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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

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Posted on Jan 3, 2017 9:21 AM

I FIXED the problem. Before I give you the answer read on and make sure this is what is happening to you. I was having GPS issues where the both Apple and Google Maps were incorrectly mapping my location so directions would just cease. I would drive on a freeway and the Maps program would show me off the freeway in a field a little distance away and the Maps would not provide any direction other than the message "Proceed to the starting point". This issue happened after a recent iOS update and I assumed it must be an iOS bug. Turns out that it was not an iOS update bug...


Instead, it is the antenna inside of iPhone6 that was malfunctioning. The malfunction probably was made more apparent by the iOS update but the GPS issues were a result of antenna malfunction. I called around 6-7 iPhone repair places and 2 of them said they can replace the antenna for 60 bucks. I believe that the part is called "iPhone6 Logic Board Antenna Flex Cable". Once replaced my iPhone GPS issues went away and all is back to normal.

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Jan 3, 2017 9:21 AM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I FIXED the problem. Before I give you the answer read on and make sure this is what is happening to you. I was having GPS issues where the both Apple and Google Maps were incorrectly mapping my location so directions would just cease. I would drive on a freeway and the Maps program would show me off the freeway in a field a little distance away and the Maps would not provide any direction other than the message "Proceed to the starting point". This issue happened after a recent iOS update and I assumed it must be an iOS bug. Turns out that it was not an iOS update bug...


Instead, it is the antenna inside of iPhone6 that was malfunctioning. The malfunction probably was made more apparent by the iOS update but the GPS issues were a result of antenna malfunction. I called around 6-7 iPhone repair places and 2 of them said they can replace the antenna for 60 bucks. I believe that the part is called "iPhone6 Logic Board Antenna Flex Cable". Once replaced my iPhone GPS issues went away and all is back to normal.

Apr 11, 2017 11:09 AM in response to paulfromsan diego

I have an iPhone 6 w/iOS 10.3.1 - out of warranty


All of a sudden 2 weeks ago my GPS accuracy was way off and my WiFi reception was weak (I picked up 3 networks while my wife's identical phone picked up 10). I was using iOS 9 (last version) at the time. I couldn't use any GPS apps. Of course I needed Google maps for out of town directions when everything went wacko. My initial research found all the GPS/Wifi/Network software/settings reset "solutions". Nothing worked. Then I came upon forum where several members resolved the problem by replacing the GPS signal flex cable. I went to a local phone/computer repair shop which had excellent reviews - it is a local franchise of a national chain. They pretty much charge $79 for all fixes involving replacement parts so I expected that after hearing my story, they would replace the GPS signal flex cable for $79 and my problem would be resolved. I was quite surprised when I was told that trying a hardware fix would be a waste of my $$$. They insisted it was a software issue with Apple and to try backing up with iTunes and restoring my phone which would also upgrade to iOS to 10.3.1. As a back up, I was told if the restore didn't work, go to the Apple store and see what they would give me on a trade-in for a new iPhone 7. Well the back-up/restore/iOS upgrade didn't work and I don't give up that easy.


I found the flex cable replacement instructions on fixit.com and proceeded to Amazon. I picked up the GPS flex cable and a GPS signal antenna on Amazon for $4.95 each. I replaced the antenna too because it was cheap enough and you have to remove the antenna to get to the flex cable. I bought tools and a magnetic project mat for ~$40 (I go high end - you can get a set of tools and project mat for ~$25). What I noticed was the underside of the new flex cable had gritty substance on the metal strip while the old part was smooth. The procedure was tedious and took me 3+ hours to complete this morning. I was scared that when finished I wouldn't even be able to power up my iPhone. It powered up fine. My GPS and Wi-Fi are now working PERFECTLY.


It's a hardware issue!


If I had to do it over again, I would have insisted the shop replace the GPS flex cable and antenna for $79.

