How to fix inaccurate Find My locations after iOS 18.4.1 update?

If the location of a person on Find My is constantly moving around, it typically indicates that their device has a poor or unstable internet connection. Find My relies on GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data to determine and share a device's location. When the connection is weak or inconsistent, the device may struggle to communicate its exact position, leading to erratic or fluctuating location updates.

Several factors can contribute to this issue, including:

1. Weak Cellular Signal – If the device is in an area with limited cellular coverage, such as indoors, underground, or in a remote location, it may not be able to send accurate location data consistently.
2. Unstable Wi-Fi Connection – If the device is connected to a weak or slow Wi-Fi network, the location updates may be delayed or inaccurate. This can happen in places with poor Wi-Fi signal strength or interference from other devices.
3. GPS Interference – GPS signals can be obstructed by tall buildings, tunnels, or heavy tree cover, causing the location to appear inconsistent or jump around on the map.
4. Low Battery Mode or Background App Restrictions – If the device is in Low Power Mode or if location services are restricted in the background, Find My may not refresh location data as frequently, leading to erratic movement on the map.
5. VPN or Location Spoofing Apps – If the person is using a VPN or location-altering software, it could cause Find My to display shifting locations.

To resolve the issue, the person should ensure they have a strong internet connection, disable Low Power Mode if active, and check that Find My has permission to access location services at all times. Restarting the device and toggling Airplane Mode on and off may also help stabilize the connection.

To use Find My and Location Services on an iPhone effectively, both your iPhone and the device you're trying to locate must have an active internet connection. These services rely on internet access to share your location with friends and family and to track the locations of devices, people, and items. Without internet connectivity on either end, the sharing and locating features of Find My and Location Services will not function properly.

If you connect to Wifi, doesn't necessarily mean you are connected to the internet. --> nternet not available WiFi and Cellular … - Apple Community

I just got off an extensive call with Apple Support about this issue. I first noticed the problem ~2 weeks ago, initially because my location-based Apple Home automations stopped working. We did some troubleshooting and realized it's because, due to my iPhone not accurately reporting my location, those Home automations are not recognizing that the phone is at home (it shows I'm slightly down the street). I also realized some other devices including an iPad and a pair of AirPods are showing up a block away despite being at home. The person I spoke with from Apple Support noted that there is a recognized issue open right now relating to the ability of devices to determine their precise location. It's possible this is related to 18.4.1 due to the timing of the update (I think I was about a week late to update).

It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...