alexhoward
Level 1 (4 points)
iOS Apps

Q: GPS apps shutting down in background

I've got an iPhone 6s upgraded to iOS 10 the day it came out last week and I've noticed that apps using GPS are failing in the background when multiple apps are in use. I was running Waze to check for traffic and Google Maps simultaneously to check for something else on Friday and noticed that whichever was in the background would tend to shut down after a short while. When I'd switch back, it would have to reacquire the route. I also have a new Fitbit Charge HR which uses the phone's GPS via bluetooth to create a map of my route. I was running this along with my usual Runkeeper app (which normally works flawlessly) and noticed that Runkeeper would shut down after a mile or so. When I switched to it from my podcast app after my run, Runkeeper would start up and missed the last couple of miles of my run. Also, the route recorded by Fitbit seemed jumped around a bit. I know it's not unusual for GPS to blip, especially when moving through areas with weak or changing cell signal or while running through city streets with large buildings but it seems that problems have become more consistent. I haven't tried running with just one app to see if I have the same issue, but will try tomorrow. I did use only one navigation app (Waze) last night and it also seemed to shut down after being put in the background for awhile. Has anyone else seen anything like this?

iPhone 6s, iOS 10

Posted on Sep 25, 2016 8:50 AM

Close
alexhoward

Q: GPS apps shutting down in background

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by norm123,

    norm123 norm123 Sep 26, 2016 2:10 PM in response to alexhoward
    Community Specialists
    Sep 26, 2016 2:10 PM in response to alexhoward

    Hello alexhoward,

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It's my understanding GPS apps don't run in the background, after updating to iOS 10. I use GPS any time I travel. I know it can be crucial for GPS apps to run in the background. I'm happy to help

    First I recommend restarting your iPhone. This can resolve many unexpected behaviors. Use the steps below.

    1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears.
    2. Drag the slider to turn your device completely off.
    3. After the device turns off, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until you see the Apple logo.

    Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

    If the issue persists, reset your location services. This resets all of your location settings back to default. Apps will stop using your location until you grant them permission again. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy. Here's some additional information about Location Services.
    About privacy and Location Services in iOS 8 and later

    Cheers!

  • by alexhoward,

    alexhoward alexhoward Sep 27, 2016 6:01 AM in response to norm123
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iOS Apps
    Sep 27, 2016 6:01 AM in response to norm123

    GPS apps don't run in the background at all? That sounds like a huge step backwards and breaks a lot of existing apps. Interestingly enough, I was able to run my Fitbit and Runkeeper apps successfully for the duration of my run yesterday. I had updated to 10.0.2 on Sunday night although I couldn't find any fixes mentioning GPS or background app performance in the release notes. That update did require a reboot, though.