Is your iPhone’s or iPad’s GPS suddenly not working? Having problems following an iOS Update? Many users have reported issues related to GPS problems after they upgraded their iPhone to the latest iOS. Users report getting messages that show “No GPS, Showing approximate location.” The problem appears worse when trying to use Waze or Google Maps.
Contents
- 1 Quick Tips
- 2 The Symptoms of GPS Not Working
- 3 Troubleshooting GPS
- 4 GPS Not Working with iOS 12, Suggested Tips
- 5 Check Your Date and Your Time
- 6 Turn on Background App Refresh For WiFi and Cellular
- 7 Update Your App(s)
- 8 Use iTunes to Update or Restore Your iDevice
- 9 Running an Older iOS?
- 10 Using an Older Model iPhone (32-bit)?
- 11 Look at the Antenna
- 12 Visit, Chat With or Call Apple Support
- 13 Reader Tips
Quick Tips
Follow These Quick Tips To Get GPS Working Again on your iPhone or iPad
- Move to a new location, preferably open space
- Toggle Location Services Off and On
- Open your phone Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle the switch OFF
- Perform a hard reset on your iPhone
- Return to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle the switch back ON
- Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
- Set Date & Time to “Set Automatically” via Settings > General > Date & Time
- Turn off LTE
- Reset network settings
- Set Do Not Disturb While Driving to Manually
- Drain your battery completely
- Update or Restore your device using iTunes
- Burp your iPhone, just like a baby
Related Posts
- Location Services Not Working
- Location Services Always ON? Here’s Why
- WiFi Dropping Out After iOS Update
The Symptoms of GPS Not Working 
You start your navigation and the icon for your current location just wiggles but never moves as you drive, walk, or whatever mode of transportation you’re using.
And unfortunately, many of these GPS problems surface just after an iOS upgrade, so the standard Apple advice to update to the latest iOS is not a proper fix.
GPS–The Heart of Our iDevice Experiences
Our iPhone’s and iDevice’s GPS is one of the biggest reasons we love our phones and mobile devices. Want to find a friend, locate a museum, or try a new and nearby restaurant? Love tracking all those miles when exercising? Still playing Pokemon Go? We all use maps and Location Services to find these things. GPS makes it all possible.
Yes, GPS is a vital part of every smartphone today. So when users report faulty or malfunctioning GPS, it spells trouble for many of our everyday iPhone and iDevice uses.
There’s a lot of technology driving our iDevice’s GPS, resulting in quite a few kinds of things that might go wrong.
The most common GPS Problems for iDevices include:
- No signal
- Not updating your location
- Slow in tracking your location
- Showing the wrong location
- Apps not discovering your location
- Compass problems or interference
Troubleshooting GPS
Unfortunately, the usual Reset – Restore method does not appear to help with GPS issues. In speaking with Apple technical support, people have tried all the steps including restoring the iPhone to factory settings but still see the problem.
The interesting aspect is that the problem is not always persistent. It is rather intermittent in nature; sometimes the signal strength is good but most of the times the signal strength is pretty spotty.
Move Your Body
Okay, we all know that buildings interfere with signals, especially metal and glass buildings. So get a move on and head to more open space or move outside and see if that new location gives you a better signal.
Give Permission
Make sure you set your apps’ location permissions. It’s probably the most common reason GPS isn’t working. We simply forget to enable location services for our app(s)!
If you don’t allow an app permission to access your location, then it ain’t gonna work and find you or that fancy new restaurant.
To check, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and ensure that your favorite apps have permission to use location services. Set these to either While Using the App or Always.
Reset Location & Privacy 
If the GPS problem persists, try resetting Location & Privacy settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset
- Select Reset Location & Privacy
- You’ll be asked to enter a passcode (if applicable), tap on Reset Settings to confirm your action
When your location and privacy settings are reset, apps stop using your location until you grant them permission again.
Toggle Things OFF and ON
Sometimes things just need a little nudge. So try toggling a few settings Off and On and see if that jump starts your GPS.
1) Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Toggle Off, wait 15 seconds and toggle back On
2) Settings > Airplane Mode. Toggle On, wait 15 seconds and toggle back Off
3) Settings > WiFi. Toggle Off, wait 15 seconds and toggle back On
4) Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Toggle Off, wait 15 seconds and toggle back On
Turn Off LTE
Temporarily turning off LTE works for some people. So head to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Enable LTE and toggle this off. Next, try out your GPS. If it works, continue as is until your immediate need is completed and then re-enabled LTE.
If turning off LTE did nothing, turn it back on and try again to see if GPS has returned.
Reset Network Settings
Updating your network settings might also refresh the data for your GPS. So go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. 
This reset doesn’t erase any data but does clear your stored WiFi passwords, current cellular and Wi-Fi network settings, including saved networks and VPN settings.
Check Do Not Disturb While Driving
If you’re getting these frustrating issues with all or most of your GPS applications, check your DND Settings. Make sure that “Do Not Disturb While Driving” is set to “Manually.”
Sometimes after an update, “When Connected to Car Bluetooth” becomes the default. Changing it to “Manually” frequently fixes this issue.
GPS Not Working with iOS 12, Suggested Tips
Are you having GPS issues after updating your iPhone to iOS 12? You may not be alone
The GPS Problem was bad for iPhone 8 /x users when iOS 11 was released last year. This was then fixed by the iOS 11.2 update, subsequently released by Apple. The software update helped fix the GPS issues for many users. It was again back for some users in 11.4.
If it is a software related issue impacting specific devices, we should probably see a new update soon.
According to some readers, when iOS 12 was released in the beta1 and 2 versions, it had major GPS problems that were later fixed in subsequent beta releases.
Some users on the beta were able to get around the GPS problem by downloading a fresh iOS 12 using ipsw files and restoring their device using iTunes.
