---
title: Connecting OnStation to a Bad Elf Receiver on Android
description: Learn how to connect OnStation to a Bad Elf GNSS receiver on Android, including mock location setup, Bluetooth pairing, and troubleshooting tips.
---
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March 31, 2026
# Connecting OnStation to a Bad Elf Receiver on Android
## This article walks through how to connect OnStation to a Bad Elf GNSS receiver on an Android device. Android devices may require a few extra steps to ensure the external GNSS location is used instead of the phone’s internal GPS.
Some Android devices will connect seamlessly without these steps—but if you experience connection or location issues, follow the instructions below.
---
#### **What You’ll Need (Android)**
- ✅ An up‑to‑date Android device
- ✅ **Bad Elf Flex app** installed
- GNSS‑capable
- Latest firmware installed
- ✅ A **Bad Elf receiver** (e.g., Mini, Mini Extreme, Flex)
- ✅ Bluetooth enabled
---
#### **Android Setup Instructions**
### **1. Pair the Bad Elf via Bluetooth**
1. Open **Android Settings**
2. Go to **Bluetooth**
3. Pair and connect to your Bad Elf receiver
At this point, the device should show as *connected* via Bluetooth.
---
### **2. Enable Developer Options & Mock Location**
Android requires this step to allow location data from an external GNSS device.
1. Open **Settings**
2. Navigate to:
```
About Phone → Device Identifiers
```
3. Tap **Build Number** **(7 x's)**
4. **Developer Mode** is enabled
5. Go back to main **Settings**
6. Select **Mock Location App**
7. Choose **Bad Elf Flex App**
✅ Your Android device is now allowed to use location data from the Bad Elf receiver.
---
### **3. Configure the Bad Elf Flex App**
1. Open the **Bad Elf Flex app**
2. Select your paired Bad Elf device
- Example: *Mini Extreme*
3. Choose the **connection type**
- Typically: **Bluetooth SPP**
4. Tap **Connect**
Once connected:
- You should see **live location readings** in the Bad Elf app
- The **Android device** should now reflect those same readings
- OnStation will use the external GNSS location
---
#### **Optional Troubleshooting Settings**
These are **not required**, but helpful if you’re still seeing location discrepancies.
### **Adjust Location Accuracy Settings**
If available, set:
- **Location Mode** → *Device Only* / *GPS Only*
If that option isn’t present, turn OFF:
- Wi‑Fi scanning
- Bluetooth scanning
- Google Location Accuracy
- Improve Location Accuracy
This prevents Android from blending internal GPS + Wi‑Fi data with Bad Elf data.
---
#### **How to Test the Connection**
You can quickly verify the Bad Elf is providing location by:
- Turning the Bad Elf **off and on** and watching location change
- Leaving Bluetooth **on**, but putting the phone in **Airplane Mode**
- Checking if location continues updating in:
- Google Maps
- OnStation
If location still updates, the external GNSS feed is working.
---
#### **Common Reasons Bad Elf Won’t Connect on Android**
### **1. Google Location Accuracy Is Still Enabled**
- Android may blend internal GPS and Wi‑Fi data
- Disable location accuracy features if issues persist
---
### **2. Bluetooth Is Connected, but GNSS Data Isn’t Outputting**
- Pairing **does not automatically mean** location data is being shared
- Verify the Bad Elf Flex app is selected as the **Mock Location App**
- Confirm live location readings inside the Bad Elf app
---
### **3. Bad Elf Is Still Connected to Another Device**
- Bad Elf devices connect to **one device at a time**
- Disconnect from:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Laptop
- Then reconnect to Android
---
### **4. Battery Optimization Is Stopping the GNSS Connection**
This is a **very common Android issue**.
**Fix:**
```
Settings → Apps → Bad Elf Flex App → BatterySet to “Unrestricted” or “Don’t Optimize”
```
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