Life360 Not Updating Location? Check These Settings Now
Life360 is a popular app for tracking the location of family members, providing peace of mind and ensuring safety. However, some users occasionally find the Life360 not updating location issue. Seeing that little circle stuck in one spot can trigger a lot of worry and confusion.
So in this article, we'll cover the reasons why Life360 not updating location, how to fix it with a clear, step-by-step instructions, whether on iPhone or Android.
- Part 1: Why Is Life360 Not Updating Location?
- Part 2: How to Fix Life360 Not Updating Location - Initial Checks
- Part 3: How to Fix Life360 Not Updating Location - Essential Settings
- Part 4: How to Update a Fake Life360 Location Without Detecting HOT
- Part 5: FAQs About Life360 Not Updating Location
- Part 6: Conclusion
Part 1: Why Is Life360 Not Updating Location?
Before jumping into fixes, it's helpful to understand why Life360 might not be updating location in the first place. Once you know the root cause, you're often just one step away from a solution.
According to official sources and user reports, the issue typically falls into one of four categories: App related issue, the Device settings, your network environment factors, or Life360 server issue. Check through each area below to identify the cause. If you're unsure how to fix it, head to Part 2 for step-by-step solutions.
🔧 App-Related Issues
App-related issues are one of the most common reasons Life360 fails to update location. If the app is outdated, running in the background is restricted, or the correct location permissions aren't granted (such as "Always" and Precise Location), it won't function properly. Also, using the same Life360 account on multiple devices or being logged out can confuse location tracking.
📱 Device-Related Settings
Your phone's settings also play a key role. Features like Low Power Mode or battery optimization (on Android) can prevent Life360 from running in the background. If location services are off or not set to high accuracy, or if physical activity access is disabled, the app may struggle to track and update location accurately.
🌐 Network & Environment Factors
Besides, network and environmental conditions can interfere with location updates. Life360 needs a stable internet connection, so weak Wi-Fi or mobile data can cause delays. Poor GPS signals - often in tunnels, tall buildings, or remote areas - can also be a problem. Additionally, using a VPN or having the phone powered off or in airplane mode will stop location sharing altogether.
🛠️ Server-Side Problems: Occasionally, Life360 experiences server outages or delays. These are rare and usually fixed quickly by their team.
View Also: Life360 vs Find My iPhone: Which Is Better?Part 2: How to Fix Life360 Not Updating Location - Initial Checks
Before digging into advanced settings, it's a good idea to start with some basic troubleshooting. These simple steps often resolve the issue quickly and easily - no technical deep dive required.
Step 1. Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable connection is one of the most common reasons Life360 is not updating location. Make sure your device is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data network.
- Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if performance improves.
- If you're using Wi-Fi, restarting your router can help.
Fixing connectivity problems often gets the app working again in seconds.
Step 2. Update the Life360 App
If you're wondering why Life360 is not updating someone's location when your network is in good condition, an outdated app could be to blame. So visit the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android) and check for updates. Then, download and install the latest version of Life360.
App updates often include important bug fixes and performance enhancements that ensure smooth location tracking.
Step 3. Log Out and Log Back Into Life360
Refreshing your account connection can resolve sync issues with Life360's servers. If multiple devices are logged into the same Life360 account, the app may get confused and stop updating the correct device's location. Logging out helps reset the connection and clarify which device should be tracked.
And the process is very easy: just launch Life360, tap the Settings > Account > Sign out, and log back in using your credentials!
View Also: Does Life360 Notify When You Log Out?Step 4. Restart the Life360 App and Your Phone
Sometimes, a simple restart of Life360 and the phone is all it takes to fix app glitches or background process hiccups. Besides, it helps the Life360 apply recent updates and settings changes more effectively.
Part 3: How to Fix Life360 Not Updating Location - Essential Phone Settings
If the basic steps didn't fix the issue, the next thing to check is your phone's system settings. These settings are essential for Life360 to function correctly - especially in the background.
# 1. Enable Location Services and Precise Location
The inccorect location setting is closely related to the Life360 not updating locations problem. So follow steps below to check if the location permissions are enabled on your device. If it's disabled, then this is the main cause of stopping Life360 from tracking your location and updating status to other members.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Life360 > Permissions.