We will highlight some of the common troubleshooting approaches as well as a potential roadmap on how to proceed when facing GPS issues with iOS 12
No GPS after iOS 12 Update when using Waze/Google Maps?
Here are some suggested tips that you can give a try.
1. Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Location services from Settings, not the control center
2. Restart phone, then turn on Bluetooth, and location services again. (Wi-Fi comes on automatically after a restart).
- Toggle Airplane Mode ON, wait for 30 seconds and switch it to OFF
- Turn ON Apple Maps first. Wait for a few seconds or so and then switch on Waze or your other third-party GPS app and check if it is working
- Some users also report success with resetting location and privacy. Tap on Settings > General > Reset > Reset Location and privacy
- If using Waze or a similar app, make sure that the app has the right permissions to access Location services. Tap on Settings > Cellular and under cellular data, check and make sure Waze is enabled.
We are not sure why, but a reader reported success when she turned off the Do Not Disturb functionality completely on her iPhone. GPS started working perfectly. With the DND turned on, her Google Maps was back having problems with geolocations.
Some users also found that when they completely turned off Wi-Fi on their iPhone, the GPS worked flawlessly. This worked even with their third-party fitness apps when they were running outside.
You should check and make sure you are not using one of those iPhone cases that have a magnetic backing. In either case, if you are having GPS issues, try and remove the iPhone case/cover and see if it is any better.
If all else fails even after Toggling ON/OFF multiple settings, try and restore your iPhone using iTunes. You can also download an ipsw copy and do the restore. Try not to use the iCloud backup to restore your device in case there is an issue with your most current backup.
iPhone 6/6s Models With GPS Problems
Some readers have suggested that their GPS issue on their iPhone was related to the Antenna Flex Cable; it’s either loose or has to be replaced.
If one of the attachment points for the AFC is broken, it could lead to GPS and other reception issues on the device.
If you are taking your device to Apple care for the battery replacement program, you should request them to check out the Antenna issues.
Typically, when your iPhone is having GPS related issues, Apple support can run diagnostics on the device and locate if there are any hardware problems behind the GPS issues.
Reset to factory using iTunes and try. In the past when faced with stubborn issues like the GPS one,
I ended up connecting iPhone to iTunes, put it in DFU mode and restore to set up as new, and that has worked many times.
The bottom line for iOS 12 GPS Related Issues on your iPhone
iPhone 6/6s Models or older models, if you have already tried to reset it to factory and done a clean install and continue having the GPS issue, it may be worthwhile to check out the antenna flex cable, particularly if you had your battery replacement or other repairs recently or are planning to do repairs on the device.
Newer iPhone model users with iPhone 8/8+/X, if you have checked out the software fixes and still no luck after a factory reset and clean iOS restore, you can reach out to Apple, and they should be able to replace your iPhone once they run their diagnostics.
RELATED: How to Factory Reset your iDevice, A Complete Guide
Here are some of the other workarounds people reported as working for them when facing GPS related issues in prior iOS releases:
Drain Your Battery
Another workaround for this issue that seems to work for a few of our readers is to thoroughly drain the iPhone battery and then recharge it using the original wall charger.
Only after a complete charge should you once again try the GPS features, this process only worked for some time, but for most people, the problems returned.
Check Your Date and Your Time
This seems like a weird one, but it does work on a host of challenges. So why not try? Make sure your iDevice’s date, time, and time zone are accurate to your current location.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time > Choose the option Set Automatically. If you’ve recently traveled, it updates to your current time zone, date, and time of day. Toggle the setting to manual and then back to automatic and try.
Turn on Background App Refresh For WiFi and Cellular
A reader discovered that if he toggled on Background App Refresh on and selected the option to use both wifi and cellular data, that his third-party map apps worked. He also toggles WiFi on, even if there was no network to connect to.
Apparently, there is a problem with location services not updating within these third-party apps. Toggling both WiFi and Background App Refresh seems to force location services to update.
Update Your App(s)
If you have GPS issues only when using a particular app, check the App Store and if available, upgrade that app.
Use iTunes to Update or Restore Your iDevice
Several readers report that updating or restoring their devices via iTunes (instead of Over-The-Air/iCloud) fixed their GPS issues.
Running an Older iOS?
The best bet for this problem as it stands today is to try updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS for your iPhone or iDevice model. This is particularly true for iFolks still running iOS 9. The update to the newer iOS has code that fixes known Bluetooth issues.
I personally had this problem on my iPhone 6S after updating to iOS 9. After upgrading my phone to the iOS 10 update, my iPhone 6S GPS worked without any hiccups.
The GPS Voice navigation has continued to show no issues even after upgrading. We still see that the problem exists on an older iPhone. People continue to report that one of their older models, the Waze App still does not function although the Apple Map works intermittently.
Using an Older Model iPhone (32-bit)?
As stated, users with older model iPhones that cannot upgrade to iOS 11 or iOS 10 report intermittent issues with their iPhones’ GPS. In particular, on these older models, both Google Maps and Waze still don’t always function although the Apple Map works most of the time.
Downgrading to an earlier iOS doesn’t cure this problem either.
Look at the Antenna
Some users found that by replacing the internal antenna, they were able to circumvent the issue. We don’t think that this DIY approach is that easy. It is a risky move at best if you do not know what you are doing.
Burp it, Baby!
Some folks found relief by smacking their iPhones in the corner where their iPhone model’s GPS antenna unit is located–usually the top left.
It’s best to first cover your iPhone in a soft towel or cloth to prevent screen damage. Then, give it a few swift whacks!
We call this burping your iDevice–a firm smack, done just a few times one after the other. Just like burping a baby–gentle but effective!
Why Does Burping Work?
If it works, chances are your antenna or its connection is loose.
Visit, Chat With or Call Apple Support
If you have upgraded your iPhone to the latest available iOS and are still having the issues with GPS, you should take your iPhone to the Genius store. If your device is under warranty, you should be able to get a replacement phone.
