My iPad A1566 unable to recognize external GPS

Hello


I used to connect my Ipad A1566 with an external gps receiver via bluetooth iphone via wifi to get my position reference on the ipad. Since the last update it does not work any more : unstabilized position and message “waiting for location data. this model of Ipad has no internal GPS receiver” which is true but not new. As if the position signal from an external souce was now not recognized. I see the connexion with iphone in the right upon corner though.


what is it about here?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: no more external GPS connexion

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 15

Posted on Jun 9, 2025 10:52 AM

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5 replies

Jun 9, 2025 2:48 PM in response to Trinidad10

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


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.



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.





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 might seek assistance directly from Apple 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


Similarly, you should consider seeking assistance from the manufacturer of your third-party GPS receiver - as the receiver may require a firmware update or may itself have a fault. Be aware that GPS receivers may be unreliable due to increasing occurrence of GPS signal jamming in many geographic areas - such as eastern Europe, Russia, eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and other conflict areas.


Jun 10, 2025 11:48 AM in response to Trinidad10

Do you have a 3rd party VPN installed, even if you are not using it? If so, delete the VPN profile in Settings/General/VPN & Device Management/VPN. Don't just turn it off; delete the profile. If that fixes it, you can try reinstalling VPN. 


While VPN is not the only cause of connectivity problems after an update it is in the top one or two.

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My iPad A1566 unable to recognize external GPS

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