PicNear

Location Troubleshooting Guide

If tapping "Use current location" does nothing, keeps spinning, or shows an error, follow this checklist before contacting support.

PicNear relies on the browser's built-in geolocation API. We only cache the most recent coordinates locally (`pn:lastCoords`) and never upload them. Mobile browsers require a secure (HTTPS) context before sharing location data.

Common causes

  • Insecure connection (HTTP) or an untrusted certificate. Mobile browsers block geolocation outside secure contexts.
  • Browser or site-level permission was denied earlier, so the prompt no longer appears.
  • System location services are disabled, or Chrome/Safari lacks permission. Power-saving modes can also limit accuracy.
  • In-app browsers (WeChat, embedded mini apps, etc.) or extreme data-saver modes intercept geolocation calls, so the button does nothing.

Android (Chrome) checklist

  1. Confirm the page loads over `https://`. If it shows `http://` (LAN/test domains), switch to HTTPS and reload.
  2. Tap the lock icon in the address bar -> Site settings -> Location -> Allow, then refresh the page.
  3. Chrome Settings -> Site settings -> Location: keep "Ask first" enabled and remove PicNear from the blocked list.
  4. System permission: Settings -> Apps -> Chrome -> Permissions -> Location -> Allow only while using the app, and enable precise location if available.
  5. Verify Android Location Services / Google Location Accuracy is on, and exit extreme battery saver or airplane mode before retrying.
  6. If PicNear opened inside another app (e.g., WeChat browser), use the menu to open in the default browser, then tap "Use current location" again.

iOS (Safari / Chrome) checklist

  1. Always access PicNear over `https://`. For debugging, use a trusted tunnel or properly signed certificate.
  2. In Safari tap the 'aA' button -> Website Settings -> Location -> Allow. Chrome on iOS relies on the same system toggle.
  3. Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Location Services: keep the master switch on and set Safari/Chrome to "While Using" or "Ask Next Time".
  4. If you previously denied access, go to Settings -> Safari -> Location (or Settings -> Chrome -> Location) and change it to "Ask Next Time" or "Allow".
  5. Turn off Low Power Mode or VPN temporarily, refresh the page, and tap "Use current location" again.

Use PicNear without GPS

  • Choose city / area: use the dropdown on the home page to load coordinates for a preset city immediately.
  • Pick on map: open the picker dialog, drag or tap the pin, and confirm to set your location manually.
  • Keep last location only: PicNear caches the most recent fix locally in `pn:lastCoords`. It never uploads to the server and can be cleared anytime.

When browsers auto-block geolocation

Chrome and Safari will automatically block geolocation after several dismissals. In DevTools you may seeGeolocation permission has been blocked as the user has dismissed the permission prompt several times.Follow the steps below to restore the prompt.

Chrome / Edge (desktop) blocked the prompt

  • Click the lock or "Adjust" icon -> Site settings -> Location -> Allow or Ask, then refresh.
  • Or go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> Site settings -> Location, find pic-near.vercel.app, and remove it from Blocked.
  • If DevTools shows "Geolocation permission has been blocked as the user has dismissed the permission prompt several times.", follow the steps above to re-enable it.

Android Chrome shows 'Denied'

  • Chrome Settings -> Site settings -> Location -> find pic-near.vercel.app in 'Blocked' and change it to Allow.
  • Long-press the lock icon -> Permissions -> Location -> Allow, and ensure Chrome has system-level access "While in use".

No prompt on iOS Safari / Chrome

  • Settings -> Safari -> Location -> choose "Ask Next Time" or "Allow"; repeat in Settings -> Chrome -> Location if you use Chrome.
  • Return to the browser, refresh, then tap "Use current location" to trigger the prompt again.

Reset site settings

Android Chrome

  • Tap the lock icon -> Site settings -> Clear & reset, then re-enter the page to grant permission.
  • Or Chrome Settings -> Site settings -> All sites -> PicNear -> Clear & reset.

iOS Safari / Chrome

  • Settings -> Safari -> Advanced -> Website Data -> search the domain -> Delete, then reopen PicNear and allow access.
  • To force a fresh prompt, go to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Location Services -> Safari Websites / Chrome -> switch to "Ask Next Time".

Need more help?

If none of the above works, try a different network or browser and then contact us via the About page or email [email protected] with your device model, browser version, and any error messages. We'll help you investigate further.