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

iPhone 6 GPS not working

Hello there,


For just about the past year (since about iOS 9 release), my phone's GPS has not been working. When I would try to use Apple Maps, it would say my car was off the road somewhere in the grass, and sometimes many roads over. It could never keep up with me while driving. This also occurred while using Google Maps, so I knew it wasn't just a problem with the Apple Maps app.


I tried to restart the phone several times, delete GPS apps and reinstall them, fully wipe the phone and start it from scratch, etc. The problem still exists. So for a while I just dealt with it. I just used my car's GPS if I needed one. Though it always bothered me that my 128GB iPhone 6's GPS was not working. However, with the release of the game "Pokemon GO" which relies on GPS, I am quite disappointed as I keep getting an error message that my GPS signal is not detected (yes, I enabled location services for the app).


Is there some app or something I can use to diagnose my GPS antennae within the phone? I have full 5-bar (dot?) signal, and my phone is in developer/debug mode, so I can also see the detailed signal strength is -81. I have AT&T as my carrier. There must be some way to determine if something in my phone is damaged. I would go to the Apple Store, but the closest one is about an hour and a half away, so I would like to avoid that if possible.

iPhone 6, iOS 9.3.2, 128GB

Posted on Jul 7, 2016 7:11 AM

Reply
152 replies

Aug 11, 2017 3:36 AM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

Had the same problem so i searched for answers and no one got it right until I tried using wifi and its accurate now with wifi turned off the accuracy is hundred meters away from my location after turning on wifi it will be like a magic get exactly where you are. You dont have to connect to any wifi just turn it on and you'll see. Or atleast works from me.

Aug 11, 2017 7:36 AM in response to Henrichcast

The reason why Wi-Fi improves GPS location is because of two reasons:


1. Your IP address assigned by Wi-Fi gives away your location - That's how some websites know that you are a reader in so and so city or state.

2. Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) combined with GPS data that Apple gets from your phone plus other iPhones using your network gives a very precise location because the WiFi hotspot is limited in range.


Basically your iPhone's GPS is dying because of the defective $5 antenna flex cable and your phone has to rely more on Wi-Fi to pinpoint your location.

Aug 23, 2017 2:10 AM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

Hello there, I may have a 5 minutes fix for you, that worked for me!


If you tried all the suggested software fixes from apple and other communities, It's probably a physical issue.

My problem was the F-cable, located inside your phone (top left of center). This could be defected, and you can buy it online to replace it, or in my case even a simpler answer - I solved it without replacing the F-cable at all.


When I opened up my iPhone 6 I noticed that there's a small rectangular brass/bronze/grey sticker on the F-cable (see yellow arrow pointing to it). In my iPhone 6 that sticker had shifted and was no longer covering fully the brass area underneath, probably causing interference. I carefully lifted the sticker with the small plastic tool and reseated the sticker. Amazing! Full signal and GPS again.


I believe this is actually the problem many are having, as it's more unlikely that the cable or connectors fail. As the sticker seems to sandwich between the top plate and the F-cable, I suspect the sticker might get pushed out of position, if the phone is dropped.

Given that so many of us are suffering with this, I'm disappointed that apple is not addressing it - specially for those out of warranty.


Hope this helps!


User uploaded file

Oct 10, 2017 12:42 PM in response to CapsuleFab

Sir / Madam

You are an absolute hero , the Apple 'Genius' told me I would need to buy a new phone as the gps chip was built in to the main motherboard.

Saw your post, spent a few pennies on a pentalobe screwdriver opened the phone and there it was as you described the foam insulating pad had slipped completely off the brass contact plate beneath it. Reseated the foam and ............

Voila ! Full gps and Bluetooth restored.

Many thanks, you have saved a ton of money.

Oct 24, 2017 2:06 PM in response to troutster11

Another +1 on the Antenna Flex Cable repair success.


Background, my GPS was working fine on my iPhone 6 until about 2 weeks ago. I use my GPS daily in the car, and suddenly about 2 weeks ago it stopped tracking during GPS guidance, or showed me 100-300m off the road, then the GPS stopped working altogether. Also, I didn't know it was related at the time, but I had also been experiencing Wi-Fi reception degradation too!


After trying all the software fixes I could find (reboot, restore, etc.) with no success, I came upon the suggestion of replacing the Antenna Flex Cable. So I ordered the part+kit from Ifixit.com for $21.50 delivered. This morning, I followed iFixit's instructions page, slowly and carefully. Finished the repair in about 1 hour.


GPS and Wi-Fi now back to full functionality. Like many iPhone 6's listed here, it was a hardware problem! If you have a modicum of patience and technical ability, I'd suggest replacing your Antenna Flex Cable yourself.

Oct 27, 2017 12:20 AM in response to trigunner

Agreed, I ended up having to replace my flex antenna at the cost of a few dollars (in my case £ sterling). I found it a fairly daunting task as you pretty much have to take the phone to pieces to do it, but the ifixit guide is excellent , and maybe for some more tech savvy people it's less of a challenge.


Anyway I can only speak for myself but this absolutely fixed the problem at very little cost, in my case it was definitely hardware. My issue occurred shortly after the Apple store replaced the battery in the phone so I am wondering if they screwed something up on the phone when they did that.

iPhone 6 GPS not working

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