Using onboard GPS without cellular voice, data, or wifi

[Sir-deesly]

2 years ago I went to Europe and took my phone 4 with me to use as a GPS. I used an app by Sygic that provided on-board (downloaded) maps for the the countries I was visiting. At this time, I did not have wifi or cell service (data nor voice).

I cannot seem to get the iphone's GPS to function without wifi, or data/voice cell service. I've been testing it using the Compass app which displays coordinates when a location is received. Should I have wifi, cell service, or cell data available, the coordinates are provided (a GPS signal is achieved). If all of them are off, I cannot get a signal. Keep in mind I used the GPS without wifi or cellular voice/data two years ago in Europe without any issues.

I'm thinking the issue is derived from one of the following:

• missing something in the settings
• something changed when I unlocked (AT&T)
• Apple has set-up GPS restrictions (ISO update) for when the phone does not have cellular/wifi service

Any ideas?

If already covered in different thread, please point the way! I tried about 7 various search terms in the advanced search with no luck for the specific terms, and got too many results for the system to display with the term "GPS".

FYI: Currently use the phone with VOIP (talkatone app) but also have a prepaid T-mobile card for emergencies, which rarely gets turned on. Trying to prepare iphone to use as GPS for a trip (just like before) where for the most part I will not have wifi or any type of cell service. I tried contacting apple store; spent 10 minutes going through prompters to speak with someone who wanted the phone's serial number so he could let me know I was no longer qualified for free Apple support.. uhg.

Thanks!

 

[Intell]

Airplane mode must be off for the GPS to work. It does take an iPhone a little while to get a unassisted lock on your location, but when it does it will hold it.

 

[Sir-deesly]

Airplane mode: Off
Wifi: Off
Sim Card: removed

..still no GPS signal. If anyone's willing to check, am I alone?

Additionally, when I was traveling two years ago, I used airplane mode the entire time. It was how I was able to keep my phone from endlessly searching for a network (killing my battery life).

Any ideas? I'm beginning to think that if I resort to the IOS version used back then I will have the phone's independent GPS feature back.

 

[Intell]

On iPhones, turning on Airplane mode has always disabled the GPS. That's the definition of Airplane Mode. My 3Gs running iOS 6.1.2 without a SIM card and with WiFi off will pick on GPS. But it does take it anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes to find it.

 

[Sir-deesly]

As I think about it, I had AT&T temporarily shut down my service; not sure why I was thinking it was airplane mode.

I appreciate the help Intell, problem fixed.

Let the phone sit outside for a few minutes. It got a signal and kept it for a brief walk.

While I have the attention of a stranger more knowledge-able than I..

any idea how to turn off cellular voice aside from airplane mode or removing/de-activating the sim?

 

[Intell]

Nope. Airplane Mode, SIM removal, and carrier suspending are the only ways on an iPhone.