How to Find GPS Coordinates on iPhone (Compass, Maps and More)

The fastest way to see your GPS coordinates on an iPhone is the built-in Compass app: open it and your latitude and longitude are shown at the bottom of the screen. For any other spot, drop a pin in Apple Maps and the coordinates are listed on the pin's card.

Here's how each method works, how to read the numbers, and how to go the other way - from coordinates to a place on the map.

1. Use the Compass app (your current location)

Compass is the quickest option when you just need to know where you are right now.

1. Open Compass (swipe down on the Home Screen and search for it if you can't find it - it often lives in the Utilities folder).
2. Look below the dial. You'll see your latitude, longitude and usually your elevation.
3. Touch and hold the coordinates to copy them.

If the coordinates don't appear, Compass hasn't got permission to use your location:

• Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Compass.
• Choose While Using the App and turn on Precise Location.

Compass is iPhone-only, so on an iPad use Maps instead.

2. Drop a pin in Apple Maps (any location)

Maps works for your own location and for anywhere else in the world.

1. Open Maps and find the spot you want.
2. Touch and hold on the map to drop a pin.
3. Swipe up on the Dropped Pin card. The latitude and longitude are shown on the card, usually under Details.

For your current position, tap the blue dot and drop a pin there, or use Compass.

3. Use Google Maps

If you prefer Google Maps:

1. Touch and hold on the map to drop a pin.
2. The coordinates appear in the search box at the top, ready to copy.

Going the other way: search by coordinates

Got a set of coordinates from a friend, a geocache listing or a work ticket? Type them straight into the search bar in Apple Maps or Google Maps, for example 51.5007, -0.1246. Maps drops a pin on that exact spot, and you can get directions from there.

Put latitude first, then longitude, separated by a comma.

How to read GPS coordinates

You'll see coordinates written in two main formats:

• Decimal degrees - like 51.5007, -0.1246. This is what most apps, websites and developer tools expect.
• Degrees, minutes and seconds (DMS) - like 51°30'2" N, 0°7'28" W. Compass uses this style.

A few rules make them easier to work with:

• Latitude is north-south (from -90 to 90). Longitude is east-west (from -180 to 180).
• South and west are negative in decimal form. 0.1246° W becomes -0.1246.
• Decimal places set the precision. Four decimal places is roughly 11 metres; five is roughly 1 metre. Most uses don't need more than five.

If your coordinates look miles out, your iPhone may be relying on Wi-Fi or mobile masts rather than GPS - see why your iPhone shows the wrong location.

Think before you share them

Coordinates are far more exact than a postcode or a town name. Five decimal places can pinpoint your front door. Share them with people you trust, and check what your photos give away too - our iPhone location privacy checklist covers photo metadata and location sharing.

Coordinates and Mirrage

If you use Mirrage to test a location-based app or plan a trip, coordinates are handy for logging exactly where you were testing:

1. Search for an address or tap a spot on the map in Mirrage.
2. Copy the coordinates for that spot to paste into a bug report, a spreadsheet or a message.
3. Tap Teleport here to set your iPhone's GPS to that point, and Stop to return to your real location instantly.

Every app on the phone, including Compass and Maps, then reads the simulated position, which makes it easy to check what a geofence or region-specific feature does at a precise spot. Developers can find more in our guide to testing location-based apps on a real iPhone. Setup takes about five minutes once with a Mac or Windows PC - grab the free setup app from the download page.

FAQ

How do I find my exact coordinates on iPhone?

Open the Compass app. Your latitude and longitude are shown below the dial. If they're missing, allow Compass to use your location with Precise Location turned on in Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.

Can I see coordinates in Apple Maps?

Yes. Touch and hold anywhere on the map to drop a pin, then swipe up on the Dropped Pin card to see its latitude and longitude.

How do I enter coordinates in Apple Maps?

Type them into the search bar, latitude first, for example 51.5007, -0.1246. Maps drops a pin on that exact point.

Why are my iPhone's coordinates inaccurate?

Indoors or between tall buildings, your iPhone may fall back on Wi-Fi and mobile masts instead of GPS. Step outside, make sure Wi-Fi is on and Precise Location is enabled, and the coordinates should settle within a minute.