Wi-Fi Ranging, a ground-breaking feature of Android 15, is about to revolutionise how we navigate indoor spaces.

All of us have been frustrated when GPS fails in large, wall-obstructed spaces like shopping malls, airports, or conference centres. Wi-Fi Ranging directly addresses this issue, using the IEEE 802.11az protocol to deliver sub-metre accuracy — making indoor navigation smoother and far more reliable for Android users.

Why is Wi-Fi ranging such a big deal?

While GPS is our go-to for navigation, it isn’t designed for indoor use. GPS relies on satellite signals, which don’t easily penetrate thick walls or ceilings, causing accuracy to drop once we step indoors. Wi-Fi Ranging overcomes this limitation by calculating an exact indoor location using nearby Wi-Fi access points rather than satellites. This gives Android users highly accurate indoor positioning, which is perfect for large spaces where GPS frequently fails.

How it works

Wi-Fi Ranging builds on earlier Wi-Fi-based positioning tech, such as Wi-Fi RTT (Round Trip Time) with FTM (Fine Timing Measurement), which improved accuracy to within 1-2 metres. Android 15’s Wi-Fi Ranging takes this further, achieving sub-metre accuracy.

Here’s how it works: Wi-Fi Ranging measures the time it takes for signals to travel between a device and nearby access points, leveraging double the bandwidth (160 MHz) uand adding support for the 6GHz band. Not only does this boost accuracy, but it also enhances scalability and security — making it a valuable upgrade for indoor navigation.

Indoor environments have long presented challenges for GPS. Because GPS signals come from orbiting satellites, they struggle with physical barriers found indoors, resulting in unreliable positioning. In contrast, Wi-Fi Ranging communicates directly with local Wi-Fi networks already installed in buildings, overcoming GPS’s limitations. Whether you’re finding your gate at the airport or searching for a store in a large shopping centre, Wi-Fi Ranging provides much-needed precision in indoor settings.

Over time, Wi-Fi positioning has changed. Earliest methods relied on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), which offered accuracy only within 10-15 metres. Android 9’s Wi-Fi RTT improved this, but now, Android 15’s Wi-Fi Ranging uses the 802.11az protocol to refine timing measurements to finally make device positioning ideal for environments where exact positioning matters, like retail stores and airports.

What you’ll need for Wi-Fi ranging

To use Wi-Fi Ranging, you’ll need a device running Android 15 with Wi-Fi chips that support the 802.11az protocol. While most current phones don’t yet have this capability, Qualcomm’s FastConnect 7900 chip is among the first destined for future devices. Additionally, the Wi-Fi access points at a location must support 802.11az; some may require firmware updates, while other locations might need hardware upgrades.

Wi-Fi Ranging opens up countless new applications. In retail, it could guide customers to specific products. In smart homes, it could enhance automation by adjusting lighting based on room location. And as developers continue to innovate, Wi-Fi Ranging will likely inspire more creative and convenient user experiences in different environments.