User profile for user: Louis14th
Louis14th Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Problems with iPad Pro 11 using Garmins Boating navigation. Intermittent loss of location.

My iPad Pro 11 loses positional info intermittently. I’ve searched for solutions online and have found older threads with similar issues, but no solutions. It appears the issues are with my current iPad Pro 11, because my iPhone and older iPads don’t suffer from this disfunction. My iPad Pro 11 does have wifi+cellular and therefore should incorporate a gps.


Has the author of the thread “GPS not working on iPad 11” pro with navionics. Dangerous for navigation”. ever found an answer?


iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Aug 8, 2025 5:13 AM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
308,361 points

Posted on Aug 9, 2025 6:27 AM

For marine and aviation applications, use of a dedicated GPS receiver is often recommended. While WiFi+Cellular models of iPad incorporate a GNSS receiver within the Cellular chipset - providing accurate position and velocity measurement for a moving iPad - we see occasional complaint similar to your own.


Occasional signal loss can be caused by many contributory factors. Boat construction (wood or composite - some composites, such as carbon fibre - can block signals), deck fittings (signal blocking - or multipath interference) and other electrical/radio devices (signal interference) combined with sub-optimal GNSS antenna location can all combine to cause loss of signal lock. Even a film of water on a surface that covers/shades the iPad can block GNSS signals.


For critical and below-deck marine applications, you would be best advised to consider use of an external GNSS receiver or repeater - as this allows the GNSS antenna/receiver to be placed in a better location. There are many from which to choose - wired or wireless (Bluetooth) are available. BadElf, Garmin GLO and GNS3000 receivers have good reputation.


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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
308,361 points

Aug 9, 2025 6:27 AM in response to Louis14th

For marine and aviation applications, use of a dedicated GPS receiver is often recommended. While WiFi+Cellular models of iPad incorporate a GNSS receiver within the Cellular chipset - providing accurate position and velocity measurement for a moving iPad - we see occasional complaint similar to your own.


Occasional signal loss can be caused by many contributory factors. Boat construction (wood or composite - some composites, such as carbon fibre - can block signals), deck fittings (signal blocking - or multipath interference) and other electrical/radio devices (signal interference) combined with sub-optimal GNSS antenna location can all combine to cause loss of signal lock. Even a film of water on a surface that covers/shades the iPad can block GNSS signals.


For critical and below-deck marine applications, you would be best advised to consider use of an external GNSS receiver or repeater - as this allows the GNSS antenna/receiver to be placed in a better location. There are many from which to choose - wired or wireless (Bluetooth) are available. BadElf, Garmin GLO and GNS3000 receivers have good reputation.


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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10
308,361 points

Aug 10, 2025 2:37 PM in response to Louis14th

You might be best advised to 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, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

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


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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User profile for user: Louis14th
Louis14th Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Aug 17, 2025 8:30 AM in response to LotusPilot

I still haven't resolved the problem. It appears to lose positioning when in remote areas, i.e. when cell service is unavailable. Unfortunately, I have now returned to civilization, all is working well and I am unable to verify this conclusion.

This will have to be a work in progress, to be resolved in next years boating season. Thanks for your help

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User profile for user: Louis14th
Louis14th Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Aug 9, 2025 11:26 AM in response to LotusPilot

I started using navionics with a very old iPad 2 and a badelf pro external gps.Used it for many years and never had a problem. The iPad is so old that it won’t update to latest iOS and consequently I cannot update my charts. Some years ago I bought another iPad (with internal gps) which, again, worked flawlessly. However, the screen intensity was insufficient to use in bright daylight. This is how I ended up with the iPad Pro 11.


I’ve tried to use the badelf as an external gps source, but the problem persists. I lose positional information, especially in remote areas. When I refresh the chart orientation several times, the position reestablishes itself.


Is it possible that on my new iPad Pro the internal gps source is still being used as a primary source, rather than the badelf, and if so, how do I switch is off


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Problems with iPad Pro 11 using Garmins Boating navigation. Intermittent loss of location.

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