Location Not Updating

Why Vicinity might not be receiving fresh location data and how to fix it.

3 min read·Updated March 2025

Vicinity relies on your device periodically sending location updates to the server. If this isn't happening, proximity detection won't work correctly.

Common causes

Things that stop location updates

  • Location permission is set to While Using instead of Always.
  • Background App Refresh is disabled.
  • Low Power Mode is active (delays background updates significantly).
  • iOS has put the app to sleep to conserve battery.
  • Poor GPS signal indoors or underground.

What to check

  1. 1Settings → Vicinity → Location → Always and Precise Location on.
  2. 2Settings → General → Background App Refresh → On for Vicinity.
  3. 3Turn off Low Power Mode if it's active: Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode off.
  4. 4Move outside or to a window if you're in a location with poor GPS signal.

Resetting location services

If location updates are still stale, you can reset location services on your device. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Location & Privacy. Note: this will reset location permissions for all apps, not just Vicinity.

Resetting Location & Privacy will remove Vicinity's Always Allow permission. You'll need to re-grant it after the reset.

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