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My iPad Air does not stay connected to GPS for navigation through my TomTom app

hello, i have the following question. I have an iPad 6 with iOS 17 on it. However, I have the following problem. I want to use the pad in the car for navigation. I then connect the pad to my phone's hotspot. However, the pad can then find no GPS signal or almost none. the location services icon goes on and off, so there is GPS and then again no GPS. so the tom tom app doesn't know where I am and doesn't show me the way. I have location facilities enabled on the pad and Sat Tom Tom can also use it when using the app. Does anyone know a solution for this, or what am I doing wrong????


like to hear


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on May 6, 2024 10:37 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on May 6, 2024 10:40 AM

Boemzie wrote:

hello, i have the following question. I have an iPad 6 with iOS 17 on it. However, I have the following problem. I want to use the pad in the car for navigation. I then connect the pad to my phone's hotspot. However, the pad can then find no GPS signal or almost none. the location services icon goes on and off, so there is GPS and then again no GPS. so the tom tom app doesn't know where I am and doesn't show me the way. I have location facilities enabled on the pad and Sat Tom Tom can also use it when using the app. Does anyone know a solution for this, or what am I doing wrong????

like to hear


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.

3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

May 6, 2024 10:40 AM in response to Boemzie

Boemzie wrote:

hello, i have the following question. I have an iPad 6 with iOS 17 on it. However, I have the following problem. I want to use the pad in the car for navigation. I then connect the pad to my phone's hotspot. However, the pad can then find no GPS signal or almost none. the location services icon goes on and off, so there is GPS and then again no GPS. so the tom tom app doesn't know where I am and doesn't show me the way. I have location facilities enabled on the pad and Sat Tom Tom can also use it when using the app. Does anyone know a solution for this, or what am I doing wrong????

like to hear


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.

My iPad Air does not stay connected to GPS for navigation through my TomTom app

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