Find My Friends is an effective Apple application that helps to maintain contact with loved ones and friends. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the users will receive the message No Location Found, which can be confusing and alarming.
This guide provides the meaning of the message, the reason why it comes, and what you can do to fix it simply and practically.
What Does “No Location Found” Mean on Find My Friends?
Find My Friends displays the message No Location Found when the application cannot determine the real-time position of the chosen contact. This does not necessarily imply that the individual has blocked or intentionally switched off sharing. Most of the time, the problem is intermittent and is often related to the connection, device configurations, or system conditions.
The message typically will be displayed when the contact is offline, switched off, or in a geographical area that cannot be contacted by Apple’s location services. It may also appear when location settings are not enabled or when the phone has not obtained its location in recent times. By getting this message, you will be able to troubleshoot without panic, as opposed to thinking the worst.
Why Does Find My Friends Say “No Location Found”?
Find My Friends may show No Location Found due to several reasons. The most used cause is internet incompetence due to bad or a lack of connections. Unless the device that the person uses is connected either to Wi-Fi or mobile data, it will not be able to send location data.
Another prevalent reason is impaired location services. When location access is disabled in the whole world or Find My, it is not able to monitor or provide location information. Mistaken date and time settings may also interfere with Apple services, resulting in syncing problems.
Another common cause is airplane mode. When on, it turns off cellular sharing of data and GPS sharing, rendering location updates impossible. Also, Find My services may be temporarily impacted by Apple server outages or system maintenance.
The old versions of iOS can also cause compatibility issues. Assuming the device has been long overdue in updating, bugs or conflicts with the system may not allow location sharing to work as intended.
How to Fix “No Location Found” on Find My Friends?
By following these steps, most users can resolve the issue quickly without needing advanced technical support.
If you are facing the “No Location Found” issue, try the following fixes step by step:
Activate Location Services
Location Services enable iOS to analyze the real-time location data and share it accurately. Find My Friends may use GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular signals to continuously update locations when it is turned on. This enhances the accuracy of tracking, minimizes delays, and makes the app perform just like it is supposed to, particularly when in motion or travel.
Steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Tap on Location Services and make sure it is turned on.
- Scroll down, select Find My, and allow location access on the device.
Check Device Date and Time
Proper date and time settings enable your iPhone to be synchronized with the Apple servers. Inaccurate time settings can lead to failure in communication between system services, which results in location errors. Automated time features help in ensuring better data syncing and avoiding conflicts that hinder Find My Friends.
Steps:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to General.
- Tap on Date & Time to view time-related settings.
- Enable the Set Automatically option to keep the device synced.
Find My Friends will not work without sharing your location. With the feature turned on, your phone is actively transmitting positioning information to your contacts authorized to view it. This capability guarantees full transparency, real-time and continuous visibility of people you trust.
Steps:
- Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Me tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Turn on Share My Location and confirm your Apple ID.
Check Internet Connection
With a reliable internet connection, your device is able to update or receive location information in real-time. Poor or loose networks tend to create slow or absent location information. It can be easily fixed by changing the switching networks or switching connectivity to restore proper communication.
Steps:
- Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile data.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to test connectivity.
- Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to refresh the network connection.
Check Apple System Status
Sometimes the issue is not your device. Apple servers may experience temporary outages affecting Find My services. Checking system status helps confirm whether the problem is global, saving time and unnecessary troubleshooting.
Steps:
- Open a web browser.
- Visit Apple’s System Status page.
- Locate the Find My service on the list.
- Check whether the service shows an outage or maintenance notice.
Update Your Device
Software updates fix bugs, improve security, and enhance compatibility with Apple services. An outdated iOS version may cause Find My Friends to malfunction. Updating ensures optimal performance and stable location sharing.
Steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to General.
- Tap on Software Update to check for available updates.
- Download and install the latest iOS version if available.
Alternative Ways to Check Someone’s Location
If Find My Friends is not working, you can consider alternative methods to check someone’s location, provided you have their consent.
Use an Online Location Finder
Web-based tools like Cellphone Location can help estimate a phone’s location using GPS and cell tower data. These tools are best for current or last known location insights, helping staying connected with friends. It is useful for basic tracking needs when app-based solutions fail. The platform is browser-based, quick to access, and does not require app installation.
Steps:
- Visit the CellPhone Location website using a web browser.
- Enter the phone number along with the correct country code.
- Then provide your email address to receive the details.
- View available location information on a map from your dashboard.
Use a Third-Party App
Third-party apps such as People Locator offer cross-platform location-sharing features. These apps often include additional options like location history and alerts but may require subscriptions or permissions. These apps are helpful when Apple and Android users need a shared tracking solution.
Steps:
- Download and install the People Locator app from the Play Store.
- Create an account.
- Grant the required permissions.
- Add contacts to begin location sharing within the app.
Use Mobile Carrier Services
Carrier-based services like AT&T Secure Family offer reliable location tracking through network infrastructure. These tools are ideal for families, providing consistent tracking, safety alerts, and parental controls without relying solely on device settings.
Steps:
- Subscribe to your mobile carrier’s family tracking service, such as AT&T Secure Family.
- Install the official app.
- Add approved family members
- Enable location sharing.
Always ensure you respect privacy laws and obtain permission before tracking anyone’s location.
FAQ
- How do I know if someone turned off their location?
If someone turns off location sharing, you may see “Location Not Available” or no updates at all. There is no direct notification when someone disables sharing.
- Does Airplane Mode cause “No Location Found”?
Yes. Airplane Mode disables cellular data and GPS sharing, which prevents Find My Friends from updating location information.
- Why can’t I see someone’s location even though they are sharing it?
This can happen due to poor internet connection, incorrect settings, outdated iOS versions, or temporary Apple server issues.
Conclusion
Seeing No Location Found on Find My Friends can be frustrating, but it is usually easy to fix. Most issues are related to settings, connectivity, or system updates. By following the steps in this guide and exploring alternatives, you can stay connected without unnecessary stress.
English 
Portuguese