iPhone GPS issues are not as common as Wi-Fi issues or problems with Bluetooth, but some people reported that at times GPS is not accurate, or the location of the user cannot be recognized at all. Most of the time, GPS problems on iPhone occur right after the user upgrades its device to the latest version of iOS. Back when Apple released iOS 8.4, many people complained about the inaccuracy of GPS. The same goes for iOS 9.3 – users are reporting a problem saying GPS not working properly after iOS 9.3 update. We are going to list several solutions that will help you fix iPhone GPS issues, including the error when playing Pokémon GO “GPS signal not found”.
Before we start, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, and make sure Location Services is ON.
See also: How To Fix No Service On iPhone
Ways to fix iPhone GPS issues
Toggle Location Services
We usually start with some simple tricks that may work, and we are going to do the same this time. Some users noticed that when GPS is not accurate or the location is not recognized, simple toggling of Location Services sets things in motion. Start from there.
- Navigate to Settings
- Next, tap Privacy
- Tap Location Services
- Now turn the Location Services off, wait for 15-20 seconds and turn it back on.
Airplane mode on/off
The next thing to try is also very simple. You need to navigate to Settings and enable the Airplane mode. Leave it on for 20 seconds, and turn it back off. Toggling the Airplane mode can come as handy in various situations, not only when GPS is not working. If you see “no service”error, or experiencing Wi-Fi hiccups, turning the Airplane mode on/off can fix the problem.
Date & Time
You need to make sure date, time, and time zone are correct. It is advisable to select the option “Set automatically”. Here is how you can do that:
- Go to Settings
- Tap “Date & Time”
- Choose the option “Set automatically”.
Turn off LTE
Several users solved iPhone GPS issues by turning LTE off. If the previous solutions didn’t work for you, try this one.
- Go to Settings
- Next, tap Cellular
- Tap Cellular Data Options
- Tap Voice and Data
- Select 3G.
Soft reset
A soft reset can work like magic. This will not erase any of your data. Here is how to perform a soft reset on your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Sleep/wake button and the power button at the same time
- Keep holding these buttons for at least 10 seconds
- Release the buttons when you see the Apple logo.
Update the app
If you are experiencing GPS issues only when using a specific app, make sure the application is up to date. Just open the App Store, tap Updates, look for the app and get its latest version.
Reset network settings
When GPS isn’t working on iPhone, or if it works, but it’s not accurate, you should reset network settings. You will have to enter your Wi-Fi passwords later. Here is how to reset network settings:
- Navigate to Settings
- Tap on General
- Tap on Reset
- Choose Reset Network Settings
- Enter your passcode
- Tap Reset Network Settings
Close the apps, enable the Airplane mode, reset network settings
If you tried above-mentioned solutions, but iPhone GPS is not working, perhaps you will fix it by following the path below:
- Close the apps – tap on the Home button twice and you will see the preview of the apps you have been using. When the screen of an app shows up, swipe up to close it. Do this for all the apps that are currently open.
- Navigate to Settings and enable the Airplane mode
- Reset network settings (follow the steps shown in the previous solution)
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Disable Location Services, wait a couple of seconds and turn it back on
- Next, navigate to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Tap System Services and turn off Time Zone.
- Go to Settings and turn off the Airplane mode.
Update the software
When many users complain about the same issues, a new version of iOS will address the problem and it will bring the fixes. If the new version is available, install it.
- Connect your iPhone to a power source
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap Download and Install or Install Now.
Restore your iPhone to factory settings using iTunes
If the solutions listed above didn’t work, you should restore your device to factory settings. Don’t forget to backup your data and make sure you have the latest version of iTunes.
- Use USB cable that came with your iPhone to connect your device with your computer
- When iTunes recognizes your device, select your iPhone
- Click Restore located in the Summary tab and confirm the action
- When the task is done, your iPhone will reboot
- Set up your iPhone as new.
iPhone GPS is not working after iOS update
In most cases, iPhone GPS issues occur after iOS update. Keep in mind the issue may disappear after a few hours. iPhones need some time to settle after the update. If possible, downgrade iOS and if that is not an option, you can try to fix the problem by following the above-mentioned solutions. Let’s mention them again:
- Toggle Location Services
- Toggle Airplane mode
- Navigate to Settings > Date & Time and select “Set Automatically”
- Turn off LTE and select 3G
- If you have GPS issues only when using a specific app, update that app
- Perform a soft reset
- Reset network settings
- Once the new version of iOS becomes available, install it
- Restore your iPhone to factory settings using iTunes.
How to fix iPhone Pokémon GO “GPS signal not found”
Pokémon GO is currently one of the most popular games played by millions of people. iPhone users are reporting an error while playing Pokémon GO “GPS signal not found”. The issue may appear because the servers are overloaded at the moment. If the error message keeps popping, here are several things to try:
- Make sure the Wi-Fi on your iPhone is enabled (even though there are no Wi-Fi networks around)
- If the error appears while you are indoors, go outdoors for a minute or two and the error will disappear
- Make sure you have the latest version of the app. Open App Store, and look for Pokémon GO update.
- Relaunch the app. Tap on the Home button twice, swipe left or right to find Pokémon GO and swipe up to close it. Start the app again.
These problems / solutions are found and effective on iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
If you have tried all the solutions and , iPhone GPS is not working, contact Apple or visit one of their stores.
