diff --git a/src/lib/geolocation.ts b/src/lib/geolocation.ts
index f952909..2dd65e4 100644
--- a/src/lib/geolocation.ts
+++ b/src/lib/geolocation.ts
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ export interface GeoCoords {
   lng: number;
 }
 
-export type GeoErrorKind = 'denied' | 'unavailable' | 'timeout';
+export type GeoErrorKind = 'denied' | 'unavailable' | 'timeout' | 'no_provider';
 
 export class GeolocationError extends Error {
   kind: GeoErrorKind;
@@ -319,12 +319,26 @@ async function getNativePosition(native: CapGeolocationPlugin): Promise<GeoCoord
     if (msg.includes('denied') || msg.includes('permission')) {
       throw new GeolocationError('denied', 'Location permission denied.');
     }
+    // "location disabled" / "provider" → the OS has NO usable location provider.
+    // On GrapheneOS (no Google Play Services) there's often no network/fused
+    // provider, so only GPS satellites work — which fail indoors. Surface this
+    // as its own kind so the UI can give accurate advice.
+    if (
+      msg.includes('disabled') ||
+      msg.includes('provider') ||
+      msg.includes('settings') ||
+      msg.includes('unavailable')
+    ) {
+      throw new GeolocationError(
+        'no_provider',
+        err instanceof Error ? err.message : String(err) || 'No location provider available.',
+      );
+    }
     if (msg.includes('timeout') || msg.includes('timed out')) {
       throw new GeolocationError('timeout', 'Location request timed out.');
     }
-    // "location disabled", "unavailable", plugin-not-implemented, etc. — pass
-    // the real native message through so it shows in the on-screen toast and
-    // we can see what actually failed without needing adb.
+    // Anything else — pass the real native message through so it shows in the
+    // on-screen toast and we can see what actually failed without needing adb.
     throw new GeolocationError(
       'unavailable',
       err instanceof Error ? err.message : String(err) || 'Location unavailable.',
diff --git a/src/pages/MapPage.tsx b/src/pages/MapPage.tsx
index 6a16133..a78caf6 100644
--- a/src/pages/MapPage.tsx
+++ b/src/pages/MapPage.tsx
@@ -667,11 +667,23 @@ export default function MapPage() {
           title: 'Location timed out',
           description:
             (isNativeGeolocation()
-              ? "Couldn't get a location fix. Make sure Location/GPS is turned on in your phone's quick settings, then tap Near Me again."
+              ? "Couldn't get a location fix in time. If you're indoors, GPS can't see satellites — enable Network Location (Settings → Location) or step outside, then try again."
               : 'Could not get your location in time. Check your signal and try again.') + diag,
           variant: 'destructive',
           duration: 12000,
         });
+      } else if (kind === 'no_provider') {
+        setNearMeError('unavailable');
+        toast({
+          title: 'No location provider',
+          description:
+            (isNativeGeolocation()
+              ? "Your phone isn't providing a location. On privacy-focused ROMs (e.g. GrapheneOS) enable Network Location under Settings → Location, or make sure GPS is on and try outdoors."
+              : 'No location provider is available. Enable location services and try again.') +
+            diag,
+          variant: 'destructive',
+          duration: 14000,
+        });
       } else {
         setNearMeError('unavailable');
         toast({