Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Initial fix for location services on Wi-Fi iPad

Like others in this forum I am having trouble with location services. Although enabled, location services doesn't seem to have an initial (or valid) value on my Wi-Fi only iPad. That probably isn't surprising, for I live relatively remotely in mountains. However, various apps need a location to work properly. How can I input a valid location on my iPad?

iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi, iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Nov 9, 2012 12:50 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Nov 9, 2012 1:05 PM

Wifi ipads dont have gps all location Info they Can access is what location Info the wifi router they are connected to Can provide Them with

35 replies

Nov 9, 2012 2:49 PM in response to Eric Sprigg

If you have the WiFi-only iPad your location is determined by the location of nearby WiFi routers. This is done by using a Apple location database which contains the MAC addresses of routers and their physical location. A MAC address is a unique number which is built-in to all network devices when manufactured. The Apple database is built and updated by GPS-enabled devices actually seeing your router and then adding/updating the router's location in the database. An Apple iPhone is an example of such a device.


Bottom line: Your Router is not yet in the Apple location database. It hasn't been seen yet and added to the database. There isn't any problem with your router or your iPad.

Jan 22, 2013 2:06 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

I am thoroughly confused now. I read here that the router is registered in the location database and the iPhone has nothing to do with it. A previous post said "The Apple database is built and updated by GPS-enabled devices actually seeing your router and then adding/updating the router's location in the database. An Apple iPhone is an example of such a device." I live in a rural area and don't have an iPhone. How do I get the Apple database updated with my router location ?

Jan 23, 2013 7:46 PM in response to ianieto

I recently purchased an Airport Express router and tried it at my house wondering (my previous router needed to be replaced). Maps and other apps that want my location said that my iPad cannot be found. I just traveled 1000 miles to my parents home and plugged in the router into my parent's router. My location was found in one place near the house I am at when My iPad is hooked onto the network on the Airport Express radio and is at a slightly different location when hooked to the network from the main router radio. So if my location can be found through my Airport Express here, when I return home will the system think I am in a different location 1000 miles away?

Initial fix for location services on Wi-Fi iPad

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.