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Why is Magic Earth starting in Simulation Mode?
If you are trying to start your journey but only see an option for Demo or Simulation instead of "Navigate" it does not mean there is a problem with your subscription or the app. Usually, this happens because the app doesn't know where you are currently located, or the route hasn't been set to start from the "My Position" special waypoint.
What is Simulation Mode?
Turn-by-turn navigation only activates when "My Position" is the first landmark in your route. If your route starts from a specific street point, the app assumes you are planning a future trip and offers a "Demo" instead. This allows you to preview the route and get familiar with the directions without needing to be at the starting point. However, if you want to start navigating immediately, you need to ensure that "My Position" is included as the first stop in your route.
How to Fix:
- Open Route Planning: On the route summary screen, tap the "+" button in the bottom-right corner.
- Add Your Location: Select "My Position" from the list of options.
- Reorder the List: Use the handles (three horizontal lines next to the waypoint name) to drag and drop "My Position" to the very top of the waypoint list.
- Start Navigating: Once "My Position" is at the top, the button will transform from "Demo" to "Navigate".
What if "My Position" is missing?
If you don't see the option to select "My Position," the app is likely unable to find your GPS signal. Please check the following article for troubleshooting tips: Resolving GPS Issues in Magic Earth.
Additional Notes:
- When you add "My Position" to a list of stops, it might automatically change its name to a specific street address. This is normal. Simply drag that address to the top of the list, and it will function as your starting point.
- If you import a GPX file, it will often default to "Demo" mode. To fix this, just add "My Position" as the first stop.
- Even if you select a point on the map that is only a few feet away from you, the app won't start real navigation unless the waypoint is specifically labeled "My Position".
- Whether you have a premium subscription or not, navigation is always available as long as the route starts from your current location.