Emelum
Level 1 (4 points)
iPad

Q: add internal gps chip to ipad?

Hi, I just purchase 2 Ipads for the kids, wifi only. What was my surprise when I realize they do not have GPS build in. (Incredible right?)

   So I am looking for a way to install the GPS chip inside the devices, I am not interested on external devices, so complex for them...

   I dont care about warranty or something like that, anyway, I will need to purchase another device quite soon if I can not solve this shortage.

  I would appreciate any help

Thanks in advance,

Luis

iPad Air, iOS 9.3.4, WiFi

Posted on Aug 22, 2016 8:28 AM

by ShagCA,Solvedanswer
ShagCA ShagCA
Level 4 (1,773 points)
iPad
A:

Emelum wrote:

 

what about aftermarket? I mean, no apple parts...

  You know, the stupid rule: if it is more expensive is better... (not in this case obiously)

Thanks

That's the problem. No one makes an internal GPS chip for iPad WiFi. Get an exchange or sell that device and buy WiFi + cellular model.

 

Actually the rule is correct, WiFi + cellular is about $100+ more and it has GPS chip.

Posted on Aug 22, 2016 9:04 AM

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Emelum

Q: add internal gps chip to ipad?

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  • by Demo,Helpful

    Demo Demo Aug 22, 2016 8:52 AM in response to Emelum
    Level 10 (94,728 points)
    iPad
    Aug 22, 2016 8:52 AM in response to Emelum

    iPads have no user serviceable parts so you can not add a GPS chip. Start shopping for that new device.

  • by Phil0124,Helpful

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Aug 27, 2016 9:23 AM in response to Emelum
    Level 7 (26,743 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 27, 2016 9:23 AM in response to Emelum

    No way to add an internal GPS chip sorry.

     

    However, Wifi + Cellular iPads do in fact have GPS chips.   You don't need to activate the cellular portion with a plan if you do not want to.

     

    If GPS is that important, and you are within 14 days (28 days in some countries) of having purchased them from Apple  you can return them for a full refund, and buy ones with the GPS chip. Or use the money on a different product.

     

    As a note however, the GPS will be pretty useless if they are not always connected to a source of internet. you cannot magically track them unless they have internet access. If they have internet access over wifi, then tracking is still very possible even without a GPS chip.

  • by Emelum,

    Emelum Emelum Aug 22, 2016 8:50 AM in response to Demo
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Aug 22, 2016 8:50 AM in response to Demo

    Thanks for the answer, what about aftermarket? I mean, no apple parts...

      I know it was my fault for purchasing something which does not fit my kids needs. I just thought that any other cheaper device has it so, those expensive toys should have it for sure.

      You know, the stupid rule: if it is more expensive is better... (not in this case obiously)

     

    Thanks

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Aug 22, 2016 8:58 AM in response to Emelum
    Level 10 (94,728 points)
    iPad
    Aug 22, 2016 8:58 AM in response to Emelum

    I Know that you say you aren't concerned about the warranty, but you could be voiding the warranty if you take device apart on your own and try to insert the chips, even if it was possible to do so.

     

    Did you see Phil's answer above? If the iPads are less than 14 days old, return them for a refund and buy ones that are WiFi + Cellular.

  • by ShagCA,Solvedanswer

    ShagCA ShagCA Aug 22, 2016 9:04 AM in response to Emelum
    Level 4 (1,773 points)
    iPad
    Aug 22, 2016 9:04 AM in response to Emelum

    Emelum wrote:

     

    what about aftermarket? I mean, no apple parts...

      You know, the stupid rule: if it is more expensive is better... (not in this case obiously)

    Thanks

    That's the problem. No one makes an internal GPS chip for iPad WiFi. Get an exchange or sell that device and buy WiFi + cellular model.

     

    Actually the rule is correct, WiFi + cellular is about $100+ more and it has GPS chip.

  • by Emelum,

    Emelum Emelum Aug 27, 2016 9:36 AM in response to ShagCA
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPad
    Aug 27, 2016 9:36 AM in response to ShagCA

      Thanks a lot to you all for your help!!! The IPads are already more
    than one month old, so no way to give them back to the store. On top of that,
    in Spain Apple has the policy that if you open the box, then you cannot give it
    back (This is against the law, so they will finally honor the 14 days, but it
    is not nice procedure).

      Anyway, I have seen a possible solution, looks like your can use
    external GPS via BT, which is located in the phones. 
    So simply share the GPS in the smartphone with the IPads and done, you have GPS.
       I need to do something call jailbreak, I think it is like unblock the
    IPads, a part of that, I guess it will work fine.

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Aug 27, 2016 10:07 AM in response to Emelum
    Level 9 (58,299 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 27, 2016 10:07 AM in response to Emelum

    Emelum wrote:

     

       I need to do something call jailbreak, I think it is like unblock the
    IPads, a part of that, I guess it will work fine.

    Jailbreaking your iPad will not magically give it GPS. The iPads you bought doesn't have the hardware.