Fix: Apple Maps not working

Apple Maps is one of those apps that we might not use on a daily basis but it’s essential when needed. Especially for navigation. That’s why issues with Maps can be quite a headache. As noticed by users on Apple’s Community forum, Apple Maps are not working for some of them.

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For some, Maps show the wrong location, for others they crash, while some have a hard time with navigation. Whatever bothers you, make sure to check the steps below. We made sure to provide you with some applicable solutions.

Table of contents:

1. Force close Apple Maps and restart your iPhone
2. Check Screen Time
3. Check Permissions
4. Reinstall Apple Maps
5. Check for system updates
6. Reset your device to factory settings

Why is Apple Maps not working on my iPhone?

This is quite a rare occurrence but, if Apple Maps are not working for you, try restarting your iPhone/iPad. Also, disable Dark Mode, enable Location Services, and make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.

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If that doesn’t help, reinstall the app or reset your device to factory settings and restore it from a backup.

1. Force close Apple Maps and restart your iPhone

Most issues with first-party apps are easily resolved with this simple sequence. Just force close the app if it’s running in the background and restart your device (power off then power back on).

That should address the issue. Also, don’t forget to enable Location Services in Settings > Privacy > Location Services. And, to avoid theme-based bugs, try disabling global Dark Mode.

Don’t forget that a Network connection is required in order for Maps to work. If you are using cellular data, make sure to allow Apple Maps to use it.

On the other hand, if Apple Maps are still not working, make sure to continue with the next step.

2. Check Screen Time

If you actively use Screen Time to limit app usage, make sure that Apple Maps are not being limited. Another thing to consider are limitations imposed on Location services, which are, of course, necessary for Apple Maps to function as intended.

So, navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed and add Apple Maps to the list. Additionally, make sure to navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and, under Location services, select Allow changes.

3. Check Permissions

Moving on. Although Apple Maps comes as a pre-installed app, iOS still asks users to grant necessary permissions so the app would be able to work in the background or access GPS (Location services).

Here’s what you need to do on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Maps.
3. Enable all permissions and restart your device.
4. Check for improvements.

If you are still unable to utilize Apple Maps after these few steps, try reinstalling the app.

4. Reinstall Apple Maps

The next logical step is to go for reinstallation. iOS conveniently allows the removal of the majority of pre-installed apps, including Apple Maps. After you remove the app and reinstall it from the App Store, it should work as intended.

Here’s how to reinstall Apple Maps on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Tap & hold on to the Maps Home Screen shortcut.
2. Tap Remove App.
3. Confirm when prompted.
4. Open App Store and look for Maps.
5. Install the app and run it.
6. Grant Location Services permission when asked.

5. Check for system updates

While the focus of troubleshooting iOS apps is usually on the app itself, it’s important to note that there are system-wide bugs that can create a variety of issues. For some, Apple Maps stopped working after a system update. Many of them blame the update to iOS 14 for Maps issues.

Luckily, with frequent incremental updates, chances are that the bug is addressed. So, make sure to navigate to Settings > General > Software Updates. Once there, download and install any available updates.

6. Reset your device to factory settings

In the end, if Apple Maps are still not working, resetting your device to factory settings is the last step we can recommend. The procedure is rather simple, but it’s important to back up everything before resetting your device. You can either go through system settings or use iTunes client on a PC or Mac to back up everything and reset your device.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Reset.
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Make sure to back up everything to iCloud. Navigate to Settings > Your Account at the top > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back up Now.
6. Enter PIN/Password when prompted and confirm.
7. Once your device reboots, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.

In case you are still experiencing issues with Apple Maps, make sure to send a bug report to Apple Support.

And, on that note, we can conclude this article. Thank you for reading and, If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to tell us in the comments section below. Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter.