Home app doesn't use Location

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Home app doesn't use Location

Hi -

On my iPhone 13, running iOs 16.1.1, my Home app is not using location services. This causes our home automation to trigger incorrectly (for example, "When the last person leaves home" events trigger when everyone else leaves the house but I am still here, turning off all of the lights). I also have 2 homes setup, but home switching doesn't work, since it doesn't know my location.

I have checked all the usual subjects - Location Services is enabled, Home app is set to use Location Services "While Using", HomeKit is enabled under Location Services --> System Services (example here, right after using the Home app, I check Location Services --> System Services but the arrow is gray, not purple - which would indicate that it had recently used my location).

I have also tried to Reset Network Services and re-booted the phone. I'm at a bit of a loss.

Appreciate any help here.

iPhone 13

Posted on Feb 8, 2023 06:19 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

kaganae Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 12, 2023 06:17 PM in response to bryanr14

I did upgrade, no change - still having the same issue.

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Answer 2

kamote0628

Community Specialist

Feb 12, 2023 06:33 PM in response to kaganae

kaganae,

Thank you for giving that step a try.

For accuracy, are all the devices that are configured to use your Home app accessories up to date?

If yes, please check if you will experience a similar issue with a newly created automation that is triggered by location.

"On the Home tab, tap .
Tap Add Automation, then choose one When arriving at or leaving a location.
Tap People Arrive or People Leave. Choose when the automation is activated by people arriving or leaving, the location, and the time the automation works."

You can use the article below as a reference.

Use automations in Home on iPhone - Apple Support

Also, if you happen to have any VPNs on your devices or network, please disable it while we test and isolate the issue.

Take care!

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Answer 3

kaganae Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 12, 2023 07:51 PM in response to kamote0628

Thanks. I will test a new automation. I don't think it is a problem with the devices or network - other phones in my family (with the same homes) trigger events and home switching works just fine for them. If that information gives you any other suggestions I can try, that would be great.

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Answer 4

kaganae Author

Level 1

5 points

Feb 13, 2023 11:53 AM in response to J_Johnnyboy

New automation did not work. The phone is still not showing that it is using location services, even though it is setup to. For example, on our other phones, the arrow shows up next to the home that we are near when you click on the 3 dots in the top right (we have 2 homes), but not on this phone.

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Answer 5

bryanr14

Community Specialist

Feb 9, 2023 04:08 PM in response to kaganae

Hello kaganae,

Thank you for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. Excellent job on your end with isolating the behavior you're experiencing with Automation. There's a recent update available which is iOS 16.3. Our recommendation is to update the iOS version to iOS 16.3, as it helps provide software improvements on your device. This is a step that may help. If needed, here's how to update the software on your iPhone:

Update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly

1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.

2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.

3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.

5. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.

These steps are outlined in this helpful article: Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Kind regards.

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Answer 6

judysings

Community Specialist

Feb 13, 2023 01:16 PM in response to kaganae

Good afternoon kaganae,

Updates were released today for:

iOS 16.3.1

iPadOS 16.3.1

tvOS 16.3.2

HomePod 16.3.2

macOS 13.2.1

watchOS 9.3.1

Please try updating your iPhone 13 and all devices and accessories that work with the Home app.

Then restart the devices and try a new automation again on your iPhone 13.

If the issue persists, you may need to speak with an Apple advisor to investigate further.

Contact Apple for support and service

Take care.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

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Answer 7

Feb 13, 2023 07:43 AM in response to kaganae

kaganae,

That sounds like a plan.

Please test by creating a new automation, let us know the outcome, and we'll follow up accordingly.

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

Cheers!

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Home app doesn't use Location

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