[2025] Why Is My Location Wrong on My iPhone? Fix it Now

“Peter once had a terrible experience. His iPhone navigation history got his movements for the previous day completely wrong, to the extent of putting him in an apartment complex located 12 miles in the opposite direction to where he had gone. “

iPhones are perfect for the most part. However, connectivity issues and GPS issues tend to arise every once in a while, like the above the case. If you don't know how to fix them immediately, it can get on your nerves really fast. This article addresses how to deal with the similar issues - “why is my location wrong on my iPhone?” and how to fix the problem.

Smartphones such as the recent versions of iPhones are loved by many due to their design and, more importantly, their versatility in functionality.

For instance, one of its popular uses is as a navigational tool, which not only gives you the direction of where you want to go but also keeps a record of your movements throughout the day. That's why it can become quite frustrating whenever this function fails to provide the most accurate information or reminds No Location Found on iPhone.

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Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of why this sometimes happens, let's first attempt to understand how exactly iPhones perform their navigational functions.

Ideally, iPhones, as other smartphones with similar capabilities, use what's known as a GPS to carry out trilateration. This is a process where a location is drawn based on the communication passed between three satellites. It is important to note that not all smartphones use this technique. Others use another GPS iteration known as wireless-assisted GPS integration that primarily incorporates information provided by satellites orbiting the earth to determine your exact location.

The following are some very common reasons why an iPhone location service may give the wrong information.

The navigation function in an iPhone heavily depends on the ability to have a stable connection along with a proper reception service. Whenever you are close to obstructions that impede signals and connectivity, your GPS service is bound to start acting up.

When apps or the iOS get bugged updates, sometimes the navigation service may also be affected. This is quite easy to trace back since it is usually noticeable as soon as a faulty update completes.

Because of privacy and security concerns, you may opt to disable, deny, or limit an app the ability to access your current location. This will then cause your iPhone’s navigation records to cause errors.

Now that we've looked at why location and navigation issues can sometimes occur in iPhones, let's delve a little more in-depth on a case by case basis regarding how to fix various GPS locations and navigations issues for your iPhone.

Case 1. Why Does My iPhone Think I’m in Another City?

A significant number of users reported GPS issues when iOS 17/18 dropped. If your iPhone thinks you're in somewhere but you actually not, most likely there is something wrong about Location Services.

Now, one quick way to fix this issue is by toggling on your iPhone's Location Services if the location service is disabled. Follow the steps below to do this.

Step 1: Navigate to “Settings > Privacy > Location Services”.

Step 2: Turn location service on to fix iPhone wrong location problem.

Step 3: If the location service is already enabled, you can refresh this feature. Turn it off and wait for about 20 seconds or several minutes and then turn it back on.

Note

If you enable location service for a specific application, you may have to tap “Always” to let the app abtain your location when it’s on/off or in background. Otherwise, the app may not work.

Case 2. Why is Find My iPhone Not Updating Location?

“Find My iPhone” is an incredible tool for locating misplaced or stolen iPhones. It allows you to lock your iPhone and/or remotely delete sensitive or personal information. However, for one reason or another, it may fail to work as intended. Let’s go over a few common reasons why this happens.

Reason #1: You Did Not Activate "Find My iPhone" or "iCloud"

“iCloud” and “Find My iPhone” must be turned on before the iPhone is misplaced or stolen. It is impossible to locate the iPhone if the service does not know what it is looking for. It is advisable that you enable these features as soon as you get a new iPhone.

Tip: In this case, you can turn on Find My iPhone. Go to “Settings > your device name > iCloud > Find My iPhone > turn on Find My iPhone”.

Reason #2: The iPhone Does Not Have Internet Connection

This is an internet-based service and therefore requires that the internet be switched on in order to locate your missing iPhone. It’s possible that either it is out of range of Wi-Fi or cellular networks or that it has been switched to Airplane mode.

Tip: In this case, you can reconnect Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Or you can disable Airplane mode through “Settings > turn off Airplane Mode”.

