Apple Maps Not Working? How to Fix and Find Alternatives

Apple has made significant improvements to the functionality and performance of Apple Maps since the release of iOS 13. Nevertheless, some users continue to experience issues. The most common ones include inaccurate directions, Apple Maps not loading, iPhone Maps not locating, or missing location data. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to navigate to an unfamiliar place or reach a destination on time.

Thus, HeyLocate decided to address some common issues for not working iPhone maps and explore alternative apps that users can consider if Apple Maps does not work properly. To make guidelines and test services for this article, we used iPhone 12 with iOS 16.4.1.

Note: To stay informed about any Apple Maps issues, users can check the Apple System Status page or websites like https://downdetector.com/.

It’s worth noting that Apple Maps can have occasional inaccuracies in location data and less comprehensive coverage in certain regions. Connectivity issues or outdated map data can lead to functionality problems. Users might experience occasional route miscalculations and missing points of interest.

Possible iPhone Maps Problems and Their Solutions

1. Restart iPhone.
2. Check Wi-Fi or Cellular Data.
   To check this, go to the Settings app on your iPhone and check if Wi-Fi or Cellular network is enabled.
3. Refresh Location Service.
   Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Apple Maps > Toggle off the switch next to “Maps”. Wait for a few seconds and toggle the switch back on.
4. Relaunch Apple Maps.
5. Check Apple System Status:
   • go to the Apple System Status page on your web browser;
   • look for the “Maps Routing & Navigation” section to check the status of Apple Maps;
   • if there is a green circle next to the section, it means the service is working correctly. If there is a yellow or red circle, there may be an issue, and you should check back later for updates.
   
6. Set date and time to automatic.
   The accuracy and work of Apple Maps may depend on changes in your time zone. To set your date and time to automatic, go to Settings > General > Date & Time > toggle on the “Set Automatically” option.
   
7. Reset Network Settings.
   Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode face ID if prompted. Confirm that you want to reset your network settings.
   Note: Resetting your network settings will erase all your Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure to have them written down or stored somewhere safe before proceeding.
8. Update iPhone to the latest iOS version.
   Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install” to begin the update process. It is important to make sure that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery life before starting the update.
9. Free up storage. Give Apple Maps space for working.
   To help Apple Maps work more smoothly, try freeing up storage on your iPhone. You can do this by deleting unnecessary files or apps or by using a cloud storage service like iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to store your files.

What to Use Instead of Apple Maps

If you can’t solve the problem with Apple Maps, there are many alternatives. It all depends on what you need to do.

Find Directions Without Apple Maps

If Apple Maps not showing map, the most obvious option is Google Maps. Unlike Apple Maps, Google Maps is not installed on iPhones by default, but it can easily be downloaded from the App Store.

Google Maps also offers turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and the ability to search for local businesses and points of interest. The main difference between Apple Maps and Google Maps is that Google Maps is more established and has been around for longer, offering more extensive mapping data and features. You can even use it to find your phone when Find My iPhone is not working.

Other alternative maps for iPhone include Waze Navigation & Live Traffic, MapQuest, and Here WeGo Maps & Navigation, which are also effective and free to use.

Alternatives For Getting Real-Time Traffic Updates

If you’re looking for alternatives to Apple Maps for getting real-time traffic updates, two popular options are Waze and MapQuest.

Waze is a community-based navigation app that relies on user-generated data to provide real-time traffic updates and alerts for accidents, hazards, and police activity. It also provides voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, gas station locations, and even alerts for speed traps.

MapQuest is another free online mapping and navigation service that provides turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates. It also has a feature called “Commute” that allows users to save their regular routes and receive real-time traffic updates for those routes.

Track Someone With a Phone Number

When Apple Maps doesn’t work to track someone’s location there or to share it, there are online tools for location tracking with just a phone number. These are GEOfinder, Scannero, and Detectico, among others. The process is straightforward: the service gives a text message with a location tracking link to send to the target. Once the recipient clicks it, the system obtains the phone’s location using its IP address.

You can access the detectico.com website to request a trial for $0.89. The service requires consent from the target by clicking the link so you won’t be interfering with their private location data.

Try Detectico

Location Tracking With Full-Featured Trackers

If you use location tracking constantly – with your partner, kids or elderly parents or even employees. You can use full-featured trackers.

For example, the uMobix app is a mobile monitoring software that allows users to track and monitor a target device’s activities remotely. It provides detailed information on call logs, text messages, social media activity, and location data.

To use uMobix for location tracking, sign up for the service and select the option to monitor an iOS device. Follow the installation instructions carefully to sync your iPhone data successfully. Once linked, uMobix sends your iPhone data to the Control panel. Access your account dashboard to view phone data and the GPS location feature.

The GPS location feature allows you to track the location of family or friends. It provides location coordinates, dates, times, and a map view of the location.

Try uMobix

In our HeyLocate blog, you can also read about how to solve other localization issues on iPhone:
• No Location Found vs No Location Available on iPhone: Difference & Solutions
• Why is Share My Location Not Working on iPhone? Solutions & Alternatives
• Find My iPhone Not Working? Full Guide to Fix & Alternative Methods

Conclusion

If you’re having Apple Maps glitch, there are several solutions you can try, including restarting your iPhone, checking your network settings, and updating your iPhone’s software. If these solutions don’t work, there are many alternative mapping apps to choose from, including Google Maps, Waze, and MapQuest.

Ultimately, the best mapping app for you will depend on your needs and preferences. There are other apps like uMobix that you can use to track the location of your iPhone or other devices. These apps are particularly useful if you want to monitor the location of your child or employees. If your maps not working on iPhone and you need to track someone’s location one-time, try Scannero or GEOfinder.