If GPS on your iPhone 17 Pro randomly stops working, loses tracking, or freezes your location, the issue is usually caused by iOS location settings, background app restrictions, or network configuration — not hardware failure.
I experienced this issue firsthand on a pre-ordered iPhone 17 Pro and resolved it permanently. If your iPhone 17 Pro GPS is also not working or stops working randomly, then this guide explains the most common iPhone 17 Pro GPS problems and how to fix iPhone 17 Pro GPS tracking permanently using the steps below.
To fix GPS issues on iPhone 17 Pro:
- Restart Location Services
- Set GPS apps to “Always” with Precise Location enabled
- Enable Motion & Compass calibration
- Turn off Low Power Mode
- Reset Network Settings
This restores stable, accurate GPS tracking in most cases.
Common GPS Issues on iPhone 17 Pro
Users may notice:
- GPS stops updating location
- Navigation apps lose signal mid-route
- Fitness apps stop recording distance
- Maps show “Searching for GPS”
- Location works briefly, then fails again
These symptoms typically appear after initial device setup or iOS updates.
Why GPS Stops Working on iPhone 17 Pro
Based on testing and Apple system behavior, GPS interruptions are caused by:
- Background app restrictions
- Incorrect location permission settings
- Disabled motion calibration services
- Network configuration conflicts
- Low Power Mode limiting GPS access
This is a software configuration issue, not a defective GPS chip.
Step-by-Step Fix (Recommended by Apple-Level Troubleshooting)
Step 1: Restart Location Services
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy & Security
- Tap Location Services
- Turn Location Services OFF
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn it ON again
This refreshes the GPS subsystem.
Step 2: Allow GPS Apps to Access Location “Always”
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
- Select your navigation or fitness app
- Set Location Access → Always
- Enable Precise Location
Repeat for all GPS-dependent apps.
Step 3: Enable System Location Services
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
- Scroll down and tap System Services
- Enable:
- Motion Calibration & Distance
- Compass Calibration
- Disable:
- Location-Based Apple Ads
- Location-Based Suggestions
This prevents background conflicts with live GPS tracking.
Step 4: Turn Off Low Power Mode
- Open Settings
- Tap Battery
- Turn Low Power Mode → OFF
Low Power Mode limits GPS accuracy and background tracking.
Step 5: Reset Network Settings (Most Effective Fix)
- Go to Settings → General
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset
- Select Reset Network Settings
This clears GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular configuration without deleting personal data.
How to Confirm GPS Is Fixed
After completing all steps:
- Test navigation for at least 20–30 minutes
- Start an outdoor workout
- Lock the screen and verify background tracking
If location updates continuously, the issue is resolved.
Is This a Hardware Problem?
No. If GPS works intermittently, Apple considers this a software configuration issue. Hardware service is only required if GPS never works at all, even after a network reset.
When to Contact Apple Support
Contact Apple Support if:
- GPS never updates under any condition
- Location is consistently incorrect by large distances
- The issue persists after resetting network settings
Otherwise, the steps above resolve the issue in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is iPhone 17 Pro GPS not working?
iPhone 17 Pro GPS may stop working due to iOS location permission settings, disabled motion calibration services, Low Power Mode restrictions, or network configuration issues. This is typically a software configuration problem, not a hardware defect.
How do I fix GPS on iPhone 17 Pro?
To fix GPS on iPhone 17 Pro, restart Location Services, set navigation and fitness apps to Location Access “Always,” enable Precise Location, turn off Low Power Mode, and reset Network Settings. This resolves most GPS tracking issues.
Does Low Power Mode affect iPhone GPS?
Yes. Low Power Mode limits background system activity and can reduce GPS accuracy or stop location tracking entirely. For navigation or fitness tracking, Low Power Mode should be turned off.
Is iPhone 17 Pro GPS a hardware issue?
In most cases, no. If GPS works intermittently or stops randomly, it is considered a software issue. Hardware service is only recommended if GPS never works under any condition, even after a network reset.