How to Calibrate a G-Sensor on an Android Smartphone

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The G-Sensor detects the position of your device on three axes.
Image Credit: Sergey Ilin/iStock/Getty Images

To correct problems with the sensor, calibrate your device's accelerometer, commonly known as the G-Sensor or magnetometer, using Android Settings. While many Android devices don't provide a native calibration utility, you can test and calibrate your accelerometer on Android 4.4 KitKat using free third-party apps, such as Victor Dmitrienko's Accelerometer Sensor or Antoine Vianey's Bubble Level. You may need to wave your device in the pattern of a figure-eight before you calibrate it on a flat surface, as this helps calibrate all three axes of the sensor.

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Android Settings

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Step 1

Open "Settings." For example, select the "Settings" gear icon at the top right of your notifications drawer.

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Step 2

Select "Display & Gestures" or "Motions and Gestures." This setting menu name varies depending on the manufacturer and version of your Android device.

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Step 3

Select the option relating to your G-Sensor, such as "G-Sensor" or "G-Sensor Calibration."

Step 4

Place your device on its back on a flat surface and then select "Calibrate." Keep your phone steady during calibration, during which the green circles move. The process is complete when the circles stop moving.

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Accelerometer Sensor

Step 1

Download and install "Accelerometer Sensor" from the Play Store (link in Resources).

Step 2

Open "Accelerometer Sensor" and then lay your device on a flat surface on its back. If you receive the "No Sensor" message, then your device may not have an accelerometer.

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Step 3

Hold your device in your hand, wave it in the air in the pattern of a figure-eight a few times and then set the device back down on a flat surface. Accelerometer Sensor automatically re-adjusts the range of your accelerometer and can effectively calibrate your G-Sensor.

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Bubble Level

Step 1

Download and install the "Bubble Level" app (link in Resources).

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Step 2

Open "Bubble Level," select the "Menu" button resembling three dots, and then select "Calibrate" to display the Calibrate Your Phone pop-up.

Step 3

Set your device down on a flat surface on its back and select "Calibrate." Your device automatically calibrates and then displays zeros in the two G-Sensor value boxes at the bottom of the screen.

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