Location services for apple watch workout not available

Hi

The built-in Workout app can use the built-in GPS on your Apple Watch or paired iPhone to record a route map for Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, Outdoor Cycle and (for Series 2 and 3 watches) Open Water Swim workouts that are recorded via the app.

If the Workout app and Activity app are not performing as expected in recording or displaying a route map, then:

Check that your Apple Watch model.

• In order to be able to record a route map without taking your paired iPhone along, an Apple Watch Series 2 or newer model of Apple Watch is required.
• Otherwise, the paired iPhone also needs to be taken along.
• To identify your Apple Watch mode:

• Identify your Apple Watch - Apple Support
• You can also enter your Apple Watch's serial number here:
  • Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support
  • Find the serial number for your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Check that you are recording your activity via the Workout app, including selecting the appropriate activity type:

• Work out with your Apple Watch - Apple Support
• About workout types - Apple Support

If the issue persists, then the following steps may help:

Check your workout summary (I have included this step in case other users do not know how to find the map):

• On your iPhone, in the Activity app, go to: Workouts (tab) > tap on a workout > if a map has been recorded, a thumbnail image is shown under the heading "Route" > tap on it to view a larger image of your route map.

If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest compatible software versions, starting with your iPhone:

• Update the iOS on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
• Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Check that Wrist Detection is turned on and that, if passcode is enabled, you are unlocking your Apple Watch after placing it on your wrist.

Check that you are wearing your Apple Watch sufficiently snugly on the top of your wrist (if it is worn too loosely, your watch may believe that it has been removed):

• Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Motion & Fitness - check that both Fitness Tracking and Health are enabled.

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > Privacy - check that both Fitness Tracking and Heart Rate are enabled.

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Location Services:

• Check that Location Services (the main setting at the top) is turned on.
• In the list of apps beneath, if the option is shown (which depends on your Apple Watch model), then check that Apple Watch Workout is set to While Using.

Check your Health settings:

• On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > Health.
• Check that your personal information is accurate.
• If the setting for Wheelchair currently states "Not Set", then change it to "Yes" or "No" as appropriate.

Close certain apps and then restart (normally) both your iPhone and your Apple Watch:

• Close the Watch app, Activity app and Health app (if open) on your iPhone.
• Turn both devices off together, then restart your iPhone first:
  • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  • How to restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the issue persists, then it may help to unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch:

• The Watch app on your iPhone takes a backup of your watch automatically when unpairing via the app.
• Initially choose to Restore from Backup during set up (most data and settings will be restored, with some exceptions, such as Apple Pay cards, passcode).
• If the issue persists, consider instead unpairing and setting it up as a new watch.
• Unpair your Apple Watch and iPhone - Apple Support
• Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the issue then still persists, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:

• US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support
• Elsewhere: Apple - Support