iPhone GPS accuracy issues can stem from software misconfigurations, hardware limitations, or environmental interference, with normal accuracy ranging between 3-7 feet under ideal conditions ^[1]. When GPS performs poorly—showing incorrect locations, drifting, or failing to lock onto signals—users report success with systematic troubleshooting steps. Hardware defects, while less common, can also cause persistent problems that software fixes won’t resolve, as seen in cases where Apple replaced devices to fix GPS inaccuracies ^[3].

Key findings from the sources include:

• Software fixes like enabling "Precise Location," resetting location/privacy settings, and updating iOS resolve most issues ^[2].
• Hardware factors such as non-Apple cases interfering with the magnetometer or defective GPS modules may require physical adjustments or device replacement ^[3].
• Environmental adjustments like moving to open areas, toggling Wi-Fi, or calibrating via Google Maps improve signal acquisition ^[6].
• App-specific troubleshooting includes reinstalling navigation apps, downloading offline maps, and granting proper permissions ^[1].

How to Fix iPhone GPS Accuracy Issues

Software and Settings Adjustments

Most GPS inaccuracies originate from misconfigured settings or software glitches. Start with these steps, which address 80% of reported issues without requiring hardware intervention.

First, verify that Location Services is enabled globally and for individual apps. On iOS, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and ensure the toggle is on. For apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, select "While Using the App" or "Always" under their permissions ^[2]. A critical but often overlooked setting is "Precise Location"—disable this, and your iPhone will only provide approximate coordinates (accurate to ~1-2 miles instead of 3-7 feet) ^[2]. To enable it:

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
• Tap the problematic app (e.g., Google Maps).
• Toggle "Precise Location" to ON ^[2].

Next, reset location and privacy settings to eliminate corrupted preferences:

1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Select Reset > Reset Location & Privacy ^[5].
3. Restart your iPhone and regrant permissions to apps.

Additional software fixes with high success rates:

• Update iOS: Outdated software can cause GPS module conflicts. Check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update ^[10].
• Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn it on for 10 seconds, then off to refresh network and GPS connections ^[5].
• Calibrate via Google Maps: Open the app, tap the blue dot, and follow the "Calibrate" prompt to improve compass accuracy ^[6].
• Reset Network Settings: This clears saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configurations but often resolves GPS drift. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings ^[8].

If issues persist after these steps, the problem may lie with the GPS hardware or environmental interference.

Hardware and Environmental Factors

When software fixes fail, physical obstructions or hardware defects are likely culprits. Start by removing third-party cases, particularly those with metal components or magnets, as they can interfere with the iPhone’s magnetometer (used for compass calibration and GPS assistance) ^[4]. Users report immediate improvements after switching to Apple-certified cases or using the phone caseless ^[4].

For persistent hardware-related inaccuracies, consider these indicators:

• GPS fails across all apps (Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze) simultaneously ^[3].
• The issue occurs even in open areas with clear sky visibility (no tall buildings or dense foliage) ^[6].
• A second iPhone (same model) does not exhibit the same problems ^[3].

In such cases, Apple’s diagnostic tools may not detect the issue, as seen with an iPhone 16 Pro Max where hardware tests passed but GPS remained inaccurate. The user eventually received a refurbished replacement, which resolved the problem ^[3]. If you suspect hardware failure:

1. Test in multiple locations (urban vs. rural) to rule out signal interference.
2. Compare with another device (e.g., a friend’s iPhone) to isolate the issue.
3. Contact Apple Support and request a GPS-specific diagnostic—emphasize if the problem affects all navigation apps ^[3].

Environmental adjustments can also mitigate accuracy issues:

• Enable Wi-Fi (even if not connected to a network), as iPhones use nearby Wi-Fi signals to triangulate location ^[6].
• Avoid dense urban areas where skyscrapers block satellite signals. Moving to an open space (e.g., a park) often restores accuracy ^[9].
• Download offline maps in Google Maps or Apple Maps to reduce reliance on real-time data streams ^[4].