If you’re trying to share your location on your iPhone and it’s not working, you’re not alone. Location sharing issues are common and usually caused by simple settings that need to be adjusted.
Whether you’re using Find My, Messages, Google Maps, or another app, this guide will walk you through the most common reasons why location sharing isn’t working — and how to fix it.
✅ 1. Location Services Is Turned Off
The most common reason you can’t share your location is that Location Services is disabled.
How to check:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Select Location Services.
- Make sure Location Services is turned ON.
If it’s off, turn it on and try sharing your location again.
✅ 2. “Share My Location” Is Disabled
If you’re using Apple’s Find My app, you must enable the specific Share My Location setting.
To enable it:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your Apple ID name at the top.
- Tap Find My.
- Turn on Share My Location.
If this option is off, no one can see your location — even if Location Services is enabled.
✅ 3. The App Doesn’t Have Location Permission
Each app must have permission to access your location.
To check app permissions:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap Location Services.
- Scroll down and select the app (Find My, Messages, Google Maps, etc.).
- Choose:
- While Using the App (recommended)
- Or Always (if needed)
If it’s set to Never, the app won’t be able to share your location.
✅ 4. No Internet Connection
Location sharing requires:
- Wi-Fi, or
- Cellular data
If you have poor signal or no connection, your location won’t update.
Quick fixes:
- Turn Airplane Mode on and off.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Restart your phone.
✅ 5. Date & Time Settings Are Incorrect
Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with Apple services.
Fix it:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Date & Time.
- Enable Set Automatically.
✅ 6. You’re Not Signed Into iCloud
Location sharing through Find My requires an active Apple ID login.
Check this:
- Go to Settings.
- If you see “Sign in to your iPhone” at the top, you’re not logged in.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
✅ 7. Screen Time Restrictions Are Blocking It
If Screen Time restrictions are enabled, they may prevent location sharing.
Check this:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Make sure location changes are allowed.
✅ 8. Find My Network Is Disabled
If you’re sharing location via Find My, make sure the network feature is enabled.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap your Apple ID name.
- Tap Find My.
- Make sure Find My iPhone is ON.
- Turn on Find My network.
✅ 9. The Person You’re Sharing With Has Issues
Sometimes the problem isn’t your phone.
The other person might:
- Have location services turned off.
- Not be signed into iCloud.
- Have blocked location sharing.
- Have no internet connection.
Ask them to check their settings as well.
✅ 10. iOS Needs an Update
Outdated software can cause bugs.
To update:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Install any available updates.
✅ 11. Temporary Glitch
Sometimes the fix is simple:
- Restart your iPhone.
- Sign out and back into iCloud.
- Reset network settings:
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
Note: Resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist ✅
✔ Location Services is ON
✔ Share My Location is enabled
✔ App permissions are set correctly
✔ Internet connection is active
✔ Signed into iCloud
✔ No Screen Time restrictions
✔ iPhone is updated
Final Thoughts
If you can’t share your location on your iPhone, the issue is usually related to settings, permissions, or connectivity. The good news? Most problems can be fixed in just a few minutes.
If you’ve tried everything and it’s still not working, contacting Apple Support may be the next step.