RELATED: How to Chat with Apple Support Directly
It is still hard to believe that this could be a hardware related issue. None of the usual technical workarounds with the software settings have yielded any permanent resolution as of this writing.
Reader Tips 
- The only thing I have found to sort of work is to open multiple apps that use GPS–like Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Pokemon Go and so forth. I think that opening up all these apps at one time forces GPS to get busy!
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Enable LTE. Toggle Enable LTE OFF and do a complete restart on your device by powering off, waiting a minute or so, and powering back on. Then, go back to the Settings to Enable LTE and change it from off to Voice and Data
- I did a full restore using iTunes (encrypted) and now all my GPS apps work amazingly!
- Try to reset the Location and Privacy Settings. That did the trick for me
- I was super duper frustrated, so I whacked my iPhone 8 a few times in the top left corner, and it started working. Unbelievable!
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
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I have tried everything on this article short of factory resetting my phone. I still experience GPS issues on two iPhone 8s running iOS 12.2. After extensive testing, and with the help of an app called “GPS Diagnostic”, I was able to figure out that the iPhone 8 has very poor GPS reception. There are locations in my car where the iPhone 8 receives no signals from the GPS satellites. This is only the case when the car is running, which makes me think the iPhone has very poor RF rejection regarding GPS reception. The car’s RF noise is enough to stop GPS reception in certain locations in my car. With the help of the “GPS Diagnostic” app, I have found a location in my car that gets good reception and my GPS problems have been solved. I am though very unhappy about this situation. I paid $599 each for these iPhone 8s. In this same car, in the same location, I have successfully used two hardware based GPS systems and three smartphones. One smartphone only cost $100 and another cost $150. All five of these devices had great GPS reception in the same car and same location. This tells me that the iPhone 8 is a very low quality product. GPS reception is a very basic and important feature and clearly the iPhone 8 has low quality GPS reception.
So I have a weird problem.
I have an iPhone 8+ and since I upgraded to iOS 12.2 whenever I use Google Maps for GPS guidance, it burns through my phone battery.
I had 98% on my battery, used GPS for a 30-minute drive and my battery was drained down to 68% and the phone was hot ( no it was not in the sun).
Any ideas on how to fix that?
Hi DJ,
First, try changing Google Maps location services to while using the app instead of always.
Go to Settings > Google Maps > Location
Change its permission to While Using the App for Allow Location Access
Go back to Google Maps settings
Turn off Motion and Fitness and Background App Refresh
Then open the Google Maps app, and tap the menu icon (three bars) in the upper-left
Tap on the settings icon (gear or cog icon)
Scroll all the way down the settings menu to About, terms, & privacy
tap on Location data collection
toggle this off
Restart your iPhone 8+ by powering off, waiting 1 minute, and powering back on
If that doesn’t help, try using Low Power mode to limit Google Maps access:
To Turn on Low Battery Mode on iPhone;
Open Settings
Tap on Battery
Turn On Low Power Mode
Hope something here helps!
I have an 5th gen iPad wifi only, I get wifi through a Verizon jetpack. When I am at home my location services don’t work. When I take my iPad and go somewhere and connect it with the hotspot from my phone, location services work. Before I updated to 12.1.4 it worked at home from my jetpack? What’s with that?
Jeff, Try and Reset Location Services as well as Network from Settings > General > Reset. Please make a note of the wi-fi name and password et al before you reset since you will have to re-enter them once your iPad restarts.
Waze is losing network connection once or twice a day on my iPhone 8. I am running IOS 12.1.4. I drive for Uber and use Waze all the time. I have deleted Waze. It’s trash now.
I’ve got an iPhone 6 running iOS 12.1. I tried just about everything in this article, but still can’t get Waze to connect to GPS. I’m convinced this is a Waze/iOS issue and NOT an iPhone hardware issue (GPS antenna or otherwise). Why? Because Google Maps and Apple Maps *successfully* connect to GPS and correctly show my location as I move.
I did not have any problems w/ Waze prior to the iOS 12 update. There is clearly a bug in iOS 12 and/or Waze that is preventing reliable GPS connection. At this point, I’m giving up and switching to Google Maps or Apple Maps. I’ll miss the better live traffic / re-routing in Waze, but I see no other option. It’s sad that such a great app, after being purchased by Google, has become unreliable.
APPLE IS GETTING TERRIBLE !!! FRUSTRATED BEYOND BELIEF
Same problem as the rest of the i-phone-gps community- and it has been like this for weeks.
Already it has cost me to be late, lost, and almost cause an accident in frustration.
It is sick that Apple does not bring out a new update that fixes this.
I have tried EVERYTHING and want ANSWERS!! SORT IT OUT!
Apple is going the way of Nokia if it does not get the basic functioning of a smartphone correct and instead brings out new versions which do NOT perform!!!
I’m HGV driver I need the google map all day along: for everything new place etc. I’m really annoying with apple. A simple thing they can’t fix.
Hi,
Just read your detailed article and carried out all your suggestions for technical reset etc etc
THEN—- in this technological age resorted to “BURPING THE BABY” (your term)
INSTANT SUCCESS!!!!!!!!
Why didn’t the Apple manufacturers use hard wiring for the antenna -“ dry joints” are always inevitable with push on connectors and they are also likely to work and not work randomly.
THANK YOU APPLE TOOLBOX – GENTLE HAMMERING RESOLVED THE PROBLEM !!!!!!!
Hi thanks for this info.
ABSOLUTELY NO POINT IN UPGRADING THE IPHONE 6s TO IPHONE 7,8 XR or X
Thanks for saving me the time and trouble.
I need functionality not incompetence on the part of Apple programmers
“IOS 12” ?
It needs renaming.
BYR BYE APPLE!!!
I have discovered a fix for GPS problems using Waze.
