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User profile for user: Shirley2034
Shirley2034 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

How does the iPad mini work as a GPS? Does it have to be synced with your phone if it's on cellular?

I am thinking about purchasing an iPad mini to use as a GPS. I have an older Garmin and they are going with the process of using your iPhone to get up to date info from the Garmin. Would an iPad mini work as a GPS and how does it work? How would I set it up? Does it have to be synced with your phone while in the car. I need some info before I decide if I want to buy one.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Dec 2, 2018 10:01 AM

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User profile for user: sterling r
sterling r
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Dec 3, 2018 8:34 PM

Hi Shirley2034,

Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. I understand that you're considering purchasing an iPad Mini and you'd like to know if you can use it as a GPS device in your car. I can see why you'd reach out for information about this; I'd like to help. In order for an iPad Mini to be capable of providing navigation without a connection to your iPhone, you'd need to purchase a cellular model which would include built in GPS: iPad mini 4 - Technical Specifications

If you were to purchase a cellular model and activate a plan, you could then use the built in Maps app on the iPad for turn-by-turn navigation: Use Maps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If you purchase a Wi-Fi only model, you can still use Maps but would need to maintain a network connection while in the car; to do this you could potentially use a hotspot from your iPhone if it's supported by your wireless carrier: How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad

With either model you can also use third-party navigation apps if you prefer: Download apps and games using the App Store



Best Regards.
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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: sterling r
sterling r
User level: Community Specialist

Dec 3, 2018 8:34 PM in response to Shirley2034

Hi Shirley2034,

Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. I understand that you're considering purchasing an iPad Mini and you'd like to know if you can use it as a GPS device in your car. I can see why you'd reach out for information about this; I'd like to help. In order for an iPad Mini to be capable of providing navigation without a connection to your iPhone, you'd need to purchase a cellular model which would include built in GPS: iPad mini 4 - Technical Specifications

If you were to purchase a cellular model and activate a plan, you could then use the built in Maps app on the iPad for turn-by-turn navigation: Use Maps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If you purchase a Wi-Fi only model, you can still use Maps but would need to maintain a network connection while in the car; to do this you could potentially use a hotspot from your iPhone if it's supported by your wireless carrier: How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad

With either model you can also use third-party navigation apps if you prefer: Download apps and games using the App Store



Best Regards.
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How does the iPad mini work as a GPS? Does it have to be synced with your phone if it's on cellular?

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