Does find my friends require data roaming?
Does find my friends require data roaming?
iPhone 6, iOS 8.3
It requires a Wi-Fi connection: Find My Friends- Frequently asked questions.
6 replies
Thanks. But everything I have read suggests that while with Wifi the accuracy is better, a 3G or 4G cellular data connection will also suffice. My question is, as I live in Europe and my data plan is limited to the small country in which I live, if my daughter does some international travel and has data roaming off (because it is insanely expensive) will Find my Friends function or not?
It doesn't sound like it will given your restrictions. Why, then, can't you use Wi-Fi which is free?
Because she will be in places in the US without hotspots, in countries in South America with who knows what in terms of Wifi and on a boat cruising to the Galapagos with even less. So I want to understand exactly how this works so I can assess it as a way to keep track of her as a safety net.
Doesn't look good. Thanks anyway.
While the GPS location can be obtained without Wifi. Sending the location to another device, like your iPhone, will require hers to have some form of internet connection. When in a different country, such internet connection is acquired through Data Roaming or Wifi.
So yes, it will require Data Roaming when no Wifi is around.
Note, that even with Data Roaming, in areas without cell towers, or without general cell reception, there will be no way to get her location.
Thanks. That was my assumption. Just wanted it confirmed.
Does find my friends require data roaming?