Every day or 2 my GPS goes wacky and can’t figure out where it is.
I talked with tech support and they had me reset many settings primarily with regard to allowing location services. That worked for a short while and then the problem came back.
After trial and error I now each day go to settings, scroll down to Waze, click on Waze, click on Location, set to Never, then set to Always.
That fixes it for a day or two. It’s a bit of a pain but takes less than 15 seconds.
I have an iPhone 6 and need the gps for my job.
I have tried apple support on phone for 4 hours and spen 4 hours at the Genius Bar.
I still get “no gps. Using an appropriate location” but it always knows where I am because it shows me on the map correctly.
It also doesn’t talk along the route.
I have tried everything suggested above but the problem persists. Will it be fixed with the next update? And when?
Try the following:
Open your phone Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle the switch OFF
Perform a hard reset on your iPhone. To do so:
On iPhone 4 – 6S: Hold the power and home buttons until you see the Apple logo
For iPhone 7/7+: Hold the power and volume down buttons until you see the Apple logo
With iPhone 8/8+/XS/XR/X: Press the volume up button, press the volume down button and then press and hold the power
button until you see the Apple logo
Return to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle the switch back ON
i’ve tried everything (hard reset, location settings toggle, services resets, etc.) with my 6S and still waze is not working (google maps now is). any other ideas before i must stop using waze, which i prefer..
After update to 12.0.1 on my iPhone 7, google maps will not play over JBL speaker. Music and movies are no problem. Tried all suggestions including forgetting device and repairing. And yes the volume is up in all devices. Says it is paired but plays directions over phone not speaker which is hard to hear while driving a truck. HELP
Hi Dawn,
Check the sound settings for Google Maps. Go to Settings > Google Maps > Notifications and scroll down to the Sounds toggle. Toggle it on or if already on, toggle it off and back on.
Then open the Google Maps App and tap the three bars in the upper left-corner, then tap the Gear icon. Scroll down to About terms and privacy and tap the Clear Application Data item.
After doing these two things, close the Google Maps App by double pressing Home and swiping up off the top of the screen the Google Maps App preview. Then restart your phone and see if google maps works on your speaker.
Sam
Did you solved this problem?
iphone8 plus maps not working i tried everthing from post and site still not working i tried waze and the samething happend
IOS 12 – So often I receive a no gps “showing approximate location” while other apps have not problem connecting to GPS I’ve tried quitting the app, reseting and I even went as far as purchasing a new sim card – mostly because Uber showed me ghosting location and it was narrowed down to the SIM.
If this issue is exclusive to IOS 12 Public Beta – please take note and I would be happy to provide logs.
Recently my GPS apps (both Waze and google maps) no longer works with my cars Bluetooth.
If I delete my iPhone from my car’s Bluetooth then it works using the iPhone speaker or if I’m outside my car it also works.
I want to hear the directions in the car so I can drive hands free. Please help. Thank you.
HI Kelly,
We’re sorry you’re having issues with Bluetooth and your Car’s BT connection. First, check online to see if there is any update to your car’s system and firmware. It’s possible that there’s an update out there that’s required with you current iOS version.
Then try forgetting the device from your car’s BT first, then restart your iPhone, switch off wifi, and now try connecting back to your Car’s BT system as a new BT device.
Also, check that background app refresh is on for Waze and Google Maps. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh
And check that location services are on as well. Go to Settings > Privacy and set location settings to “on.” And that Waze and Google Maps are set to always.
If I use my iPhone 8 64 GB as a GPS, and I drive to an area with no radio tower signals or WiFi signals, could the iPhone still be able to provide me navigation service?
If it does, how does it find out the current car position? I’d like to replace my Garmin GPS by iPhone while travelling in National parks (in some area there is no radio tower signal or WiFi signal), and I’d like to make sure if it is still able to find the car position in that situation. Thanks!
Hi David,
To use your iPhone for navigation offline, you need to first download any maps for areas you are intending to travel in.
Offline maps do indicate where you are on the map as you drive. However, with offline maps, you won’t get local traffic reports unless you can connect to the internet.
I say give it a try and see how to compares to your Garmin GPS. If sufficient for your needs, make the change!
Sam
Ive been onto pole all day, went in the store a coupe weeks ago, my iPhone 6 is old but the diagnostics and battery are still tip top. Apple couldn’t help me so I’ve set it back to factory settings, wake STILL had GPS problem, then turned off time and date and location, I think thats fixed it…? Ill try it tomorrow, keep you posted x
Thank you for the update Dee. Keep us posted!! We hope it works.
Have iPhone 6 running IOS 11.3.1
Using Tom Tom Australia GPS app.
After a recent upgrade to IOS 11.3.1 the TomTom app frequently displays ‘Poor GPS Reception’
Prior to upgrading to IOS 11.3.1 on this phone the Tom Tom APP has functioned flawlessly on this iPhone 6 and the previous iPhone 5.
This is frustrating and as stated previously there have been ‘NO’ issues with this application prior to upgrading to IOS 11.3.1
Would appreciate any assistance that can help resolve this issue.
Many thanks in advance for any assistance offered.
John
Hi John,
We’re very sorry to hear you’re having issues with iOS 11.3.1 and the Tom Tom App. If you haven’t already tried signing out of the app and signing back in, give this a go. Some readers also say that deleting and reinstalling the app fixed the problem for them.
The best way to delete an app on iOS 11 is via the Settings App. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Wait for the app list to populate, then tap the Tom Tom app and select Delete.
After deleting, restart your iPhone and then open the App Store to reinstall the app (press the cloud icon.) Then sign in with your account and see if the problem resolves.
If reinstalling didn’t help, then let’s restore your iPhone using iTunes
1) Connect your iPhone to iTunes and make a complete backup (choose encryption to save all your passwords)
2) Restore your iPhone. This erases your iPhone and factory resets it with a fresh install of the latest iOS
3) Restore your iPhone from that recent backup
If nothing helps, contact Tom Tom directly to see if they have any additional tips.
