iPhone 6S GPS location not stable

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iPhone 6S GPS location not stable

I have noticed that while using map-based apps such as Maps, Google Maps, and Runkeeper, my location seems to "jump around" and not track smoothly. This is especially annoying when using Runkeeper, as the zig-zagging adds a lot of distance that I didn't actually run, which makes it impossible to use the iPhone to run distance-based intervals. This was NOT a problem on my previous iPhone 5S--the location tracking for Runkeeper was pretty close to perfect.

I wonder if the problem might be that I originally set up my 6S from a backup of my 5S and there is some sort of sensor setting that doesn't translate correctly between the different hardware.

I have tried Reset Location & Privacy, and also wiping and restoring my iPhone from a backup. The problem still persists. The next thing I can think of is wiping my phone again and setting it up as a new iPhone, but I'm hesitant to do that because it will be a huge pain. Does anyone know of a solution to this problem that doesn't involve setting up as a new iPhone?

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.0.2

Posted on Oct 8, 2015 5:29 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 12, 2015 3:34 PM in response to ScottB99

@ScottB99... I had this problem on my 6S+ and was (so far) able to solve it. Tragically, it involved setting up as a new phone (backup phone, disconnect from computer, turn phone off, hold home button and keep holding, connect to computer, keep holding home button until it says connect to iTunes... then let go and restore). That was followed by a restore from backup (painful: do not let your phone or Mac screen go into screensaver). At least before I finally got all my apps reloaded the GPS stabilized.

Rather curious was GPS would be stable if I was plugged into power in my car. Unplug and it jumped backwards and forwards a half a block.

To actually answer you question: No, I could not solve this without setting up as a new iPhone.

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Answer 2

Oct 13, 2015 9:27 AM in response to ScottB99

Ugh. False positive... after not much time at all the GPS is all jumpy again. With my Electrical Engineering hat on I suspect there's a bad solder joint/poor ground in the phone -- will be attempting to have the phone replaced. I don't think it's software.

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Answer 3

Oct 19, 2015 3:30 PM in response to Kim Hansen1

UPDATE: Had the phone replaced and the new one works just fine. My problem was malfunctioning hardware.

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