Apple's iOS 8.4 software update seems to be taking the route of previous updates; it is creating problems.
After upgrading to iOS 8.4, iDevice users are complaining of issues with the GPS. The accuracy has either deteriorated or it seems not to recognize the user's current location.
The GPS problem is rampant and is affecting all iOS device users, whether the iOS 8.4 update was made OTA or via iTunes.
All apps that deploy GPS seem affected, be it Waze, Maps or others.
"I updated to iOS 8.4 and now my GPS isn't getting data quickly; when using Maps or Waze for directions it takes so long to figure out where it's at; it's pretty much useless. Anyone else having this issue?" complained an iPhone 6 user on the Apple Support Community.
Another user said: "I also have this issue, iOS 8.4 on an iPhone 6+. Waze can't connect to GPS and Google Maps seemed to struggle to find a GPS signal—and this was in downtown LA, not in the boonies where a problem with GPS signal might be expected."
The sentiments were echoed by other iOS 8.4 users as well who noted that the GPS was "nearly unusable" after updating.
How to Fix the Issue
A method to help counter the problem is to restore your iPad or iPhone through iTunes and set it up as a new device. One user says this helped him get GPS access again.
"I restored to 8.4 using iTunes on my MacBook, then I restored a backup. That worked, I have no idea why, but I have access to GPS again. It seems the issue was the OTA update," noted MDriscoll2 on the Apple Support forum.
The process is as follows:
Step 1: Connect the iDevice to your PC via USB.
Step 2: Once iTunes recognizes your device, select your iPad, iPod touch or iPhone.
Step 3: Click the Restore button (it is in the Summary tab).
Step 4: iTunes will issue a prompt for whether you want to restore the device to its factory settings. Click the Restore button.
Step 5: Wait a few minutes until the restoration is complete. Once finished, the iOS device will reboot.
Step 6: The Hello screen will pop up and ask you to set up. Follow the instructions and set up your device as new or restore from the previous backup.
Remember to have backups of important data and make sure your device's battery has at least a 50 percent charge before you attempt any of the fixes.
Some other ways to counter the GPS issue are as follows.
Conduct a Hard Reset
Step 1: Press and hold the Power and Home buttons together. Do this until the screen is blank.
Step 2: Release the two buttons and you will see Apple's logo pop up on your screen. By then, your phone has been reset.
According to an iOS 8.4 user, the hard reset and Reset Network Settings functionalities do not work in resolving the problem. To fix the issue, one needs to go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle it off then on. This will rectify the GPS problem. Here's how to do it:
Disable and Re-enable Location Services
Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and switch off the toggle.
Step 2: Hard reset your smartphone as mentioned above.
Step 3: Once your iPhone has restarted, launch the Settings app.
Step 4: Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and switch on the toggle.
In the event the issue persists, try to reset Network Settings. This can be done as follows:
Step1: Start the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to General > click Reset > Tap Reset Network Settings.
It is important to remember that one may be required to reconfigure their VPN and Wi-Fi settings after this reset.
Photo: Microsiervos Geek Crew | Flickr