SK
I had a iPhone 7 for 7 months, WAZE & MAPS just stopped working. iOS 11.2.6
Tried everything including switching the sim card from a working phone. Apple store did a complete reset and only added the WAZE APP and GPS didn’t work.
They did a down load to the cloud, gave me a new phone and went home. Phone is almost done downloading from the cloud and I STILL HAVE NO GPS WITH THE NEW iPHONE 7!
iphone 6 gps cant acquire any satelite. it works sporatically for a little on the road and then stop working. Is this another apple conspiracy like the one slowing down iphone?
Hao, We have seen this issue even affecting some iPhone 8/+ and iPhone X users. What has been helpful for some are a few things 1) Turning Off Location Services, waiting for few seconds and then turning it back on (resets the GPS via location services) B) Keeping the Wi-Fi on (not sure why this helps but some folks have had success) c) Changing the system date time from auto to manual and then back to auto. Give it a try and see if it helps you with your issues. Good luck!
Apple wants ppl to upgrade to their latest and greatest prob. Solved my iphone 6 is doing the same thing gps isnt working. Changing over to a device that actually works and not spend 1k on a phone
I tried everything I could find on the internet and also via Apple Support. I was told to go to the store – long story short, I was told the GPS is broken in my phone after only three years. Coincidentally, perhaps, I replaced the battery around the time the GPS stopped working (about five weeks ago). Would I be surprised if the two events were related – not at all. I was told Apple cannot fix this hardware, the only thing to do is replace. I asked “replace the hardware or the phone?” Of course, it was the phone and when they say replace they mean buy a new one. Pretty disappointing, as I thought Apple would stand by its products more.
And, I would not be surprised if replacing the battery somehow contributed to this – and means I pay for both the battery AND a new phone. Apple wins….
Turn on “show notifications” after clicking the i next to your Bluetooth car connection
It’s certainly not a hardware issue here why. My wife, son and I all have different iPhones and all experience the same issue! Nice software update Apple. Now let’s fix this before people start leaving you for something that works!
My iPhone 6 gps is not working I’m really upset with the iPhone the company is cheating with us
Gautam, Try to restore it to Factory settings and then load up the latest iOS suitable for your device. Remember to backup your iPhone before you restore. If it doesnt work after that you should definitely take to the nearest Apple store and have them check it out.
For what it is worth…
I tried everything above on my iPhone 6 and finally went to the Apple Genius Bar. (The GPS had not been working for over a month on waze, google maps since updating to iOS 11. The man helping me knew of the issue but insisted it was most likely a “hardware issue.” I found this hard to believe considering so many of us are having this same problem. He tried all of the above as well with no luck. The last option was a some kind drastic reboot where he said that if it did not work, the phone would be absolutely useless, dead, good for nothing. I had very little faith that this would work and decided to keep the phone (worth $115 for a trade in) as a second phone for music/travel whatnot, and exasperated finally gave in to purchase the iPhone 8. While not happy at all with Apple at this point, I am at least relieved that whatever issues I had on the iPhone 6 did not follow me to the iPhone 8 as some people have found. The GPS now works smoothly as I drive and satellite signals finally show up in the GPS Diagnostic App that I got when all this began.
My iPhone 6 gps is not working
It hasn’t worked for about 3 weeks now
When I start a journey it never moves from the start point
This is on google maps and tom tom go
Please help nothing works
I too have tried everything described here to no avail. I do notice that each time an iOS update is pushed my gps works fine for about 5 days, then back to corrupted location. But clearly I do not want to force a wipe/restore every week just to keep my gps working.
I do notice that at some parts of my 30 mile commute to/from work, the gps works, so seems to be what some folks here have said about interference between using wifi/cellular/etc to triangulate location.
Has anyone tried to go to the Genius bar at an Apple store to see what they say?
I have an iPhoneX running 11.2.2 right now and ~5 days after that update my gps stopped working … again.
Rob, Thanks for your comment. Its hard to believe that we had seen the issue way back with iPhone 6S. We have iPhone 7, iPhone X and iPhone 8 plus. No issues on our 7 or the X. GPS on Waze showed problems with the 8+ and we restored and the problem vanished only to come back later after a week of use or so. Finally ended up taking the 8 plus to the store and got a replacement device. So far no issues but will see once we update it to 11.2.5 tonite. Your best bet is to take it to the Store and insist on replacement. The iPhone X is sensitive to certain materials. If you are using it in your car, do check by removing it from any magnetic holder and also the cover to see if the GPS works better. Its under warranty and apple care so best to take it in.
Hey guys what the heck is going on with this google
Maps gps issue ? This is a major thing for some time now and kills my patience !!! Tried all the methods described above next thing I will do is dustbin my iPhone. It’s pity guys this story has been going on for months now and no anti bug release has been introduced. Do I have to switch to Samsung phone ?? Jez guys.
Are these GPS problems related to the battery issue that has caused browser slowdown?
Iphone 6s GPS not working, will kick in sometimes after a km of walking. Google maps is very jerky and not updating location on time. Please fix ASAP and it all started with the 11.x release
Apple, I phone 6, and Forward, this is a major issue. myself and hundreds of others have experienced this issue. Please fix this error before you loose subs.
