Four ways to get GPS on an iPad
Every current Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad has GPS built in; Wi-Fi-only models don’t. Check which iPads have GPS. If yours is Wi-Fi-only, these are your options:
| Option | Extra hardware | Position available to | Also provides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth GPS receiver | A receiver to buy, charge, and mount | Most location-aware apps on the iPad | GPS position only |
| ADS-B receiver with GPS | A receiver to buy, charge, and mount | Apps that support that receiver | Traffic and weather, depending on the model |
| Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad | A different iPad | All location-aware apps | Internet access with a data plan |
| iPhone GPS with AviaGPS | None; uses the iPhone you carry | ForeFlight on one iPad | GPS position only |
Choosing a GPS receiver for iPad
A Bluetooth GPS receiver is a small battery-powered unit that pairs with your iPad and supplies its position. ForeFlight says any “Made for Apple” GPS receiver works with an iPad. Examples include the Garmin GLO 2 and the Dual XGPS160. Bad Elf’s GPS Pro+ is discontinued.
A receiver supplies position to compatible location-aware apps, independently of your phone’s battery, and some connect to several devices at once. In exchange, you have one more device to buy, charge, and place where it can see the sky. Compare the Garmin GLO 2, Bad Elf, and Dual XGPS160.
ADS-B receivers that include GPS
Portable ADS-B receivers can supply GPS position along with traffic and weather, depending on the model and your region. ForeFlight’s Sentry receivers, for example, provide weather, traffic, and WAAS GPS, work only with ForeFlight, and can connect up to five devices. Other receivers, such as Stratus and the open-source Stratux project, have their own app support; check the GPS capability and your app’s supported-device list before buying.
If you want traffic and weather as well as position, an ADS-B receiver may be the better buy. If you only need your position on the map, it is more than you need.
Choose a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad
A cellular iPad has GPS built in, and it works without an active data plan. If you are buying a new iPad anyway, compare the price difference between the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions of the same model and storage. The gap varies by model and market. See Best iPad for ForeFlight for model and storage guidance.
Use your iPhone’s GPS in ForeFlight
Your iPhone already has GPS. Personal Hotspot alone doesn’t share it with your iPad, but AviaGPS does. It runs on your iPhone and sends the position to ForeFlight on your iPad over shared Wi-Fi or the iPhone’s Personal Hotspot, with no extra receiver to carry.
- Tested with ForeFlight over Wi-Fi and Personal Hotspot, without internet, and with the iPhone locked.
- Sends position to ForeFlight on one iPad at a time. It doesn’t give other iPad apps a location or add traffic, weather, or attitude.
- Uses your iPhone’s battery, so keep a charger handy on longer flights.
Read ForeFlight on an iPad without GPS for how it works, or follow the setup guide.
Which GPS option should you choose?
- You carry an iPhone and use ForeFlight on one Wi-Fi iPad: try AviaGPS before buying any hardware.
- You want GPS in several apps or on several devices: choose a Bluetooth GPS receiver.
- You also want traffic and weather: look at ADS-B receivers.
- You want a position source independent of your phone: add a dedicated receiver, even as a backup.
- You are buying a new iPad: compare the cellular price difference with the cost of a receiver.
Questions about your setup? Email [email protected].