Fix: Users unable to start Location services in iOS

With all those location-dependent apps nowadays, users are compelled to use Location Services. If you’re roaming through maps or waiting for Uber, you won’t be able to do much without GPS. With the privacy question arising, you still need to take a good thought before you enable it permanently for certain apps.

However, some users have had a hard time enabling it, in the first place. Due to some peculiar reasons, the services just won’t start and that renders certain apps completely unusable.

Because of that, we enlisted some workarounds you should take into consideration if you’ve had experienced this issue. You can find explanations below.

How to resolve Location issues in iOS

Restart your device and make sure that the services are properly enabled

In regards to simplicity of solutions, iOS issues are somewhat easier to address. If not for anything else, then for the sole reason that it has a more homogeneous platform. A simple restart can sometimes make miracles happen. Follow the instructions below to restart your iPhone or iPad:

1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button.
2. After it appears, use the slider to turn your device Off.
3. Once the device turns off, use Sleep/Wake button to turn it On again.

After that, (even though it sounds a bit too obvious) make sure that Location services are enabled in the first place. Follow the procedure below to confirm that everything is set as it’s supposed to be:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open Privacy.
3. Tap Location Services.
4. Toggle Location Services ON.
5. The list of apps that use Location services will appear.
6. You can tap on the individual apps and choose one of 3 options from the pop-up list:
   • Never – this app doesn’t have permission to access Location services.
   • While Using the App – this app can use Location services only while is active.
   • Always – this app is allowed to use Location services always.

After you’ve dealt with that, you can try using some location-related apps and look for changes.

Reset Network settings

If the issue surpasses the initial troubleshooting, we might need to change the approach. Namely, some users managed to resolve issues within the Location services feature by resetting Network settings. Thus, it’s not exactly related (it covers more Wi-Fi, Data, and Bluetooth), it might help you address the issue at hand. But, have in mind that this procedure will erase all network-related settings, so you may need to set those again.

Follow the instructions below to reset Network settings in iOS:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Choose ‘Reset Network Settings’.
5. Enter your passcode when prompted.
6.  Tap on Reset to confirm.
7. Restart your device.

Change restrictions (Parental control)

Even though some recent happenings made some people doubt overall iOS privacy and security (don’t forget Uber tracking scandal), we’re still talking about a premium protection. So, the app you try to use in combination with GPS (Location services) might be restricted from enabling Location services. Because of that, obviously, Location service will fail to start within the named app. In addition, there’s a 4-digits password you’ll need to enter in order to change settings. If you haven’t changed it, its default value is 0000.

In order to change possibly inflicted restriction on a certain app, follow the instructions below:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Restrictions.
4. Tap Location settings.
5. Choose Allow changes.

Update iOS

Updates are essential. Especially when some system feature starts misbehaving. For that reason, we urge you to check for updates. Apple is currently distributing iOS 10.3.3, so you should update whenever you have time to spare. In addition, if Location services won’t function within the specific app, updating the app might help. Even reinstalling it, if you want to be thorough.

This is how to update your iOS to latest stable version:

1. Backup your device via iCloud or iTunes.
2. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and the full battery before the process starts.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Open General.
5. Tap Software Update.
6. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

And these instructions should inform you on how to update an app:

1. Tap App Store.
2. Open Updates.
3. If there are updates available, tap to update.

Or reinstall it, for that matter:

1. On the app screen, tap and hold the troubled app until the X appears.
2. Tap X to uninstall the app.
3. Restart your device.
4. Open App Store and search for the app.
5. Tap and install it.

Restore device to factory settings

Finally, if none of the previous steps worked in your favor, you might be stuck with a factory reset. It can be a pain to go through the complete procedure, but, more times than not, even the most resilient issues are resolved that way. There are 2 ways to restore your device to factory settings, and we’re bringing you both below. It’s yours to choose which one you want to use.

Within the device

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Don’t forget to backup your data before you confirm.
6. Confirm selection and start the process.
7. Later on, you should choose Restore from the iCloud Backup feature.

With iTunes client for PC or Mac

1. Install the latest version of iTunes app on your PC.
2. Connect your device to a PC.
3. Start iTunes and choose Summary.
4. Remember to backup your iPhone data.
5. Select Restore iPhone.
6. Move on to restoring process.

That should do it. We hope that one of those resolved your issues with Location services in your iOS. Make sure to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions in the comments section below.