Thanks Apple for leaving me high and dry completely lost with my three kids in my car. I love crying in front of them! I purchased a product from Apple that promised a very important function (gps) that I have become dependent on, perhaps not for the better but albeit. I held up my end of the bargain and Apple took my money, but they didn’t hold up their end. Cool! That’s an ethical business practice! My family won’t be purchasing another product from Apple, no one likes mommy meltdowns in the car. (That part wasn’t sarcastic)
Thanks Apple for leaving me high and dry completely lost with my three kids in my car. I love crying in front of them! I purchased a product from Apple that promised a very important function that I have become dependent on, perhaps not for the better but albeit. I held up my end of the bargain and Apple took my money, but they didn’t hold up their end. Cool! That’s an ethical business practice! My family won’t be purchasing another product from Apple, no one likes mommy meltdowns in the car. (That part wasn’t sarcastic)
OK, to elaborate on my earlier post. My wife drove today so I was able to have a fiddle. It would seem that voice will not work on the phone when Blue Tooth is on and paired with my car system, which is needed for hands free phone operation. Voice will work through Blue Tooth if selected as the media supply, however this means that you cannot listen to the radio at the same time, also essential for traffic updates. As far as I am concerned, this renders the iPhone as a GPS navigation aid as next to useless. I should point out that I have 2 Nav apps and this problem is the same for both.
Google maps directions work fine visually however my problem is that voice directions do not work when driving , they do when away from the car. I have made all the changes as suggested, driving mode is set to manually, blue tooth is on so that I can receive hands free calls through my car system. I have the latest version of Google maps on my iPhone 5 (model ME434B/A) with IOS 11.2.1. It worked fine until an IOS upgrade a few months ago.
Can anyone help?
I’ve done every trick this web page has said to reset the gps… nothing worked… now what?
I also have an iPhone 6.
I have had this issue and may have resolved it on my own, but need some people to test this and give some feedback.
I tried all the troubleshooting that I could find on forums, blogs, etc…
Nothing worked.
What I realized is there is a lag after starting Waze now that I’ve installed iOS 11.
Tonight, I was out in town and decided to try Waze again, but doing something different.
1) I cleared all the apps first.
2) Then, I found a location where my LTE was functioning well (at least three bars).
3) I started Waze and let it fully boot up (did not do anything until it did).
4) After both of these happened, I entered the address where I wanted to go and it WORKED!!! – No “go outside” or any other message.
Full disclosure – The previous night, I changed some settings such as changing location services for Waze to “always on”. I turned on airplane mode and cycled through cellular data “on” and “off”.
I also did a hard reboot last night using the “home” and “on” buttons. I was at home and I started Waze, just to see “gps not working. please go outside” message again.
I hadn’t used the Waze app since… until tonight.
I hope this helps. Please let me know.
Kevin, This is awesome!! Like how you tried to troubleshoot the issue one step at a time and stumbled upon some very helpful tips that is surely bound to help other users. Thank you.
Same problem here, Waze and Google maps seem to be able to pull one (nearly?) correct GPS location, but from that point on refuse to update. I’ve only noticed this since the latest update to iOS 11.2 on an iPhone 6S Plus. Frustrating!
Before the upgrade, waze and google maps worked very well but now it’s useless. So frustrating especially we had our recent travels. A call for iphone to address this asap especially that our company will renew our phone units, have to switch to other units i guess…
I have been scouring boards, forums, and articles like this one looking for a solution since I updated my iPhone 6 to iOS11.2. My issue is 100% software related as it manifested the morning after my update.
I have tried all the tips with no luck except!!
What I have found to work. Mildly smacking my iPhone into the cusp of my opposite hand will get the GPS dot moving every time. It will operate normally for a few minutes and freeze again, typically at a stop sign/stop light.
I suspect the iPhone blends inputs from the GPS, WIFI, Cell Towers, AND its own internal accelerometers. This would make sense because the position tracking is quite smooth when working despite the car potentially masking satellite signals at times. This leads me to believe the current issue is related to how the data from the accelerometers blends with the other sources. Smacking the iPhone lightly causes inputs outside of normal range. The phone then disregards the accelerometers and begins tracking again.
Hi Joe,
Sorry, you’re having such troubles with your iPhone’s GPS. We really appreciate you sharing your insight on the accelerometers creating “translation” issues. Good thought. The challenge then is, what can the average user do about it…if this is the problem, then it’s a design flaw that Apple needs to address.
Please consider providing your feedback and analysis to Apple Product Developers via their Product Feedback site–it’s the best way to get this kind of user experience data to Apple’s development team.
Liz
I have done all of this and still my navigation doesn’t work. This has been extremely frustrating and ongoing for over a month maybe several. It is 100% necessary to use GPS with a smart phone and the fact that Apple has not repaired this issue or allowed us to revert to the former iOS is ridiculous! This phone is virtually worthless when you consider the challenges with GPS and the fact that you can’t even update three applications if you don’t want to use a new credit card for cloud services. I have always liked my iPhone but I am seriously considering going to a different product. There is no excuse for this kind of failure. You’re a Smart phone/computer company.
I got the same problem I, so I called Apple to complain at their product feedback site ( https://www.apple.com/feedback/ ) so that way the work team realizes the real problem of iPhone 6 (and other models too) and GPS are still not working after upgrading.
GPS and Maps have not worked correctly since the first IOS 11 update. I use apps to track my mileage for my business expense records. Three times I have had chats with Apple over the last three weeks trying to fix this mess. This last one was two days ago and I spent half hour on chat with Apple only to have me download to the latest 11.2 IOS. It fixes nothing !!!!!!!!
I will NEVER own another Apple product after this.
Disppointing with ios update . Gps is not working at all after trying all method .. i swear this is my last iphone.. had enough of it !
