Why does ForeFlight have no GPS on my iPad?
Wi-Fi-only iPads do not have an internal GPS receiver. They may estimate a rough location near Wi-Fi access points on the ground; that is not a satellite GPS fix.
Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads have built-in GPS. You do not need an active cellular data plan to use it. If your cellular-capable iPad has no fix, check permissions and reception using ForeFlight’s GPS troubleshooting guide.
Which GPS sources can a Wi-Fi-only iPad use?
- A compatible external GPS receiver. A dedicated receiver supplies position independently of your iPhone’s battery and availability.
- An ADS-B receiver or connected avionics. Compatible equipment can supply GPS to ForeFlight. Depending on the equipment, it may also provide traffic, weather, or attitude data.
- Your iPhone through AviaGPS. AviaGPS sends the phone’s position to ForeFlight over a shared local network. Its requirements and current testing limits are explained below.
For supported hardware options, see ForeFlight’s external GPS guidance.
How does AviaGPS share iPhone GPS with ForeFlight?
AviaGPS runs on your iPhone, reads its location, and sends position to one selected ForeFlight receiver on the local network. A compatible iPad can receive that feed without cellular hardware. AviaGPS does not provide system-wide iPad GPS, ADS-B traffic, weather, or attitude.
AviaGPS is available on the App Store. GPS sharing requires AviaGPS Pro. ForeFlight is sold separately.
ForeFlight reception is shown in our setup screenshots. Final device compatibility, Personal Hotspot, fully offline operation, and locked-screen continuity are still being verified.
Does an iPhone hotspot alone give my iPad GPS?
No. Joining Personal Hotspot does not automatically share the iPhone’s GPS with ForeFlight on your iPad. ForeFlight’s hotspot guidance explains this limitation.
AviaGPS supplies a separate position feed over the local network. Hotspot availability depends on your carrier and plan, and AviaGPS operation over Personal Hotspot is still being tested.
Set up sharing and check the ForeFlight source
Follow the iPhone-to-iPad setup instructions for permissions and the local connection. Then use the ForeFlight screenshot guide to find AviaGPS under More → Devices, check its status, and enable Use As GPS.
Check the displayed position against your known location. If the source is missing or the position is wrong, use connection troubleshooting or contact support.