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How to Fix WP Go Maps Not Centering on User Location

46 threads Sep 16, 2025 Plugin → Wp go maps (formerly wp google maps)

Content

A common issue reported by users of the WP Go Maps (formerly WP Google Maps) plugin is that the map does not automatically center on the user's location when the relevant settings are enabled. This guide will explain the problem and provide the most effective solutions based on community findings.

The Problem

You've correctly configured the map settings: 'Allow users to use their location as the starting point' and 'Show User’s Location?' are both set to 'Yes' in the map editor. However, when the page loads, the map ignores the user's geolocation and defaults to a preset center point.

Why This Happens

Based on analysis of support threads, this behavior is a limitation of the plugin's core functionality. The 'WP Go Maps' team has confirmed that the free version of the plugin cannot load the map centered on the user's location without custom code modifications. The settings prepare the map to use location data, but the automatic centering on page load is not natively supported.

Common Solutions

1. Check for Browser Permissions

The first step is to ensure your browser is allowing the site to access your location. When the page loads, you should see a prompt asking for location permissions. If you previously blocked the site, you must update your browser's site settings to allow location access.

2. Verify Your Shortcode

Ensure you are using the correct shortcode to display your map. The standard shortcode format is [wpgmza id="1"], where "1" is your specific map ID.

3. Consider Custom Development (Advanced)

For developers comfortable with code, the only definitive solution mentioned in community threads is to implement custom JavaScript. This code would need to use the browser's Geolocation API to fetch the user's coordinates and then manually set the map's center point. This requires a strong understanding of the plugin's JavaScript hooks and the Google Maps API.

4. Alternative Plugin Solutions

If automatic centering on the user's location is a critical requirement for your project and custom coding is not an option, you may need to evaluate other mapping plugins that offer this specific feature out-of-the-box.

Conclusion

If your WP Go Maps isn't centering on the user's location, the issue is likely a plugin limitation rather than a misconfiguration. While the settings suggest the functionality is available, community support confirms that automatic centering on page load requires custom code in the free version. Start by checking browser permissions, but be aware that advanced coding may be the only path to a complete solution.

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