gps not working properly after iOS 9.3 update

I had the same issue. The store reboot helped - for 3 minutes. Just like I sometimes get a good signal at home - but rarely.

I did replace the phone (iphone 6). I immediately saw that with the working GPS you could see it pinging out for location every few seconds. The blue circle around your location tells you how accurate the signal is (large circle less accurate). It pulses when it's sending out a signal. If your circle doesn't pulse it means your GPS antenna is not sending out a signal. I didn't want to admit it, but it was a hardware problem. I think this is diagnostic and also new in this iOS. They should know it at the stores but don't seem to.

I also absolutely needed the GPS to function. And I've got to tell you I was SO ****** at the flaky GPS that I felt like throwing the phone at the window - I lost hours in only a week circling within blocks of my route. Before I replaced the phone I realized I had dropped it around the same time as the update. No external damage but the GPS stopped working correctly and I also noticed somewhat shorter linkage between phone and Apple watch.

When you're replacing because it's broken you get a discount on the phone and they will buy back your old phone (I got $200 or so for mine). If you or any family member is in college, you also get a bonus pair of $199 wireless earbuds which are - I've got to admit - awesome. I have wireless headphones and these are better.

I feel your pain. Look at the blue circle.

I Am having this exact same issue too....Apple maps and wifi were working perfectly until I updated to ios9.3.2

HHaving tried everything, restored the phone completely then restored my backup but still no joy!!

apple need to sort this out asap!!!

I had the same issues( wifi and gps problem) . Basically have tried everything (reset, reformat, etc) and already complainned since last April via apple contact center by phone.

2 weeks ago i call again to follow up, since there's no follow up on the previous complain.

Got connected to the senior Customer support. He told me that due to long period of waiting (and having this problem), i got a free repair.

I went to the service center that they informed, then i have to put my phone for a few days over there.

Last week i got a call that my phone was replaced with a new one( instead of repair). now it's working well.

I want to thank you sincerely for posting the instructions and part number for the fix! We finally got around to tearing the phone apart over the weekend and the phone is FIXED! It works....I cannot believe it! So much for the diagnostic test that Apple ran and their not-so-genius bar! I just needed to look for the smartest guy in the Apple community. Thanks again for saving me hundreds of dollars! 🙂

All -

After months of having this issue, I finally got around to trying the fix posted by ickerus24 on June 26th and it WORKED. My GPS works perfectly in all apps and all of the other issues I posted about are gone! If you want to save yourself a bunch of money and headache, try this! I cannot think this person enough for posting such a detailed and useful post. I have NO idea why Apple has not taken note of this fix and marked this as the recommended solution. All I can say is that it worked for me and I am so happy.

Jun 26, 2016 1:13 PM Re: gps not working properly after iOS 9.3 update in response to aisen2

Successful fix for GPS/Bluetooth issues on iPhone 6 running iOS 9.3.2:

I am not sure if this issue is still going around, but I finally pursued a physical fix to this issue with a cost of under $15.00 (I was originally 100% this was an iOS issue, but it was not).

Symptoms:

1. GPS: Any time I used Waze I received a "cannot locate GPS" error (make sure you are not indoors, etc.). Also, any other GPS related apps (maps or google maps) would not accurately locate me and I was not able to use the directions function for any app.

2. Bluetooth: My phone would stream music to my Bluetooth speaker, but if I walked too far away from the speaker with the phone (about 6 ft?) or if I put the phone in my pocket/covered the top of the phone with my hand, the music would begin to skip or completely stop.

Fix:

1. Purchase a new "Original iPhone 6 Wifi Antenna Signal Flex Cable Ribbon" :https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YCKU3XS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UT F8&psc=1

2. I also HIGHLY recommend purchasing a repair tool kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X60B0GY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UT F8&psc=1

3. Follow the instructions for the "iPhone 6 Logic Board Replacement" Once you complete the final step (38) flip the logic board over and the antenna will be on the back side :https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Logic+Board+Replacement/30696

Results: The installation took me about 1.5 - 2 hours. I went slow and made sure to disassemble the phone in a very careful and logical method so that I could easily reassemble.

1. I powered on my phone, went near a window, and turned Waze on. GPS was identified and I was able to use the app as normal. All map apps are functioning again.

2. Bluetooth music streaming works in a normal capacity. I am able to walk 20-30 feet away and the music does not skip even with the phone in my pocket. However, if I completely cup my hands over the top of the phone, the music stops streaming.

HI, I had the same issue. Waze and uber started working after I removed Google maps app. Hope this helps!

@ickerus24, I too am having the exact same issue and bought both replacement parts everyone is suggesting. I spent about an hour disassembling my phone last night, following the iFixit guide, to get to the logic board. Once removed, I flipped it over and was immediately heartbroken to find that the flex cable is actually soldered to the logic board. How am I supposed to replace it? It does not come off. I begrudgingly put the phone back together with only the new GPS antenna attached, but am still getting the "No GPS" messages in Waze and other apps.

I believe the issue lies in this flex cable...! I do not feel confident enough in my soldering ability to cleanly remove and apply new solder to the new part. Can you confirm that this is what you had to do for this part? Thanks.

Same issue, even after the latest 9.3.3 update. GPS is constantly saying "locating..." as if it didn't tell me exactly where I was before I started the route. Definitely not a hardware issue, couldn't say the same about the software.

Could you try removing Google Maps from phone, as it has worked for someone and give it a shot.

I did. It didn't fix the issue. This is ridiculous that's Apple won't acknowledge this as an issue and fix it.

I Tried removing google maps but still no joy.... Even did a full restore from recovery mode and no joy

everything was working perfectly before the update

I Have the same problem I've had it for awhile I'm very upset about it because I brought the issue up to apple got a senior advisor and they refuse to help. It's not my fault the upgrade was later then the warrant. It still messed up my phone. All in all when you have this problem Apple won't help you, even though the update destroyed your phone

Same issue. Very disappointed with Apple who is asking me $299 to swap a phone which stopped working after less than 2 years of use.

I was wondering how you reach the advanced support? I have been having this issue for 2 months now, and the software update did not help. Also did you take the phone to the apple store before being able to reach the advanced support?

same problem here!! just BEFORE updating to 9.3.3 , 3 antennas weak signal, so GPS imprecise, wifi and network weak signal coverage.

very very angry

iPhone 6 problem in 9.3.2 tryied to fix it with 9.3.3 with no luck