How to Fix GPS Not Working on iPhone 6s

If your iPhone 6s GPS is inaccurate, stuck, or completely failing to work, it can make navigation apps like Waze, Apple Maps, and even location-based games pretty useless. In this guide, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot and fix common GPS problems step-by-step.

First Things to Check

Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, check these basics:

Turn On Location Services

Go to Settings → Privacy → Location Services.
Make sure Location Services is turned ON.

Make Sure Airplane Mode is Off

Go to Settings → Airplane Mode and make sure it’s toggled OFF.

Set the Correct Date and Time

Head to Settings → General → Date & Time.
Turn on Set Automatically to keep your clock synced — GPS depends on it.

Check Your Network Signal

GPS needs a good cellular or Wi-Fi connection to work properly.
If you’re inside tall buildings or underground, step outside for better signal.

Fix 1: Soft Reset Your iPhone

A simple restart can solve a lot of weird bugs, including GPS glitches.

Hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see “Slide to power off.”
Power down your iPhone, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.

Or if your phone is frozen:

Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo.

Fix 2: Turn Off LTE

Some users found that switching off LTE helped improve GPS accuracy.

Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Voice & Data.
Select 3G instead of LTE.

Test GPS again after switching.

Fix 3: Reset Network Settings

Incorrect network settings can mess with GPS.

Go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Enter your passcode if asked, and confirm.
After the reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi and test your GPS.

Fix 4: Update iOS

Apple often pushes bug fixes for GPS issues in iOS updates.

Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
If there’s an update available, Download and Install it.

Make sure to back up your iPhone before updating!

Fix 5: Update or Reinstall Navigation Apps

If the problem only happens in one app like Waze or Maps:

Update the app via the App Store.
Or delete the app and reinstall it to refresh permissions and location access.

Fix 6: Try These Environment Tips

Stay outdoors with a clear view of the sky — GPS signals can’t penetrate well through concrete and tall buildings.
Avoid heavy tree coverage when using location services.

Last Resort: Factory Reset

If nothing else works, a full factory reset can sometimes fix deeply buried bugs.

Back up your iPhone.
Go to Settings → General → Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.
Follow the prompts to wipe and set up your iPhone as new.

Or use iTunes on a computer for a full restore if needed.

When to Contact Apple

If you still have problems after trying everything, there could be hardware damage — like a faulty GPS chip. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further diagnosis.