My iPad is not finding my location using location services when tethered to my iPhone

I have switched off iPhone location services and on again.looked at the apps and it shows they were using location services in last 24 hrs . The only app that seems to work is bad elf. Which is an external gps device connected via blue tooth.

I have tried various map apps and boating apps but they all show my location where I was 24 + hours ago.

have re booted iPad , connected to a mobile Wi-Fi, and can’t get my location to work.

badelf show my correct location . Any suggestions


bad elf is supposed to be able to connect to apps automatically if they require gps which is not happening . Has there been some upgrade that stops this?


iPad

Posted on May 5, 2024 1:49 AM

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Posted on May 6, 2024 9:17 AM

Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GPS - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping Apps - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required.


WiFi Only models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate. 


Your iPhone does have GPS capabilities - however, the iPhone’s derived GPS location is not shared with other devices via a hotspot tether.


All this has significant implications for non-static mapping applications. If you need to have moving maps, or have future flexibility to do so, you’ll need to consider a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad. Choosing a cellular model does not commit you to adding a cellular service plan for the iPad, but ensures that you have immediate access to GNSS/GPS positioning services.


You can use a third-party Bluetooth GPS receiver with your iPad to provide GNSS.  BadElf and Garmin Glo are two examples.


Be aware that the BadElf App does not, of itself, provide GPS positioning data to the iPad and other Apps that require accurate location data. The BadElf App is used to check the health of a connected BadElf GPS Receiver hardware - and can be used to update the Receiver's firmware where needed.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 6, 2024 9:17 AM in response to Stephrob

Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GPS - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping Apps - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required.


WiFi Only models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate. 


Your iPhone does have GPS capabilities - however, the iPhone’s derived GPS location is not shared with other devices via a hotspot tether.


All this has significant implications for non-static mapping applications. If you need to have moving maps, or have future flexibility to do so, you’ll need to consider a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad. Choosing a cellular model does not commit you to adding a cellular service plan for the iPad, but ensures that you have immediate access to GNSS/GPS positioning services.


You can use a third-party Bluetooth GPS receiver with your iPad to provide GNSS.  BadElf and Garmin Glo are two examples.


Be aware that the BadElf App does not, of itself, provide GPS positioning data to the iPad and other Apps that require accurate location data. The BadElf App is used to check the health of a connected BadElf GPS Receiver hardware - and can be used to update the Receiver's firmware where needed.

May 6, 2024 9:52 AM in response to Stephrob

To be clear, you don't need the BadElf App to use your BadElf Receiver - but you can use it to verify the health of the receiver itself.


If you continue to have difficulties, try a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support or from BadElf Support.


You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044




May 6, 2024 9:44 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the info.

the thing I find strange is navionics and bad elf have worked well for me since 2015 , and continued to work on my newer non gps enabled iPad until recently.

ii just find it strange that it no longer does as this is the beginning of the sailing season so I have not used it since last autumn.

luckily I have charts but now we can no longer get paper charts and rely on digital means it is the time when you need it to work.

I will have look into getting a different model of iPad if this can’t be sorted.


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My iPad is not finding my location using location services when tethered to my iPhone

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