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The Difference Between “No Location Found” and “Location Not Available”

Seeing 'share location unavailable, please try again later'? Learn the differences between 'No Location Found' and 'Location Not Available,' and how to fix it.
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MarjoriePublished on October 31, 2024Updated on December 30, 2024
4 min readFramex

Imagine opening the Find My app on your iPhone, ready to check in on a family member or friend’s location, only to be met with an error message like “No Location Found” or “Location Not Available.” These two errors can leave you wondering whether there’s a temporary technical problem or if someone has stopped sharing their location with you. Don’t worry—this guide will help you understand why “share location is unavailable” and how to fix it.

Part1. Understanding the Difference Between “No Location Found” and “Location Not Available”

What Does "No Location Found" Mean?

When you see "No Location Found" in the Find My app, it usually points to a temporary issue, such as:

  • Poor network connectivity.
  • The device is offline or not signed into iCloud.
  • Location services are turned off.

In short, No Location Found means the other person’s device is still sharing its location, but technical issues are preventing it from being displayed.

What Does "Location Not Available" Mean?

The "Location Not Available" message, on the other hand, usually indicates a deliberate action. This happens when:

  • The person has turned off location sharing with you.
  • Their device is turned off or in airplane mode.

If you’re seeing "Location Not Available", it's likely that they’ve actively chosen to stop sharing their location with you.

Key takeaway: No Location Found is a technical problem, while Location Not Available suggests that the person has intentionally turned off location sharing.

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Part 2. Common Causes of “No Location Found” and “Location Not Available”

Why Do You See "No Location Found"?

Several factors could trigger the "No Location Found" error in the Find My app:

  • The person’s device is offline or has poor internet connectivity.
  • Their location services may be turned off, or they’ve signed out of iCloud.
  • Their device is in a power-saving mode, affecting GPS and location-sharing capabilities.

Why Is "Share Location Unavailable"?

Sometimes, you may encounter the "share location unavailable, please try again later" message. This can happen due to similar reasons—either the device is offline, experiencing network issues, or location services are temporarily down.

Why Is "Location Not Available" Showing?

When you see "Location Not Available", it could mean:

  • The person has stopped sharing their location with you.
  • Their device is turned off, in airplane mode, or experiencing GPS issues.

Part 3. How to Identify If Someone Turned Off Location Sharing

How to Identify If Someone Has Turned Off Location Sharing

If you’re constantly seeing “Location Not Available”, it’s possible the person has intentionally turned off their location. Here’s how to tell:

  • No Appearance on the Map: If the person you're tracking doesn’t appear on the map at all, this is another strong indicator that they have stopped sharing their location with you.
  • Check the “People” Tab: If the person’s name is no longer listed under the “People” tab in the Find My app, they have likely disabled location sharing.

Part 4. Troubleshooting: What to Do When You See These Errors

Fixing the "No Location Found" Error

If you're seeing No Location Found, follow these steps to troubleshoot:

  • Check your network connection and make sure the other person has good internet access.
  • Ensure location services are turned on and the person is signed in to iCloud.
  • Ask them to disable any power-saving modes that might be affecting GPS.

What to Do If You See "Location Not Available"

If Location Not Available continues to appear, the person might have stopped sharing their location. Here’s what you can do:

  • Make a phone call and check if their device is off or in airplane mode.

Part 5. Conclusion: Resolving Location-Sharing Issues for Peace of Mind

Understanding the difference between “No Location Found” and “Location Not Available” in the Find My app helps you navigate these common errors. No Location Found is typically a technical issue, while Location Not Available usually points to a deliberate choice to stop sharing the location. By knowing how to troubleshoot and identify these errors, you can solve the issue quickly and continue to stay connected with your loved ones.

Tips: Prevent Location Tracking Without Triggering "Location not Available"

If you want to keep your location private without displaying "Location Not Available" on Find My or similar apps, a tool like iLocationChanger can be incredibly useful. iLocationChanger allows you to safely change your GPS location on iPhone or Android devices without jailbreaking. This app gives you full control over your displayed location, so you can appear anywhere you choose without actually turning off location sharing—meaning you stay connected with friends and family without sharing your real location.

Key Benefits of iLocationChanger:

Safety and Privacy  

iLocationChanger is designed with privacy in mind, so there’s no risk of data exposure or device issues.

Jailbreak-Free 

Unlike traditional methods that require jailbreaking (which can be risky and void warranties), iLocationChanger offers location spoofing without modifying your device.

Seamless Use 

You can simulate your location in real-time without triggering error messages like "Location Not Available" in the Find My app, keeping your location updates smooth and discreet.

Using iLocationChanger, you can protect your privacy while ensuring that location-based apps continue functioning normally, maintaining full access to your location-sharing features without the risk of unwanted tracking.

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