Guide 101: How to Fix Location Not Available iMessage Issue?

While iMessage primarily offers messaging service on Mac and iPhone, it also supports sharing pictures, videos, group messages, and user’s locations. You can even make your location sharing either public or private. This feature is quite handy, especially for finding friends in a crowdy location.

However, you may discover that the iMessage location sharing feature is not working. Why does it say ‘location not available on iMessage’? How to fix this problem? To learn about the problem, cause, and effective solutions, here is an extensive guide for you.

Part 1. What Exactly Is the Problem?

You can share your live or rcurrent location on iMessage. Sharing live location is when issues often arise. Contrarily, it is rare for users to have any trouble sharing their current location.

When trying to share a live location using iMessage, users may get a notification that reads “Location not available”. Several reasons, such as internet connectivity issues, outdated iOS, or unsupported devices, could be responsible.

Part 2. Why Does It Say Location Not Available on iMessage?

Getting the notification “location not available” on iMessage could be due to any of the reasons below:

Internet connectivity issue

Contrary to other messaging services, iMessage utilizes data for sending messages – not the usual short message service (SMS). Hence, if the device is not connected to mobile data or WiFi, the device may not display the location whenever other users share their location with you through iMessage.

Unsupported device

iMessage is designed for iPhone and Mac users as the app is encrypted among users with Apple ID. If iMessages are sent through cloud, it lacks encryption. Thus, by using the iMessage service in the cloud with a non-Apple device to share your location, it will not show your location.

Outdated iOS

It is important to keep the iOS version of your iPhone up-to-date. Otherwise, it can cause glitches and prevent the iMessage app from showing your live location.

Part 3. How to Fix Location Not Available on iMessage Issue

Knowing the cause of the location not available iMessage issue is one thing; rectifying the issue is another. Luckily, you can fix it using various methods. Find the possible solutions below:

3.1 Check that It’s Not a Case of Neglected Permission

A neglected permission could be responsible for iMessage not showing location. This issue may also arise if location services is turned off on iPhone. So follow the steps below to fix the issue:

• Proceed to your iPhone “Settings” menu.
• Tap the “Privacy” option.
• Check the “Privacy settings” and enable “Location Services”.

• Check the list of apps available and find the” Find My” and “Messages” app to activate the location settings.
• From the iPhone Settings, open the Apple ID.
• Access the “Find My” option. Afterward, enable the “Share My Location” option.

3.2 Check That You’re Sharing Your Location from the Correct Device

Sometimes, you might have just changed your device and unintentionally have both devices using the same address book. In such case, you may have troubles with anyone trying to share their location. Location not available stemming from such an issue can be fixed with the following steps:

• Open your Apple ID from the Settings.
• Scroll through the list of devices connected to your Apple ID.
• Choose the device that you would like to remove and click on “Remove from Account”.

3.3 Reset Network Settings

If you realize the solutions discussed above do not resolve the problem, resetting the network settings is another logical step. However, before you utilize this method, it is worth knowing that the current network settings and be erased after resetting network settings. Also, it will lead to the removal of saved Bluetooth and WiFi passwords.
Follow the steps below.

• Proceed to the “Settings” page and click on “General”.
• Scroll to the bottom and click on “Transfer or Reset”.
• Click on “Reset Network Settings” and provide your passcode if required, then choose “Reset Network Settings” to confirm your selection.

3.4 Repair All System Issues with FoneGeek iOS System Recovery

If still have trouble sharing your location after trying all the solutions discussed earlier, you have one last trick to pull off - the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery.

With this program, you can fix all iOS system issues affecting iPhone, including location not available on the iMessage app. The most exciting part for many is that you won’t lose your data. FoneGeek iOS System Recovery is compatible with the new iOS 17. Also, it comes with an intuitive interface on macOS and Windows. Thus, within a few minutes, the problem will be resolved.

Conclusion

Now that you know why your iPhone says location not available on iMessage and possible solutions to fix the issue, put in the effort and get it fixed. Endeavor to update your iOS, check your phone’s connectivity and ensure it’s a supported device.

If any of the other approaches fail to work, you can use FoneGeek iOS System Recovery to resolve the location not available iMessage issue on your device.