Reviews Tech
Written by Emma Witman
- If your location is wrong on your iPhone, there are a number of ways you can fix it to get a more accurate location.
- Make sure location services are enabled for the app you're using, and that both the app and your iOS are fully updated.
- You can also try changing your cellular data options to pinpoint a better signal, but if you're not connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular network, your iPhone will likely have trouble with location accuracy.
- Here are four common reasons why your location is wrong on an iPhone, and how to fix the issue.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
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Can you find me now?
Occasionally, the answer is no when it comes to your iPhone.
Whether it's the third-party app you're using, factors like the cellular or Wi-Fi signal, or a problem with your iPhone itself, sometimes the device just can't seem to figure out where you are.
And an inaccurate location can be a big deal in an age when many of us rely on GPS for directions and navigation.
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Why your location is wrong on an iPhone, and how to fix it
Fortunately, most iPhone location issues are easily solvable.
Here are four common reasons why your iPhone can't find you, and how to troubleshoot them:
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You don't have location services enabled
Privacy concerns are a great reason to withhold your location from apps that don't really need it, but you may have been overzealous in an effort to cloak some of your personal information.
Make sure you've enabled location services for apps that you want to be able to find you:
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to "Privacy."
3. Select "Location Services" at the top.
4. Toggle to enable them.
5. Double-check in the listed apps below that you've set permission "While Using."
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You need to update your iOS
An out-of-date iOS can account for software bugs that suddenly scramble your location accuracy.
Check that you have the most recent software update on your iPhone:
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap "General."
3. Open "Software Update" at the top, and you will see if your iOS is updated.
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You need to update the app you're using
Likewise, location accuracy bugs will plague third-party apps if there's been an iOS update, and you haven't updated the app.
While iOS 13 users will have their apps automatically update, if you're running on an older iOS, you may need to go to the App Store and change your settings to automatically update apps, or manually update the ones with location issues
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You have a poor cellular or Wi-Fi signal
Your location is estimated from sources like GPS satellites, the closest Wi-Fi networks, and nearby cell towers.
If you don't have a strong signal, chances are you won't have an accurate location. But you can try and change your cellular data settings to find a better connection.
1. Go to Settings.
2. Open "Cellular."
3. Tap "Cellular Data Options."
LTE generally gives you the best signal, but you may want to try out your other options, like 3G or 4G, to see if that works better. You can also try to enable data roaming, especially if you're in another country — but you may incur extra data charges.
Related coverage fromHow To Do Everything: Tech:
How to share your location on an iPhone in 4 different ways
How to stop your iPhone from tracking your location, and manage each app's location-tracking
How to turn off the Find My iPhone feature on your iPhone
How to change the 'Significant Locations' saved on your iPhone, or delete the list
7 ways to fix your iPhone when it has no service
Emma Witman is an Asheville, NC-based freelance journalist with a keen interest in writing about hardware, PC gaming, politics, and personal finance. She is a former crime reporter for a daily newspaper, and has also written extensively about bartending for Insider. She may or may not judge your drink order when behind the bar. Follow her on Twitter at @emwity.
Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.
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