If your iPhone XS suddenly stopped showing accurate location data or can’t connect to GPS after an iOS update, you’re not alone. Many users report GPS bugs popping up after software upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of fixes that can get your GPS working again.
1. Restart Your iPhone
The classic reboot is more effective than you might think. It clears temporary bugs that can mess with your iPhone’s GPS.
Soft reset:
- Press and hold the Side button + either Volume button until “slide to power off” appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your phone.
- After 30 seconds, press the Side button again until the Apple logo shows up.
Force restart:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
After your iPhone powers back up, check if GPS is working again.
2. Toggle Location Services Off and On
Location Services sometimes needs a nudge to reconnect properly after an update.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Turn off Location Services, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
You can also reset all location data:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset Location & Privacy and enter your passcode if asked.
3. Use Airplane Mode to Refresh Connections
Airplane mode can help reset your iPhone’s wireless radios, including GPS.
- Go to Settings.
- Turn on Airplane Mode.
- While it’s enabled, do a soft reset (see step 1 above).
- After your iPhone reboots, go back to Settings and turn Airplane Mode off.
Wait for your device to reconnect, then try using GPS again.
4. Reset All Settings
If the iOS update changed system settings that messed with GPS, this will roll everything back without deleting your data.
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
Your iPhone will reboot. Test GPS again once it’s back on.
5. Do a Factory Reset
Still not working? A clean slate might help. Just make sure to back up your data first via iCloud or iTunes.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode and confirm.
After it erases everything, set up your iPhone as new and test the GPS before restoring a backup.
6. Try Recovery or DFU Mode Restore (Advanced)
If none of the above worked, you’re likely dealing with deeper iOS bugs. You can try restoring your iPhone in Recovery Mode or DFU Mode using a computer. These methods completely reinstall iOS and often fix low-level issues.
Not comfortable doing this on your own? It’s okay to skip this step and head straight to Apple support.
Still No GPS? Time to Contact Apple
If GPS is still broken after all that, your iPhone might need a deeper fix or even hardware repair. Head to an Apple Store or contact Apple Support for further diagnostics. They can check if the issue is due to faulty GPS hardware or help with advanced software tools.