Reason #3: The iPhone is Turned Off

Just like the internet connection, the iPhone has to actually be on to be located. The Find my iPhone site will display the last known location before the iPhone was turned off.

Tip: In this case, you have to recharge your iPhone as soon as possible. If your iPhone shows red battery and you cannot charge your device right away, you can enable Low Power Mode.

These are just a few main reasons why Find my iPhone may fail to provide accurate location information. And this may also cause the issue of why is my location wrong on my iPhone.

Case 3. Why is My GPS Not Working Properly after iOS 17/18 Update?

In most case, this issue may disappear after a few hours because your iPhone need some time to settle after the update. If not, you can try to fix this issue with the methods we listed below.

Option #1: Reset your iPhone’s Network Settings

If all of the above suggestions don’t fix your GPS issue, try resetting the network settings by following these steps.

Step 1: Navigate to “Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings”.

Step 2: Enter the Apple ID passcode that asked.

Step 3: Tap onto “Reset Network Settings or Reset Location & Privacy”.

Option #2: Check for App Updates

Make sure the app for which GPS service is faulty is updated to its latest version. You can do this by following these steps.

Step 1: Navigate to “App Store > Updates”.

Step 2: Look for the app with issues and update to its latest version.

Option #3: Perform a Soft Reset

The beauty of a soft reset is that it protects your data. Here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Push and hold down the power button and the sleep/wake button simultaneously for about 10 seconds.

Step 2: Once the apple logo appears, you can release the buttons.

There are other useful tips you may try in case your iPhone’s GPS functionality is not restored. Here they are:

If all of these suggestions fail to restore your iPhone GPS to proper functioning, then it is very likely that you are dealing with damage to the hardware, particularly the GPS chip. This may happen if your iPhone has been subject to frequent hard drops on the floor or has been exposed to liquid. You will need to visit a licensed Apple support store to have the technicians investigate the issue further. So the above are all answers to “why is my location wrong on my iPhone”.

Privacy and security settings in iOS allow you to control how certain apps access information stored or collected by your iPhone. For instance, social media sites such as Tik Tok or Snapchat will ask for permission to access your camera in order to upload your photos or videos. Location services work in a similar way. It allows you to control the apps that get information about your location, for example, Maps and Weather.

Normally, you will see a black or white arrow in the status bar when "Location Services" is active. A blue marker designates your approximate location; otherwise, it may be presented as a blue circle around a large area (but not precise location). It goes without saying that the larger the circle, the less precise your location. The accuracy of this feature largely depends on data services, much of which changes depending on your geographical location.

How to Change location on iPhone while Location Service Is on

After learning about iPhone location service, you maybe also interested in changing GPS location on iPhone. iMyFone AnyTo location changer is a professional application for iOS devices. It also help you instantly spoof iPad location on any location-based apps when location service is enabled. Sound interesting? Lets get to know how to spoof iPhone location in a few steps instead of iPhone location wrong.

Step 1: Download the AnyTo app for free on your phone (iPhone or Android). Once the download is complete, open iMyFone AnyTo to start your free unlimited trial.

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Step 2: Click the AnyTo icon, open AnyTo app. Follow the instructions in the software to complete the basic settings before changing the location.

Step 3: Select the location you want to change, choose the mode you need, then click the Move button. Your location will be changed within seconds.

Besides, you can also change iOS/Android GPS location on PC with 1-click, enjoy your iMyFone AnyTo full version trial now!

1

Connect iPhone/Andoid devices to the PC. Click "Get Started".

2

Select Teleport Mode or Multi-spot Mode to plan a route.

3

Click the Move button to change location on the map to this new location!

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Apart from changing iPhone location, even on the latest iOS version 17/18 and support 10 iOS devices at the same time, you can also use AnyTo to fake GPS without mock location on Android devices.

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Article by

Smith Marius

Smith Marius is a senior iOS product operator. By writing various tips and tricks, he has successfully helped thousands of users solve different problems with their iOS devices.