026-05-24T13:48:48+00:00

I have an Android app (2.1 to 2.3) that successfully receives locations from the

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I have an Android app (2.1 to 2.3) that successfully receives locations from the GPS provider when a call is initiated. This is tested and works. However, when I dial 999 (using an authorised emergency test) no locations are received from the GPS provider.

I note in the UK Android displays an emergency screen to show you are making a 999 call. This seems to be different to the emergency mode I’ve seen discussed for the US which also locks the phone. In the UK it stays unlocked.

Does anyone know if Android purposely stops GPS locations in the UK from being received during a 999 call? It’s strange because the network provider (inc. Wi-Fi) locations still come through, though the logs do show it is from a cached location.

Thanks.

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  1. Editorial Team

    Confirming that normal GPS operation is interrupted for emergency services.

    There are two modes of operation that most phones have with respect to GPS: standalone, and assisted. User level apps use the output of standalone, and assisted call flows are used for emergency calls.

    The GPS chip is executing a predetermined routine in communication with a server which usually involves integrating measurements over a long period of time in order to maximize signal strength. This interrupts normal operation.

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