What Does Location Not Available Mean? Why Does It Say Location Not Available When Sharing Location On iPhone?

What does location not available mean? The location feature on iPhone is quite handy when you want to let people know where you are or if you want to meet someone in a new place. But sometimes the feature might not work properly, and you’ll get the message What does location not available mean?

by J Divya | Updated Feb 06, 2023

What does Location not available Mean?

iPhone lets users share their real-time location with others, and this feature is useful in several scenarios. But this feature might not work at times, but there are a few ways to fix the issue. Many people discover that while sharing their present location is simple, sharing their live location is more difficult. When users share their location with others, the map in iMessage displays the message "Location Not Available." Usually, it is just a case of not giving proper permissions. Scroll down to learn how you can fix the issue.

Why does it say Location not Available when Sharing Location on iPhone?

There are several reasons as to why this problem might occur. We’ve mentioned them below, along with solutions,

1. Grant Necessary Permissions

Listed below are the steps to grant permissions,

  • Go to settings and tap on ‘Privacy.’

  • Under ‘Privacy Settings,’ tap ‘Location Services.’ 

  • Then tap ‘Location Services.’

Also, check that 'Find My' and 'Messages' have access to your location by scrolling down the list of apps. If anything other than 'While Using' appears on either of them, open it and adjust the setting. Return to your Apple ID name card at the top of the settings page. 'Find My' is an option to tap. Then, switch it on on the 'Share My Location' toggle. People with whom you share your location in iMessage won't be able to view it if Location Sharing is turned off for 'Find My.' However, if permissions are already enabled, proceed to the following step.

2. Ensure that You are Sharing from the Correct Device

If all of the permissions are valid, many devices may be confusing your iPhone as to where the location should be sent from. It appears to be the case for those who have lately switched from one iPhone to another. Here’s how you can fix the issue,

  • Go to Settings.

  • Tap on the Apple ID card at the top.

  • The Apple ID details will have all devices using your iCloud account.

  • Tap on your previous phone if it is listed.

  • Tap the ‘Remove the account’ option.

This can also be done through a computer browser. 

  • Go to icloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.

  • Click on ‘Account Settings’ option.

  • Click on the device that you wish to move.

  • Tap the ‘Remove the account’ option.

3. Using Multiple Devices

If it's an alternate device you still use instead of an old device you've replaced, you don't want to remove it from your account. Although it should not cause any issues, you can quickly fix it if it does. Here are the steps for doing it,

  • Return to your Apple ID card on the device you want to share the location. 

  • Then select 'Find My'. You can see which device is sharing the location in the 'Find My' settings. 

  • Select 'Use This iPhone as My Location.' After updating your device, your location sharing should instantly change from 'Not Available' to your current location. 

  • If it doesn't, execute the Location Services reset from the Privacy settings for this technique.

Using these methods, you can fix the issue of location not being available. If the issue still persists after trying these methods, you can try contacting customer support for more help.

Other Reasons for Location not being Available.

Listed below are some reasons why it might not be working for a contact,

  • The date and time on your friends' or family's devices are inaccurate.

  • The iPhone you're trying to connect has been turned off.

  • An iPhone's cellular or Wi-Fi connection may be turned off.

  • On neither of the devices, the location service is turned on.

  • Your friend or family member hasn't signed up for the "Find My Friend" program.

  • Find My Friends is only available in some areas, and your friend is not within the area.

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What does Location not available Mean: FAQs

1. When was the first iPhone released?

It was released in 2007.

2. When was Apple founded?

It was founded in 1976.

3. Who is the founder of Apple?

Steve Jobs is the founder.

4. How many stores does Apple have worldwide?

It has 516 stores worldwide.

5. What type of company is Apple?

It is a Public company.

6. What are some of the popular products of Apple?

Some of the popular products are Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

7. What is the operating system on iPhones?

The OS used is iOS.