Not updating my location

I discontinued cell service on my iPad because I got Starlink and am using that. My iPad no longer can locate or update my location in Apple Maps our Google Maps. I changed nothing in settings.


Posted on Feb 3, 2023 11:34 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 6, 2023 2:15 AM

I’d make an educated guess that you perhaps have a WiFi Only model iPad.


Unlike your iPhone and WiFi & Cellular models of iPad, WiFi Only iPads do not have any GPS location capability with which to directly determine their location - and as such are completely reliant upon their network connection to infer an approximate location.


Without benefit of GPS, your approximate geographic location is inferred from a “database lookup” of (a) your WiFi Network Name (SSID) or detected neighbouring WiFi networks - and (b) the “public” IP Address provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). 


If the mapped WiFi network name or IP Address are not available within the applicable databases, or if this information substantially differs between sources, then your approximate location may not be computed - or may wildly inaccurate. This situation often occurs if you are in a remote/rural location where neighbouring WiFi networks are scarce - or if connecting over satellite or VPN connections.


Network IP Addresses and WiFi networks are frequently mapped in urban and cosmopolitan areas (including “crowd source” techniques) and as such approximation of your location from lookup against these databases can be provide relatively high accuracy. As population and network density diminishes, this mechanism becomes progressively less reliable.


If you can, perhaps try connecting to a non-satellite broadband service and/or different WiFi network - be it private, public or your telephone WiFi hotspot.


I hope this explanation as to possible cause is helpful.

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 6, 2023 2:15 AM in response to Gustavio

I’d make an educated guess that you perhaps have a WiFi Only model iPad.


Unlike your iPhone and WiFi & Cellular models of iPad, WiFi Only iPads do not have any GPS location capability with which to directly determine their location - and as such are completely reliant upon their network connection to infer an approximate location.


Without benefit of GPS, your approximate geographic location is inferred from a “database lookup” of (a) your WiFi Network Name (SSID) or detected neighbouring WiFi networks - and (b) the “public” IP Address provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). 


If the mapped WiFi network name or IP Address are not available within the applicable databases, or if this information substantially differs between sources, then your approximate location may not be computed - or may wildly inaccurate. This situation often occurs if you are in a remote/rural location where neighbouring WiFi networks are scarce - or if connecting over satellite or VPN connections.


Network IP Addresses and WiFi networks are frequently mapped in urban and cosmopolitan areas (including “crowd source” techniques) and as such approximation of your location from lookup against these databases can be provide relatively high accuracy. As population and network density diminishes, this mechanism becomes progressively less reliable.


If you can, perhaps try connecting to a non-satellite broadband service and/or different WiFi network - be it private, public or your telephone WiFi hotspot.


I hope this explanation as to possible cause is helpful.

Feb 5, 2023 5:40 PM in response to Gustavio

Hey Gustavio,


We'd recommend reviewing this article for help with location issues on your iPad: If Maps isn't working on your Apple device - Apple Support


"If you can't find your current location on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

  1. Turn on Location Services and Location Access for Maps. In the Settings app, tap Privacy, then tap Location Services. Make sure Location Services is on, and make sure Maps is set to While Using the App or Widgets.
  2. Set the date, time, and time zone correctly on your device. In the Settings app, tap General, then tap Date & Time. If possible, turn on Set Automatically.
  3. Turn on cellular data or Wi-Fi so that you have an active connection. In the Settings app, tap Wi-Fi or Cellular, then select a network or cellular plan.

Location Services uses GPS, Bluetooth, crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspots, and cellular towers to determine your location. If you still can't find your current location in Maps, close the Maps app and reopen it. You can also try to restart your iPhoneiPad, or iPod touch.

Learn more about Location Services on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch."


Thanks!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Not updating my location

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.