Dear Teams,
Google map not working properly after update
iOS 11.1.2
Way my maps are not working after the update
I am having same issue. Have done sine io9. Done all the suggestions but make no difference. There was one weekekend after doing update 11 it worked fine, covering just over 700 miles spot on. Then few days after decided to go to being sparadic often approx 5 miles out. However, once in Wifi area location then zooms in correctly. Very annoying is there anyone at Apple that can sort it
My iPhone 6 with the latest iOS update says no GPS when using the waze app. All other gps-driven mapping apps are working fine. I’ve googled and tried every suggestion, except installing new antenna (as it works with other map apps). I have uninstalled & reinstalled app, removed cover, hard reset phone x 30 seconds, toggled airplane mode off x 30 seconds, toggled data off x 30 seconds, turned 4G off, leaving only 3G turned on, toggled location services off x 30 seconds, checked that auto date & time is on, toggled off and on, reset network, reset location & privacy, I’ve updated carrier APN settings (giffgaff…my SIM works with Waze perfectly in another phone), I’ve tried with wifi off, location services are set to always on for the app. I’ve probably tried other steps that I just can’t remember atm. What is going on?
Hi Lindsay,
Wow, you’ve covered the bases! I’m really sorry you’re having such a strange time with your iPhone and Waze. It should work–especially since it’s clear your antenna is not the problem as it’s working on all other GPS apps.
I’m wondering if maybe Do Not Disturb While Driving is causing a problem. So let’s check that setting out and turn it to the manually setting (there is no OFF, so this is the closest thing.)
Then let’s either turn ON Bluetooth if it’s off or vice-versa (turning it Off if it’s currently ON)
Next, under location services let’s try again to force some adjustments. Navigate to Location Services > Waze and switch to “Never” then switch back to “Always” and finally switch to “Only When Using App.” See if this jump starts Waze into working–you may find that waze works best with Always–this was the default setting in previous iOS versions. So it could be that Waze developers need to update some app code to optimize for iOS 11’s requirement to have the “Only when using app” option.
Some folks report this workaround fixes the issue (but it’s a pain in the ….): After you open Waze and set a destination, open Apple Maps and set the same destination. Then switch back to Waze and the GPS works!
Let us know if you have success (or if not.)
SK
I got my maps working again by turning the date and time zone on and off, following the advice of this article. Thanks
Okay my 2 cents. me and my wife have iOS 10 and neither updated yet when iOS 11 came out my wife’s iphone 5s lost GPS while my iphone 6s is working fine. Sounds to me like this has more to do with Apple making a technology change to how phones use GPS in some way rather than the update.
Hi: Several times during the last 2 weeks, I have been experiencing problems with the “MAIL” app. I can no longer SEND an email. I have contacted my Cell Phone carrier, ISP provider, AND Apple, all to no avail.
It is my IPhone 6S Plus that is the problem. It performed flawlessly until 2 weeks ago. My IPhone SE, and MAC AIR perform well on the same ISP-provided email account.
Finally, TODAY, after having tried everything that I have been instructed to do, I decided to PERMANENTLY deactivate my 6 S Plus, and am leaning towards moving to a Samsung G8.
Robert, have you already tried to delete the Mail app and re-install it again on your device? We hate to see you go over to the Samsung camp. We wish you all the best.
I recently updated my phone to the IOS 10.3.3 and in my maps it shows addresses at the top of my list that I have not searched recently someone please help!
When I updated to iOS 10.3.3, on an iPhone 6 the operating system is very slow to connect to any wifi… this causes apps to display, no internet connection.
I am getting pink blank areas in Find My iphone when I am checking location of a device. It started a few days ago. Is it satelite service related or something else? Its really weird. The map loads much slower than before as well. Any clues guys?
i Just received a iphone 6 64gig from a friend after my lg died, stupidly i updated everything before using it! It was running a older version of ios. I thought the phone was broken besides cracked glass. after about 2 minute search everyone seems to have this issue on the iphone 6 after upgrading to the new ios. I wish there is a fix because I need this phone to be working. I have poor wifi, poor gps and poor bluetooth that is just too much stuff to be poor working on its own.
It is just pathetic that Apple can let down there customers like this.
If no maps work they should take back the phone and reimburse the cost
So the customer can choose a phone where maps/Waze work.
Apple maps does not work either.
Let’s vote vote with our feet
I have pretty much the issue that Mark Alderson has with this – gps on Waze does not work. In my case- it’s intermittent.
It also doesn’t work on google maps etc-but I rely on Waze.
Today on one car journey it worked perfectly. Around 20 minutes later it didn’t work at all- which seems to rule out all the setting switch on and offs that are suggested as fixes.
Apple have been as unhelpful with me too. The best they can suggest as a cause is a software conflict.
There is a really useful piece of software called GPS status by pocketgpsworld. It enables you to see the quality of gps fix your device has at least. It rules out Waze as the cause of the problem- my gps signal varies from ‘bad’ to ‘excellent’ whether waze is on or not . I am intrigued that whoever looks after waze at google doesn’t seems interested in solving this issue though?
The problem seems to have only come up in the last few months. I don’t buy the planned obselescence argument- I dug out a fairly ancient iPhone and use waze on it via personal hotspot. But this solution only works when my kids don’t steal my iPhone to watch YouTube videos of some guy playing Minecraft.
I presume that the problem is down to something in the IOS software that apple neither know or care much about. It is so frustrating.
I have the same issue Waze doesn’t work. Called apple support spent 2 hrs no results. Went to store and Genius Bar still no results. I phone 6 not even 3 year old. I was a total apple user. Phone pad air. This will be the last device I buy from them. Obviously an issue and all they could suggest was buy a new phone. Since jobs they no longer care about the user experience.
I too have the exact same issues with GPS it brings up the list of what I’m looking for but when I go to show me route it then puts me no where near where I actually am! I have tried every single thing people have suggested reset everything and still it doesn’t work! I rely on my phone for GPS all the time and after ready thins forum it sounds like Apple don’t care and just want more money from people maybe Samsung will be a better option if this issue isn’t rectified!
