GPS is one of the most popular features people use on an iPhone, and it’s frustrating when it stops working. Sometimes, you will encounter the “Location not available” message on your iPhone. Sometimes the GPS stops working when using the phone for navigation. Either way, there are a few ways you can try to fix it. The information in this article can apply to iPhones running (iOS 6) through (iOS 15 ).
Reasons why GPS not working on iPhone:
Some settings on the iPhone intentionally prevent GPS from working. Other reasons for GPS not working are weak signal, outdated map data, or hardware failure. Although iPhone (GPS) issues are not common, they can occur after an (iOS) update. Most solutions to GPS signal deficiency are related to settings that are easy to fix.
How to fix (GPS) not working on iPhone:
Most of the fixes for iPhone (GPS) issue are related to settings and are easy to try:
- Restart iPhone: Turn it off, wait a minute, then turn it back on. And a restart is often a fix when something on the phone isn’t working as expected.
- Move to an open area: Avoid areas with no or weak signals such as metal buildings, wooded areas, or tunnels. So you should go to an open location and normally check the GPS signal.
- Update iPhone (iOS): You must make sure that your iPhone is running the latest version of the operating system (iOS), and if not, you must upgrade it. Every new iOS version contains bug fixes and new features.
- Make sure cellular data is on: Toggle the Cellular data slider on and off again in your iPhone settings, and make sure you have a signal.
- Turn on (Wi-Fi). Wi-Fi helps with accuracy, so make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. According to Apple, iPhone location services use GPS, Bluetooth, collectively sourced Wi-Fi hotspots, and cell towers to determine your location.
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Another quick fix is to turn Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds. Then do turn it off and try your GPS again.
- Toggle Location Services: Toggling Location Services on and off again is a simple trick that works for many iPhone users. Every once in a while something gets stuck and benefits from a quick reset.
- Check the date and time zone settings. Another reason GPS may not work is the date and time zone settings on the phone. To fix it, go to Settings > General > Date & Time, and can choose Set Automatically.
- Reset network settings: Resetting your phone’s network settings resolves a range of issues with Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth connections when they fail. And when the reset is complete, check your GPS to see if it’s working. But you may have to log into your (Wi-Fi) connection because the network reset breaks the connection.
- Restart the app: If your (GPS) problem is with only one app, you can:
- Close this application and reopen it.
- Check the App Store to make sure you are running the latest version of the app .
- Ensure that location services are turned on for this specific application.
- Delete the app from the phone and reinstall it from the App Store.
- Restore the phone to factory defaults: As a last resort, you can reset your iPhone completely. If none of the above fixes worked, restore your iPhone to factory settings. But remember, factory reset erases all your settings and data. It should be used as a last resort to fix your (GPS) problem. iPhone can be backed up using (iTunes, Finder, or iCloud) to prepare for a factory reset. You risk losing everything if you don’t have a good backup.
If none of the above fixes work, you may have a hardware problem, which is best diagnosed and repaired by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. So you should search the Apple Support website online if you want to keep trying to fix it yourself. Otherwise, make an appointment with the official iPhone dealer in your country and take it to your local Apple Store.
