Why is my iPod getting the wrong location?

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Level 1

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Why is my iPod getting the wrong location?

I'm having trouble with using apps like foursquare, eightbit, and other location apps, or apps that just use my location..

For a while it worked flawlessly, checking into foursquare worked great. Now no matter where I am, every app thinks I am at my home. Even when I am states away.What could have gone wrong??

I don't think I've done anything out of hte ordinary lately with my iPod. It was running a little slow for a while, so I did a restore. Installed my apps/games and music. Then I noticed this problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

iPod touch, iOS 4.2

Posted on Apr 20, 2011 8:56 PM

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Answer 1

IAmJLau

Level 1

101 points

Apr 20, 2011 9:00 PM in response to Jimie

The iPod Touch devices do not have a built-in GPS system, so Location Services apps such as the ones that you listed in the post above have to rely on your Wi-Fi Connection to find your location.

Sometimes, it is hard for the device to determine the actual location of the device since that method of location is not as accurate as an actual GPS.

Now, if this problem has never occured before, I would try restoring the iPod yet again.

Hope this helps.

Justin

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Answer 2

Jimie Author

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Apr 20, 2011 9:04 PM in response to IAmJLau

Thanks for the quick reply. I am aware of the wifi connection is how my location is determined. Still, after a number of restores I face this problem.

At first it was suggested to me that my college's wifi network blocked location apps. Today I tested out around 13 different wifi locations that all ended with the same result.

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Answer 3

IAmJLau

Level 1

101 points

Apr 20, 2011 9:07 PM in response to Jimie

No problem!

It may be blocking location apps at your college network, but if you are trying 13 different Wi-Fi locations then you should be getting a location somewhere, at least close to one.

Are these places all public Wi-Fi networks? Sometimes they do indeed block location services, which they really shouldn't, since they are techincally getting free promotion on these apps such as Foursquare.

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Answer 4

Jimie Author

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Apr 20, 2011 9:38 PM in response to IAmJLau

Yes, they were all public. I beleive most, if not all, required me to accept to their terms before using it.

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Answer 5

IAmJLau

Level 1

101 points

Apr 20, 2011 9:39 PM in response to Jimie

Accepting the terms means that they have some sort of firewall installed on the network, meaning you may have some issues trying to get a location.

I would try using a private home network and see what that does, if possible.

Hopefully the new iPod Touches will have a GPS, solving the problem altogether!

Justin

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Answer 6

Jimie Author

Level 1

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Apr 21, 2011 2:38 PM in response to Jimie

Today I was testing this problem at school.. Using the maps app that comes on my iPod it was unable to determine my location when connected to the campus' wifi.. At home it found me just fine. Maybe it is just a change in my campus' wifi setup, but its so strange that all the locations I frequent would have the same change basically overnight.

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