Level 2

209 points

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

Top-ranking reply

trigunner

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Oct 24, 2017 2:06 PM

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.

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152 replies

sjhebes

Level 1

22 points

Jul 30, 2016 6:32 PM in response to Cardy69

Thanks. I was going to head to the Apple Store tomorrow but it sounds like it may be a waste of time!

aymehr

Level 1

9 points

Jul 30, 2016 6:47 PM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

Guys I think we should still go in and let them know about the issue! Otherwise we may never have a chance. Who knows maybe Apple will get enough complaints to recall this!

Aug 12, 2016 8:02 PM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

i'm having the same problem as well..I've contacted apple support team and yet they ask me to do the common solution which is hard restart, network reset and factory reset..but the result still the same..my GPS still not showing my current locations. I don't think this is the hardware issues. i hope apple team will come up with the solution regarding to this issues or maybe they want us to wait for iOS 10. Once iOS 10 release, this issues will consider solve

Cardy69

Level 1

18 points

Aug 13, 2016 3:07 AM in response to Izzwan Ariff

IN the Apple Store they said it was hardware failure not software & the only option is to get a replacement at £280. I've seen many people with the same issue. Could be one big plan.. new iOS update breaks 10% of all iPhone 6 in 24 months ready for new iPhone release pushing sales.. But far fetched but possible!

hjonpark

Level 1

9 points

Aug 23, 2016 4:28 PM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I had a similar problem. My Apple Maps and Google Maps work fine when I'm connected to wifi. But on cellular data, none of the navigation apps worked. Apple Tech Support and multiple "Geniuses" were stumped. Then I stumbled on this and it worked!:

SETTINGS>PRIVACY>LOCATION SERVICES>make sure Location Services is toggled ON. Then in the middle of this screen: SHARE MY LOCATION>make sure Share My Location is toggled ON. If you found any of these to be toggled OFF then that was your problem (just like me).

Now my Apple Maps and Google Maps work just fine. Hope it works for you too!

hjonpark

Level 1

9 points

Aug 23, 2016 5:19 PM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I had the same problem. My Apple Maps and Google Maps work fine when I'm connected to wifi. But on cellular data, none of the navigation apps worked. Apple Tech Support and multiple "Geniuses" were stumped. Then I stumbled on this and it worked!:

Now my Apple Maps and Google Maps work just fine. Hope it works for you too!

wizVeraZ

Level 1

4 points

Oct 14, 2016 1:25 AM in response to Izzwan Ariff

No, it is not resolved after I updated iOS 10

wizVeraZ

Level 1

4 points

Oct 14, 2016 1:30 AM in response to Cardy69

My iPhone 6 has the same issue like you do. Nice trick Apple! I won't buy it though. Will never buy a new iPhone product, ever.

Nov 8, 2016 9:09 AM in response to wizVeraZ

I had the same issue since a week ago.Wifi singnal turns weak,can only connect to a wifi service within 10ft distance.All the maps service can't pinpoint my location,Google maps,Apple maps,Waze,none of them.Besides,i cant even use my bluetooth handsfree,very weak signal and causes frequent disconnection.Please help.

Nov 20, 2016 8:52 AM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I'm having this same issue...it is horrible. Please Apple do something about this!!! i had the GPS chip and flex antenna replaced today and it did not help at all. Still doing the same lagging GPS, no GPS signal on Pokémon go and shows me in the grass or water as I'm driving with google maps. This is so frustrating.

SPsafety

Level 1

12 points

Dec 15, 2016 4:47 PM in response to sjhebes

I have an I phone 6 and recently GPS doesn't work for any app- it worked well for a while but no longer and no one seems to know how to fix.

128 I phone 6 no longer useful.

A shame Apple doesn't support issues when spending so much on IPhone and peripheal equipment

Dec 20, 2016 7:30 PM in response to Kelvin878787

It's been a bout a week for me and my iPhone 6 seems to be getting progressively worse. No GPS signal at all it seems. It all started with what I thought was a bad battery, it would shut down completely and not allow me to even restart my phone at 39% or sometimes more. Apple tested it and said the battery was fine. They instructed me to wipe it clean and start fresh. So I did. I Lost everything, all messages, apps had to be all downloaded and reorganized. What a waste of time. And now the GPS problems... I've tried all the resets recommended. Reboots too. Nothing works. Very frustrating as this phone and especially GPS for all the time I'm in my car. I use it everyday! Please help!!!

Bryrex

Level 1

4 points

Jan 5, 2017 6:18 AM in response to hjonpark

THIS WORKED FOR ME! I tried all the other resets and this worked to get my maps and waze app working. Thanks!

Jan 25, 2017 12:52 AM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

If u would get any solutions for, plz send me

Mar 17, 2017 3:36 PM in response to ElGuapoX

Useless

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iPhone 6 GPS not working