iPhone XS Max GPS Not Working or Showing Wrong Location? Here’s How to Fix It

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Trying to navigate with your iPhone XS Max but your location is way off or not updating at all? Whether you’re using Apple Maps, Google Maps, or any app that relies on GPS, inaccurate location data can be a major headache — especially when you’re traveling.

Here are the most effective ways to troubleshoot and fix GPS issues on your iPhone XS Max.

1. Close and Reopen the GPS App

If location errors just started, it could be a one-time app glitch.

To close and reopen the app:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom and pause in the middle of the screen.
  2. Swipe left or right to find the Maps or GPS app.
  3. Swipe it up to force close.
  4. Reopen the app and check your location.

If the problem happens in one app only, check for app updates in the App Store > Your Profile > Available Updates.

2. Toggle Location Services Off and Back On

Refreshing your location settings can clear minor bugs.

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services
  2. Turn Location Services OFF
  3. Restart your iPhone (hold Side + Volume Down, then slide to power off)
  4. Turn Location Services back ON

Also scroll through the app list and make sure Maps (and similar apps) have location access enabled.

3. Use Airplane Mode Reset

This classic trick resets all your network radios, which can help GPS reconnect.

  1. Go to Settings > Airplane Mode
  2. Turn it ON and wait 10 seconds
  3. Turn it OFF again
  4. Relaunch your GPS app and check your location

4. Reset Location & Privacy Settings

If a recent update or permission change messed with your GPS, reset these settings:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset > Reset Location & Privacy
  3. Enter your passcode and confirm

You’ll have to re-allow location permissions when prompted again in apps.

5. Reset Network Settings

Since GPS is partly tied to data services, resetting your network can help too.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
  3. Enter your passcode and confirm

Note: This will delete saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so have those handy.

6. Make Sure Date, Time & Signal Are Accurate

  • Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and enable Set Automatically
  • Ensure you’re in an open area with a clear view of the sky — buildings, trees, and tunnels can affect accuracy
  • If you’re indoors, try stepping outside and letting your phone reconnect

7. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a full reset might fix deep-level bugs affecting GPS.

Before you begin: Back up your data.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
  3. Follow the steps to reset your phone

After it restarts, set it up fresh and test GPS again before restoring apps and settings.

Still Not Accurate?

If your iPhone XS Max still can’t get an accurate GPS fix after all of this, you may be dealing with a hardware problem — like a faulty GPS antenna. In that case:

  • Contact Apple Support
  • Or visit an Apple Store or authorized service center for diagnostics

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