May 29, 2017 10:40 PM in response to lukefromlouisville

Same issue with GPS. I have an iPhone 6S


Think I found something, will test GPS tomorrow and post update

User uploaded file


Checked on SETTINGS/PRIVACY/LOCATION SERVICES/SHARE MY LOCATION/FROM


and it showed 2 device names for my phone (weird) Both of them EXACT same name, But only one of them showed a 2nd line "This Device"


The checked device was the one without the 2nd line (probably mixed up during an update)


Read the comments in that screen Recommends to swipe left and tap delete

If not using one of the listed devices


I checked the device name with the 2nd line "This Device" and deleted the other one. So far the GPS apps (Google maps) working fine. Will update tomorrow

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

Jan 25, 2017 6:46 AM in response to Bryrex

Unfortunately this solution was very short lived (less than an hour).

Took iPhone 6 to Genius Bar and they confirmed that the gps was not functioning. Their solution was for me to upgrade to the iPhone 7. Not very helpful. Still have no gps on my 6. Took phone to an iPhone fix it center and had the gps chip replaced. This didn't work either. Tech said it must be an issue with the motherboard and that repair wouldn't be an option. Looks like I'm saving up for a new iPhone.....

Mar 7, 2017 2:27 PM in response to Ihjas axe

Have a professional replace the wifi antenna. This is a pretty involved repair in the the entire logic board must be removed. I just did the repair on my own device and the wifi and gps signals have returned to normal as has Bluetooth. Be careful to choose a place that doesn't use those screw mats as putting screws in the incorrect slots upon reassembly can cause permanant damage and even brick a phone. This seems to be the only fix that works, though it hasn't worked for me every time.

Mar 10, 2017 8:09 PM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I have exactly problem, and I pretty sure it's not related to iOS version because the problem suddenly happen without version update, and I update a new version after the problem, it can't be solved.


I guess this a hardware problem, maybe GPS reliability issue or maybe just component short due to foreign shock, I did drop down my iPhone 6 often.


For me it's a little safety concern, because I still use google map when driving(GPS signal is not totally appear but just not continue very well)


Of course, I hope there is a easy way to save since iPhone 6 is still with very good performance after almost 2 years use.

Mar 10, 2017 8:20 PM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I have exactly problem, and it happened without iOS version update, also after the problem update iOS version can not solve it.


I guess it may related to GPS IC reliability or just component /cable short after foreign shock.


It is a little safety concern when driving since GPS signal is not totally was gone but not continue well.


Hope a easy way to solve it because i6 still with very good performance after almost 2 years use.

Mar 20, 2017 11:53 AM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I just wanted to pipe in here. My iPhone6 didn't start having this issue until after the upgrade to iOS10.1 I know this is Apple wanting me to get an iPhone7. While I'm dying to get an iPhone plus, I just don't want the 7 given the headphone jack issue. Until now my iPhone6 had been so perfect. I had zero issues with it.


I reset the network settings and made sure all the sharing options were on. Waze seems to be working for now. If it fails after all this, I will see what I want to do. I just ordered an Android for work - so I could tell the phones apart. We'll see how that goes.

Apr 21, 2017 12:55 PM in response to SHADOWSTRIKE1

I'm having the same problem with the iPhone 6s. I've read all the forums, tried all the tricks, I've been to the Apple Store, and I've been to the Sprint store. The phone has been factory reset, tested by Apple, and tested by Sprint. Additionally, Sprint changed the SIM card, which did nothing to solve the GPS failure issue. Since the phone is passing the diagnostic tests by both Apple and Sprint a claim cannot be made with the insurance I pay for monthly for the device. Both Apple and Sprint shrug their shoulders and say, "I'd just get another phone." It's unfortunate consumers are forced to eat the cost of such a reputable company's mistake.

Apr 21, 2017 3:53 PM in response to lukefromlouisville

Usually yes. The trick is finding the right antenna. On the iPhone 6 there is a clear candidate underneath the top of the logic board. On the 6S they have switched up the antenna setup. I'd start with the wifi/diversity antenna. But if you aren't a technician and don't know one who is willing to check the different antennas...you may be out of luck. It's relatively easy to damage the phone.

iPhone 6 GPS not working

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