This is the second time that I have had problems with my apple phones. My wifi stopped working on my iPhone 4 and now the GPS. The Apple Store will tell you that there’s nothing they can do since the phone is no longer under warranty. That’s the same thing they said about the iPhone 4 and the wifi. They put too much work into their new products and forget about the last model. I had to pull out my Tomtom GPS and update it this weekend. It’s sad we pay so much for these phones and end up with no GPS signal when we need it. I would be better off with a flip phone…
I went to the Apple Store and they said my phone had no hardware problems (despite the gps not working while in the store) and suggested I reinstall from os up. I said I did. They said I should just by a new iPhone because my iPhone 6 was old and can’t use all the new features of the latest OS. I asked what kind of discount or deal they could offer me since it seems to be a Problem caused by their OS. They pointed to the tables of demos and said all the prices are out there. Thanks But no thanks.
Same issue still. Did latest update and Apple Iphone 6 gps not working! So frustrating! I’m traveling with no gps. Terrible. Very displeased.
I have just bought a new iPad mini 4 and have same issues with google maps an othe map apps not working. Apple replaced with new iPad but exactly the same with new one. Where do I go from he.. very frustrating.
I got GPS and wifi issues after the 10.3 is update, went today to Genius Bar and….yup they confirmed the iPhone 6 antenna might not be compatible with the new software. And the sad thing they told me there’s nothing to do and you should know there’s risk when you update your software!!!!!
Well definitely not the Apple we used to know.
I have an iPhone 7. After updating, my GPS also stopped working when I wasn’t using wi-fi. I went into setting > scrolled down to the app > turned on Mobile Data. It works now…hopefully.
Apple fix these issues please!
I have an iPhone 6 after updating to iOS 10 my gps will not work on maps nor google maps. I have tried all the suggestions about turning location services off and then on again and still nothing.
My son also has an iPhone 6 and he recently updated as well to IOS 10 and his gps doesn’t work either nor his wifi. We have tried everything. I have owned multiple iPhones since the iPhone 4 and never had these issues. Any suggestions?..
I’m an iPhone user since it first came out. I have an iPhone 6 right now and gps is not working. It’s very annoying to the point that I will not ever buy an iPhone again!!!! Switching to Samsung galaxy phone.
Two words: Planned Obsolescence.
I’m convinced Apple does things like this on purpose so you have to buy a new one and can’t keep using a perfectly good phone that is 3 years old…
I was on the phone with a apple tech for 2 hours … gps still not working…so aggravating
I’m an iPhone user since it first came out. I have an iPhone 6 right now and gps is not working. It’s very annoying to the point that I will not ever buy an iPhone again!!!! Switching to Samsung galaxy phone.
I am having trouble with my maps after I upgraded to IOS 10.1.1.
It seems like its just not loading, it does not start to navigate. It picks up the address but just don’t start to navigate me there.
Please help. 🙁
I too am having the same issue with the gps not functioning properly and I have iOS 10.1.1 is there no fix for this ?
I am facing the same problem with iphone 6… gps stopped working after the update 3 minths ago and wi-fi is worse than before… my colleague with iphone 6+ has the same issue… i don’t know what to do??
Sorry. Should say work, not week.
My iPhone 6 is having the same GPS issue. I drive constantly for week and need Waze. You are not alone!
After updated my 6s to 10.0.2, my GPS and Wifi do NOT work at all. I have done everything from soft to hard boot. I even restored back to factory settings. I’m so sad. I got so lost yesterday. That’s when I realized it was not working. Please fix this, Apple! I am now realizing how dependent on my phone I am for directions!
My iPhone 6 was working perfectly before updated to 9.3.1 and after that my iPhone cannot shows accuracy location anymore. I cannot even use google map. Now I am on 10.0.2 and nothing changes. I tried everything like factory setting, restore and set it as new. Apple expert told me there is no similar case. I know they are lying. Apple sucks.
Cheap tactic by Apple to force users to use Apple maps which is crap in comparison to Google maps
I upgraded to 9.3.4 and still not working. Tried resetting network connections and all the multiple other suggestions. So frustrating. Phone is out of warranty, trying to wait for iPhone 7.
9.3.4 didn’t solve anything for me. same issues still.
I still have wifi, Bluetooth and gps problem after 9.3.4 update
The problem still persists on my iPhone 6 even after i upgraded to 9.3.4 IOS.
The online support is not that great in this regard, i will try going to the nearest apple stores and see if they have any fix for the same…
Thanks for the update Udaya!
I’m an iPhone 6 user and experienced GPS issues with Google Maps, Apple Maps, Pokemon Go, and weak wifi signals with 9.3.3. I updated to iOS 9.3.4 and the GPS/weak wifi issue seems to be resolved now. Try the latest update if you have not updated.
I’m on 9.3.3 and I’m still having GPS and Bluetooth issues. In fact, they got significantly worse since this last update. My GPS shows me several hundred yards or more away from where I actually am, if it works at all. Bluetooth is extremely choppy unless the phone is 2 feet from my headphones or less.
Same here .. My gps doesn’t work after the update… Any news..?
I am experiencing the same issue since the 9.3 update…can we please have a fix its super annoying especially since most apps require Location/GPS function
apple please fixed gps problem which occured after updating to ios 9.3.2 please. its getting annoying and it takes so long. we simply cant use our gps! its horrible
iPhone 5s 9.3.2 the GPS not work . I have maps here, waze, Google Map .
My wifi Bluetooth have weakened significantly. I also completely lost GPS.
Steve, Have you tried Resetting the Network Settings? Give it a try and see if it gets any better.
The 9.3.1 update weakened my wifi and Bluetooth signals and my GPS is horrible if it works st all. It only affected the 2.4Ghz band but not the 5Ghz band for wifi. For Bluetooth to be streaming music without issue it must be within a foot or 2 of the device. I replaced the wifi/bluetooth antenna in my iPhone 6 and the problem never changed. So like you said I don’t think any of this is a hardware issue.
I have the same issue, i have reset all the setting but it s not work
I had an issue with Wallet. I cancelled all my credit cards and now I can’t seem to get them on Wallet again.