- Set Location Access to Allow all the time.
- If available, make sure Use Precise Location is turned On.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
- Ensure Location Services are enabled.
- Scroll down to Life360, set permission to Always.
- Toggle on Precise Location. Then, Life360 will estimate your location based on GPS signal instead of IP address, which is more accurate.
# 2. Disable Low Power Mode/Battery Saver/Battery Optimization
The battery optimization feature will also limit the background feature on your phone, and causes problems like Life360 not updating locations. You can follow the below steps to turn off the battery optimization feature on your iOS or Android devices.
For Android:
Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization.
Exclude Life360 from optimization.
For iPhone:
Disable Low Power Mode from Settings > Battery.
# 3. Allow Background App Refresh/Background Activity
Apart from the above 2 settings, you must ensure that Life360 is allowed to run and update your location in the background to function properly. You can follow the below steps to enable the feature.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Life360.
- Tap Battery or App battery usage.
- Select Unrestricted or Allow background activity.
- Then go to Mobile data & Wi-Fi and enable Unrestricted data usage.
For iPhone:
Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Enable it for Life360.
# 4. Disable VPNs
VPNs can interfere with how location data is transmitted, which may lead to Life360 not updating location for one person or showing outdated information.
If you're using a VPN, try turning it off temporarily. Then, check if Life360 starts updating properly.
If that resolves the issue, you may need to adjust your VPN settings or switch to a VPN that doesn't interfere with location services.
Part 4: How to Update a Fake Life360 Location Without Being Detected
Sometimes, you may want to make your Life360 location not update - whether it's for privacy, personal time, or just to avoid sharing your exact whereabouts. If you're looking for a discreet and effective way to change your location on Life360 without alerting your circle, a third-party tool like TunesKit Location Changer is a great solution.
TunesKit Location Changer is a powerful location changing tool that allows you to change GPS location on iOS and Android devices. With a simple interface and powerful features, TunesKit makes it easy to simulate movement, teleport to different spots, or simply freeze your location.
It's especially useful for those who want to change their Life360 location in one click without being detected by family or friends.
1-Click Fake Life360 Location via TunesKit
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The following steps will show you how to fake location on Life360 by using TunesKit Location Changer.
Step 1. Connect Your iPhone to the Computer
Connect your iPhone/Android phone to the computer and launch TunesKit Location Changer. You can download and install TunesKit Location Changer from the official website. If you are connecting an Android phone, you should put your device into Developer mode. When you device is in Developer mode, click on the Next button.
Step 2. Update Fake GPS Location on Life360
Then, you can start to change the device location with TunesKit Location Changer. Just select and set a start point on the map, and then set an end point. Click on the Start Modifying button to fake GPS location on Life360.
Part 5: FAQs About Life360 Not Updating Location
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1. Does Life360 work without the internet?
No, Life360 requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to update and share locations. You will not be able to use Life360 normally without connecting your phone to a stable network.
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2. How often does Life360 update the location?
Life360 updates the location in real-time, but this may vary depending on factors like device settings and internet connectivity.
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3. Can Low Power Mode affect Life360?
Yes, enabling Low Power Mode or similar battery-saving features can restrict Life360's ability to function in the background.
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4. Why can't I see a circle member's location?
If a member's location isn't updating, their device might be turned off, in airplane mode. Or they may have stopped location sharing for Life360, which you'll see a "Location Sharing Paused" or "No Network/Phone Off" message.
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5. Can you update a fake location on Life360?
Life360 doesn't officially support fake location updates. However, if you need to protect your privacy or test the app, you can use a trusted GPS spoofing tool like TunesKit Location Changer. It allows you to update your location on Life360 without being detected and offers flexible movement options.
Part 6: Conclusion
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve most cases with Life360 not updating location issues. Regularly maintaining the app and ensuring proper settings can help avoid future problems, ensuring Life360 remains a reliable tool for staying connected with loved ones. If you want to update a fake GPS location on Life360, just try using TunesKit Location Changer.
