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Why Apple Maps so slow on iOS: how to fix freezing and lagging

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Apple Maps users occasionally encounter issues with freezing and lagging, leading to frustrating experiences. These problems may manifest as crashes, unresponsive maps, or errors such as traffic not working and directions being unavailable.

Resolving these concerns involves exploring various solutions to address the underlying causes affecting the application and its related services on iOS.

Table of Contents

Freezing and Lagging

Problem: Apple Maps doesn't show the map.

Solution: Check the internet speed.

Apple Maps relies on a stable and fast internet connection to display maps efficiently. If the connection is slow, the app's performance will suffer, leading to delays in loading maps during navigation.

To address this:

  1. Use an online service like Speedtest to check your internet speed.

  2. Select the 10 Mbps option and wait for the results.

Speedtest
Speedtest Results

You can monitor speed changes over time using Speedtest. Ensure a stable connection with a high data transfer rate.

Check your WiFi speed

Fixing Technical Errors on iOS

Problem: Apple Maps keeps crashing.

Solution: Identify and address errors using diagnostic apps.

When faced with iPhone failures and continuous crashes in Apple Maps, diagnostic apps like TestM can provide insights into potential issues. TestM checks various components of the smartphone, offering information about faults.

To use TestM:

  1. Download the app from the App Store.
  2. Run the performance check and follow on-screen instructions.

Safe Mode Troubleshooting

Accessing Safe Mode on iPhone allows users to eliminate glitchy processes, disable problematic apps, and restore a basic iOS version. This can be helpful in resolving issues associated with crashing applications.

To enter Safe Mode:

  1. Turn off your device, wait for 30 seconds, and turn it back on.

  2. Continuously press the volume down button during startup.

  3. Release the button when the Apple logo appears, indicating Safe Mode loading.

  4. In Safe Mode, uninstall troublesome apps and adjust settings.

  5. To exit Safe Mode, tap "Reboot" on the screen or press the power and home screen buttons simultaneously.

Traffic not working when route is created

Problem: I use Driving mode in the Apple Maps app. When I create a new route, the traffic information is not available, highlighting and indication do not work.

Solutions.

Make sure that cellular data or Wi-Fi is turned on, and that you have an active connection.Close the Maps app, then open it again. Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Try a different location or switch to a different Wi-Fi network.

Method 1: Check Internet Connection Quality

Wi-Fi or cellular connection should be stable and data transfer rate should be high. In case of problems with traffic information display,

  1. Step 1: Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular connections.

  2. Step 2: If the problem persists, restart the Maps app and iPhone.

Method 2. Update Apple Maps and iOS

Outdated iOS versions may lead to app incompatibility. To install the latest updates:

  1. Go to Settings - General.
  1. Tap on Software Update.
  1. Install the latest version of iOS (Download and install button) and restart iPhone.

To do this, the iPhone must be connected to a wireless Internet network or to Mac. When connected to Mac, the software is downloaded via Finder or iTunes. This option allows you to download a more complete update than installing it in the settings.

Directions Not Available

Problem: Apple Maps displays "Directions not available."

Solutions:

Method 1: Enable Location Services

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

  2. Ensure Location Services is enabled and set for Maps (While Using the App or Widgets).

Method 2: Verify Internet Stability

Address glitches caused by unstable internet:

  • Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular connections.

Method 3: Switch to Google Maps or Waze

Consider using alternatives like Google Maps or Waze for more reliable navigation.

Apple Maps Error

Apps are available for download from the App Store.

App Store

Weak Connection to GPS Satellites

Ensure proper functioning of Apple Maps by checking the GPS connection:

GPS Settings
  1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security.
  2. Confirm that Location Services is active.
  3. Set Maps location access to "While using the App."
  4. Check date, time, and time zone settings.
  5. Save settings, restart the Maps app, and test in different locations or Wi-Fi networks.

The accuracy of GPS detection depends on satellite availability, with obstacles potentially affecting signal quality.

GPS Settings Continued

Slowdown Due to Low Internal Memory

Problem: iPhone and apps, including Apple Maps, are slow due to low internal memory.

Solutions:

  1. Upload photos and videos to cloud storage and delete them from your phone.

  2. Review and delete unused apps through "iPhone Storage" in settings.

iPhone Storage
iPhone Storage Options
iPhone Storage Options Continued

Close Background Apps

Disable background updates for apps to prevent strain on the operating system:

  1. Navigate to Settings > General > Background app refresh.
Background App Refresh
  1. Set personalized settings and restrictions.

Addressing these potential causes should enhance the performance of Apple Maps on iOS devices, providing a smoother and more reliable navigation experience.

Ilia is a professional writer. He has expert knowledge in GPS and cartography with 15 years of experience. Additionally, Ilia has extensive experience in data recovery on PC and mobile. He started his career as a journalist by reviewing PC and mobile apps. His current responsibilities are to keep track of users' questions on MGT and answer them.