Can I use my iPhone gps on a wifi-only iPad

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Can I use my iPhone gps on a wifi-only iPad

I'm considering buying an iPad. I'm aware the wifi-only models don't have a GPS chip and would normally locate using wifi location data. I realise that buying a cellular model might resolve the question, but I would compromise on other features for my budget.

Therefore, if I tether a wifi-only iPad to my iPhone, can the iPad use the iPhone's GPS data to locate (if, for example, there is no other available source)? Would that work with any navigation/mapping app, or is it restricted (eg to Apple Maps)?

If not, are there reasonably-priced bluetooth or plug-in GPS devices that work with the wifi-only iPad that work with any mapping/navigation app?

Posted on Nov 26, 2021 2:18 AM

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Answer 1

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CycleJon Author

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Nov 26, 2021 4:26 AM in response to Apple_Tricks

Thanks Apple_Tricks. Your reply kind of answers the question, but that particular link is not quite what I'm meaning.

Just to clarify, I understand the idea of tethering and that it would give me internet connection via the iPhone. But it's not necessarily internet connection I'm after. Would tethering give the iPad access to the GPS receiver on the iPhone, even if there was no internet connection for the iPhone. In other words, if I had no signal to the iPhone, but paired the iPad to it, could the wifi-only iPad access the GPS receiver on the iPhone and know where it was based on a map previously downloaded to the iPad?

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Answer 2

Nov 26, 2021 3:13 AM in response to CycleJon

You can pair your iPad to your iPhone’s personal hotspot and then use it for navigation or whatever else you want that requires an internet connection.

https://support.apple.com/en-ie/HT204023

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Answer 3

Nov 27, 2021 12:12 PM in response to CycleJon

No that is not possible - the only way to “tether” an iPad to an iPhone is via the personal hotspot which will allow the iPad to use your 4G/5G connection and thus pinpoint your location.

Non-cellular iPads can use local Wi-Fi signals to try and determine your location, but this generally only works in urban environments.

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Can I use my iPhone gps on a wifi-only iPad

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