Drummer3708
Level 1 (8 points)
Desktops

Q: iPhone navigator won't work away from home

I am new to i Phone 6s and having difficulties with the navigator.  At home it works fine giving  directions but when away from home it doesn't know where I am so setting a route is impossible.

 

As I am new to a smart phone (and not very tech savvy) I suggest anybody kind enough to offer assistance consider very basic errors I could be guilty of.

 

Thank you in anticipation.

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Dec 23, 2015 8:23 AM

by alex_h1,Solvedanswer
alex_h1 alex_h1
Community Specialists
A:

Hey there Drummer3708,

 

I see you're having some issues with the GPS accuracy of your iPhone.  To help troubleshoot this issue I suggest that you follow through the tips below.

 

Improve GPS accuracy

GPS accuracy varies depending on the number of visible GPS satellites. Locating all visible satellites can take several minutes, with accuracy gradually increasing over time. Use these tips to improve GPS accuracy:

  • Make sure that you've set the date, time, and time zone correctly on the device in Settings > General > Date & Time. If possible, use Set Automatically.
    Important: Incorrect settings on your computer can sync to your device. Verify the date, time, and time zone on any computer that syncs with your device.
  • Restart your device.
  • Verify that you have a cellular or Wi-Fi network connection. This allows the Assisted GPS (A-GPS) on the device to locate visible GPS satellites faster, in addition to providing initial location information using the Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
    Microcells (sometimes called Femtocells) aren't supported with Location Services.
  • Keep a clear view of the horizon in several directions. Keep in mind that walls, vehicle roofs, tall buildings, mountains, and other obstructions can block line of sight to GPS satellites. When this occurs, your device will automatically use Wi-Fi or cellular networks to determine your position until the GPS satellites are visible again.

About privacy and Location Services for iOS 8 and iOS 9

 

 

Take care.

Posted on Dec 25, 2015 3:12 AM

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Drummer3708

Q: iPhone navigator won't work away from home

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  • Helpful answers

  • by alex_h1,Solvedanswer

    alex_h1 alex_h1 Dec 25, 2015 3:12 AM in response to Drummer3708
    Community Specialists
    Dec 25, 2015 3:12 AM in response to Drummer3708

    Hey there Drummer3708,

     

    I see you're having some issues with the GPS accuracy of your iPhone.  To help troubleshoot this issue I suggest that you follow through the tips below.

     

    Improve GPS accuracy

    GPS accuracy varies depending on the number of visible GPS satellites. Locating all visible satellites can take several minutes, with accuracy gradually increasing over time. Use these tips to improve GPS accuracy:

    • Make sure that you've set the date, time, and time zone correctly on the device in Settings > General > Date & Time. If possible, use Set Automatically.
      Important: Incorrect settings on your computer can sync to your device. Verify the date, time, and time zone on any computer that syncs with your device.
    • Restart your device.
    • Verify that you have a cellular or Wi-Fi network connection. This allows the Assisted GPS (A-GPS) on the device to locate visible GPS satellites faster, in addition to providing initial location information using the Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
      Microcells (sometimes called Femtocells) aren't supported with Location Services.
    • Keep a clear view of the horizon in several directions. Keep in mind that walls, vehicle roofs, tall buildings, mountains, and other obstructions can block line of sight to GPS satellites. When this occurs, your device will automatically use Wi-Fi or cellular networks to determine your position until the GPS satellites are visible again.

    About privacy and Location Services for iOS 8 and iOS 9

     

     

    Take care.

  • by Drummer3708,Helpful

    Drummer3708 Drummer3708 Dec 30, 2015 6:35 AM in response to alex_h1
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 30, 2015 6:35 AM in response to alex_h1

    Hi alex_h1

    Thank you very much for the prompt and helpful reply.  I note the shortcomings you point out and understand I have to be patient to allow time for the navigator to find a satellite.  I now understand more about wi-fi connections when out the other day and coming home (and the navigator in test mode and not working) that as I passed a certain shop was offered a link to it.  But the most important suggestion was under restart the device and do certain checks I followed up with reset.  I then received several pages of information dealing with location and how it worked I had never seen before and were most informative.

     

    I have now walked a few hundred yards from the house then set the navigator to my post code and at once the map appeared with a voice explaining what is happening and can expect.  And later today when collecting my daughter to bring her to the house will give it a road test and have every confidence will result in a Yippee! and thanks to you. 

     

    The phone I have replaced and never had in navigation mode is a iPhone 3G; It seems this works in a similar way (albeit a lot less sophisticated) but has no narrative, is this normal or is there a setting out of place?

     

    Thanks again, in anticipation.

  • by Drummer3708,

    Drummer3708 Drummer3708 Dec 30, 2015 6:52 AM in response to Drummer3708
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 30, 2015 6:52 AM in response to Drummer3708

    I have the navigator working and very happy with it.  The reason is probably a mixture of several areas and will probably never know specifics but would say the advice from Apple assistance was I should backup the phone to i Tunes then restore it.  I did this and the next morning used the navigator for a short trip and it worked admirably then on the way home again; and later that day did those two trips again, but this time when it was dark, the only difference being the screen was less bright I had originally thought was to do with the fault but now realise is for safety reasons.

     

    Again many thanks to all who offered their advice that is always so appreciated and for those who are struggling don't hesitate to ask as in the four years I have been the proud user of Mac products there is always help when asked for and many knowledgeable and dedicated persons only too happy to assist with no sense of condescension.