Google Maps Not Updating Location on iPhone? Fixed Here!

Updated by Brian Davis on Mar 26, 2026 • Category: Fix iPhone Issues
5 mins read

As a useful and advanced feature, Google Maps Location Sharing enables you to share your live location with your friends and families, and then they can know how distant you're, or whether you are on the right track. However, sometimes users may be bothered with the issue of Google Maps Location Sharing not updating on iPhone when they switch to a replacement device. How to fix this issue? Let's take a glance at five practical fixes to the Google Maps not updating location.

how to fix google maps location not updating

Easy Checks Before Fixing Google Location Not Updating

Prior to fixing your disabled iPhone, it's suggested that you make easy checks on your device using the tips below.

1. Check whether you have enabled Location Setting on your iPhone.

  • Step 1. Tap on the Settings app, and then select Privacy & Security.
  • Step 2. Go to Location Services. Then, check whether the switch of Location Services is turned on.
  • Step 3. Scroll down to choose Google Maps, and ensure that it's set to Always.
  • check location settings on your iphone

2. Check whether you have enabled Google Maps to run in the background.

  • Step 1. Tap Settings app and then tap General.
  • Step 2. Choose the Background App Refresh tab.
  • Step 3. Check if the switch of Google Maps is on.
  • check if google maps is enabled to run in the background

Five Fixes For Google Maps Location Sharing Not Updating

Now you have set the basic settings for Google Maps to sync location, if the Google Maps location is still not updated, here are five simple fixes to get your location updated on your iPhone.

Fix 1: Restart iPhone to Fix Google Maps Not Updating Location

When you meet such simple system glitches, the first method that your can choose is to restart your iPhone. If you are lucky enough, you can solve your problem quickly by this method.

To restart iPhone X or later

You need to press either Volume button together with the Side button until you see the power-off slider. Then, drag the slider and wait for your device to turn off. Next, hold down the Side button for a while until the Apple logo appears.

To restart your iPhone 8 or earlier

You need to hold down the Side/Top button until the power-off slider shows up. After that, drag the slider and wait for your iPhone to turn off. Then, hold down the Side/Top button until the Apple logo emerges.

restart iphone to fix google map location not upadting

Fix 2: Clear the Cache on Google Maps to Fix Google Location Sharing Not Updating

If you haven't cleared Google Maps' cache for a long time, too much cache will cause the Google Location on your iPhone not updating. It's not complex to fix it. You can take the following steps for Google Location Sharing not updating by clearing the cache.

  • Step 1. Tap and hold on the icon of Google Maps on your main interface.
  • Step 2. Choose Remove App option, from a pop up prompt, select the Delete App option to uninstall it.
  • clear the cache on google maps to fix google location sharing not upadting
  • Step 3. Reinstall Google Maps in the App Store after downloading it.

Fix 3: Improve Google Maps Location Accuracy to Fix Google Location Not Updating

In some cases, your Google Location not updating problem comes out when Google Maps has no access to the accurate location of your iPhone. If your phone is set for the estimated location, Google Maps Location Sharing cannot be available. Therefore, you need to enable Google Maps to access the precise location. Here's what to do for the Google Maps Location Sharing not updating issue.

  • Step 1. Go to the Settings app and choose the Apps option.
  • Step 2. Navigate to the Google Maps option.
  • Step 3. Choose Location and then turn on Precise Location.
  • improve location accuracy to fix google location not upadting

Fix 4: Update Google Maps to Fix Google Maps Location Sharing Not Updating

In some cases, updating Google Maps to the latest version may be helpful for you to resolve many Google Maps issues. You can update your Google Maps from the App Store after signing in to your Google account. Below are the detailed steps for how to fix Google Maps not updating location.

  • Step 1. Launch App Store on your iPhone, and then click on the Profile icon in the upper right corner.
  • Step 2. Scroll down to find Google Maps, if you see an Update button, tap it.
  • Step 3. Type your password or use your Face ID to wait for the update to install, then reopen Google Maps.

note icon Note

If you don't see an Update button for Google Maps in the App Store, it usually means you already have the latest version. You can tap the blue Open icon to open the Google Maps.

update google maps from app store

Fix 5: Use a Third-Party Tool to Google Maps Not Updating Location

If you still can't solve your matter by taking the methods mentioned above, you can try our most recommended fix, that is, using TunesKit iOS System Recovery to deal with the problem of Google Location Sharing not updating. Assisted by this professional software, you are able to fix iPhone Google Maps related issues, such as Google Maps Google Location Sharing not updating, Google Maps not working, Google Maps voice not working, etc.

In addition, if you want to fix other system glitches on iPhone/iPad/iPod touch, including iPhone black/white screen, iPhone stuck on Recovery/DFU mode, update failure, and iTunes errors, this software can also help you. You can use TunesKit iOS System Recovery on both Windows and Mac to help you out.

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Now, let's see the detailed guidance on how to fix Google Location Sharing not updating.

Step 1Use a cable to plug your iPhone into the PC

To begin with, you need to plug your iPhone into the PC using an original lightning cable. Then, wait for your iPhone to be detected by TunesKit iOS System Recovery, and tap on the iOS System Repair button. And hit the Start button to continue.

connect iphone to pc

Step 2Select a mode to fix Google Location not updating

You are at liberty to choose either Standard Repair or Deep Repair according to your own needs. Next, read the guidance on the interface, and put your iPhone into DFU mode.

select a mode to fix google location not upadting

Step 3 Download firmware package to fix Google Maps

Next, when you are asked to download firmware package, please confirm the device information first, then click on the Download button.

download firmware

Step 4Fix Google Maps location sharing not updating

Eventually, click the Start Standard Repair button, and wait for TunesKit iOS System Recovery to fix your iPhone when you finish downloading the firmware, and then your problem of Google Maps not updating location will be figured out.

fix google maps upadting location

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FAQs About iPhone Google Maps Not Updating Location

  • Why Is Google Maps Not Updating My Location?

    In general, there are four main reasons why Google Maps can't update your location: a poor or erratic cellular connection on your iPhone, GPS issues, low battery power, or running an outdated version of Google Maps. You can simply determine the reason, and then follow the above methods to solve your problem.

  • Why does it say "Offline" in Location Sharing?

    This usually happens when the device hasn't moved for a long time or if "Background App Refresh" is disabled. The phone "sleeps" the location service to save power.

  • Does Wi-Fi need to be on for GPS?

    Yes. Even if you aren't connected to a network, keeping Wi-Fi toggled On helps the iPhone use "Wi-Fi Scanning" to pinpoint your location more accurately than GPS alone.

  • Why is the blue dot gray?

    A gray dot means Google Maps cannot find your current location and is showing the last known position. Check your Wi-Fi/Cellular connection.

Conclusion

That's all for how to fix Google Location Sharing not updating. From my perspective, among these four useful fixes, TunesKit iOS System Recovery can fit you perfectly to deal with the Google Location not updating problem. You can try this method and see if it can help you solve your problem.

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