iPad: “Your Location Could Not be Determined”; Fix

Some iPad users have report receiving the error message “Your Location Could Not be Determined” when attempting to use location services in Maps or other applications.

Note that Wi-Fi-only iPads may not be able to determine location if connected to a Wi-Fi network in a rural area or another location where hotspots are sparse and the device is unable to triangulate itself. Wi-Fi iPads’ accuracy in determining location may also vary widely (see this Apple Knowledge Base article for an explanation of how iPad location services work).

Potential Fixes

MobileMe “Find Me.” Users with MobileMe have reported success in resolving this issue by navigating to Settings > Mail, Contact and Calendars > “Your MobileMe Account”, then turning on the option “Find my iPad.” After a few minutes, location services may begin working again.

Submit location to Skyhook. Wi-Fi-only iPads use Skyhook Wireless to determine location. As such, if your area is not in Skyhook’s database, your iPad may not be able to determine location. Navigate to this page and map your location, then determine your Wi-Fi network’s MAC address and submit it.

SK( Managing Editor )

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.