A phone or tablet feature that has completely stopped should be checked for a disabled permission or setting before assuming hardware failure. For iPhone GPS and location accuracy, first test Maps outdoors with precise location enabled and compare another location app.
What this covers
- iPhone GPS and location accuracy with this exact failure state
- Diagnosis across one app permission versus outdoor satellite view, network and system location
What it does not cover
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact failure state
ReversibleCheck whether the feature is grayed out, missing from settings entirely, or present but unresponsive when used. Expected behavior: combine satellite, Wi-Fi, cellular and motion data within expected accuracy.
Isolate the component boundary
ReversibleTest Maps outdoors with precise location enabled and compare another location app. Test the same feature in a different app that uses it, and with recently installed apps disabled or in Safe Mode. Boundary to separate: one app permission versus outdoor satellite view, network and system location.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleCorrect app permission, date/time or network assistance and recalibrate motion. Re-enable the permission or setting, or update/reinstall the one app where it fails.
Verify and stop safely
ReversibleConfirm the feature works from a cold restart in at least two different apps. Do not rely on a malfunctioning phone as the sole navigation or emergency locator.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions