“No Location Found” Error on iPhone: Causes & Solutions

By John Ellenby

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The iPhone’s Find My feature is a very useful and efficient tool that can be used to find your devices anytime. If you misplace your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, or any other iOS device, you can use this feature to track and secure your data. Consumers could experience anxiety and frustration when they see the message “No Location Found.”

no location found on phone

Continue reading to see what it means when your phone says so, and learn how to fix it.

What Does No Location Found Mean?

The “No location found” message indicates a technical issue on iPhones. This means that the equipment that sent the signal failed to transfer it to the receiving device. There are several causes that may lead to this problem. We will examine a variety of reasons below:

No or Bad Internet Connection

In fact, your iPhone requires a stable internet connection to send location data. If you are in an area with poor internet access, the Find My feature can’t transmit your location. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi networks or have a strong cellular signal.

Incorrect Date and Time Settings

Your iPhone relies on accurate dates and times to synchronize with Apple’s servers and other network-based services. When these settings are incorrect, your device may struggle to communicate effectively with Apple’s systems, leading to problems with location tracking. 

When you travel to other places with different time zones, this technical error might occur. This happens because time discrepancies can interfere with determining your device’s location in real time.

Location Services Aren’t Working

Location Services are crucial for you to determine and share your location. If this feature is turned off, your device won’t be able to access the GPS, Wi-Fi, or cellular data it needs to search for the destination location. 

Additionally, if Location Services are malfunctioning—perhaps due to a bug or misconfiguration—your iPhone may fail to update its location accurately.

Activated Airplane Mode

Usually, we use Airplane Mode to disable all wireless communications on your iPhone, including cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. 

When this mode is activated, your device is effectively cut off from any external signals that could be used to determine its location. As a result, your iPhone cannot send or receive location data, leading to the “No Location Found” message.

Software Errors & Faults

Sometimes, glitches or bugs in your iPhone’s software can interfere with its ability to use location services. These issues might stem from outdated software that lacks the latest bug fixes and improvements or temporary software conflicts that arise during normal use. 

Such errors can disrupt the normal operation of location services, causing your iPhone to struggle with sending or receiving accurate location data.

How to Fix iPhone’s No Location Issue

1. Check Apple’s System Status Page

First, visit Apple’s System Status page to ensure no ongoing outages or issues with Apple’s services. Sometimes, the problem might be on Apple’s end rather than with your device. If this is the case, you can contact Apple for help from a specialist. 

2. Update Network Settings

Switching your network connection can sometimes fix location issues. Try toggling between Wi-Fi and cellular data to refresh your network settings. You can also go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to clear any network-related glitches.

3. Turn Off Airplane Mode

Make sure the Airplane Mode is turned off. Airplane Mode disables all wireless connections, which will affect your iPhone’s ability to send and receive location data. You can check this by looking for the airplane icon or going to Settings > Airplane Mode.

4. Set the Correct Time and Date

Ensure your iPhone’s date and time are set correctly. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and enable “Set Automatically” to sync your device’s time with your time zone.

5. Restart Your iPhone

Simply restarting your device can sometimes resolve many issues. Hold the power (and volume) button until the slider pops up. Swipe it to the right, wait a bit, and turn your device back on.

6. Turn On Location Services

Turn On Location Services

Make sure Location Services are enabled. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle the switch on. This setting needs to be active for location tracking to work properly.

7. Activate Precise Location

For more accurate location tracking, enable Precise Location. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > [App Name] and turn on “Precise Location.” This ensures that apps get the most accurate location information.

What if I don’t have an iPhone or another Apple device to access Find My?

Utilize Find Devices on iCloud.com

Find My Iphone

Head over to iCloud.com/find, where you can track your iPhone, report it missing, or even erase it remotely. When you log in, you might be asked for a verification code sent to a trustworthy device. If you’ve lost it or can’t get the code, just tap on “Find Devices” without typing in the code.

Remember that if your device is turned off, has a dead battery, or hasn’t connected to Apple’s servers in over 24 hours, you won’t be able to see its location using iCloud.com/find.

If you’ve enabled Stolen Device Protection and changed your Apple ID password in a new place, you might not see your device’s location on iCloud.com/find.

Use a Family Member’s Device

If you join a location sharing group with your family, it’s possible to utilize the Find My function on other members’ devices. Once you’ve shared your location with them, your devices will show up in their Find My app in the Devices tab.

How Does “No Location Available” Differ From “No Location Found”?

Although the iPhone’s “No Location Found” and “No Location Available” messages suggest problems finding a device, their causes and effects differ.

“No Location Found”

This message typically appears when your iPhone is trying to retrieve another device’s location but cannot do so due to a temporary issue. This might occur if the other device is offline, has Airplane Mode activated, or is in an area with no network coverage. 

It suggests that the device tried to share its location, but something is preventing that data from reaching you.

“No Location Available”

Conversely, “No Location Available” usually indicates a longer-lasting or more persistent problem. When a device you are trying to locate cannot provide its location for a long time, you will see this message. 

The device may be out of range for an extended period, have its location services turned off, or be powered off. It signifies that until the underlying problem is fixed, the device may not share its location.

FAQs

What do I do if Google Maps says “No Location Found”?

In most cases, when Google Maps shows “No Location Found,” it means your phone is having problems locating you. Make sure that Location Services is enabled and that you are connected to the internet first. Sometimes, a fast restart or a location-based app update will fix the issue. Consider getting closer to a window or going outside if you’re inside or in an area with bad GPS reception.

Why can’t my apps find my location?

Your GPS signal may be weak, especially if you’re indoors or in an area with spotty coverage, which is why your apps are unable to determine your exact location. 

Double-check that the software on your phone is up to date and that Location Services is enabled in your location settings. It’s also a good idea to check any additional permissions some apps may require to access your current location.

Will my phone say “No Location Found” indoors?

Yes, this is possible. GPS signals can be blocked indoors, particularly in large buildings or basements, which makes it more difficult for your phone to determine where you are. 

In the event that you see “No Location Found” inside, the weak signal is probably to blame. If you approach a window or go outside, your phone can obtain a more accurate location reading.

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Conclusion

The “No Location Found” technical error on your iPhone can be annoying, but it’s generally fixable. You can frequently fix the problem quickly by verifying that your device is connected correctly and checking some important settings. 

Contacting a technician or Apple Support for assistance if the problem persists can help you further. You can locate yourself again with ease if you follow these steps.


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