Why Is My Safari Location Wrong on My iPhone?[Full Answers Here]

“Hi,

I’m surfing a matchmaking website via Safari. However, unfortunately, the match results I’m getting are outside my region. Please, why is this happening? Also, how can I fix it?”

Safari as we all know is the native browser for Apple devices, both mobile phones and computers. This browser is super easy to operate and offers a seamless browsing experience. By default, Safari is known to print search results based on the user’s GPS location. However, for some reasons, this may change, just as we have in the scenario above. But it’s nothing to worry about now that you’ve made it to this webpage. Here we will provide detailed answers to “Why is my Safari location wrong on my iPhone” and the best solution to fix the underlying issue.

Part 1. Reasons Why Safari Location Is Wrong on iPhone

You have a wrong location on the Safari browser on your iPhone due to the following:

Disabled Location Service

For Safari to use the correct GPS location on your iPhone, you must enable the location services feature. Failure to do so can cause all apps, including Safari to display the wrong location while surfing the internet.

Location Access Denied on All Websites

Perhaps you’ve restricted all websites from using your GPS location on your Safari browser, then you may encounter the underlying issue.

Poor Network Service

Not having a strong network signal could also be a reason why Safari is showing the wrong location when browsing. This is so because iOS GPS services depend heavily on your network connection.

Enabled VPN

If you are connected to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), your IP address will surely switch to that of another region which can confuse your Safari browser to display a wrong location.

Activated Private Relay

Activation of private relays can also cause Safari to display a wrong location. This is so because a private relay is designed to conceal your IP address.

Too Much Cache and Cookies

Too many caches and cookies have a significant effect on how the Safari browser can detect your GPS accurately. This usually occurs when there is too much outdated and corrupt location data stored in the Safari caches.

Outdated iOS

An outdated operating system also contributes to the underlying issue. When you run an iPhone on obsolete iOS, it begins to malfunction and display all sorts of errors.

Part 2. How to Fix Wrong Location Issue on Safari on iPhone

Ensuring that you have the correct GPS location for Safari is crucial for optimal browsing experience. For this reason, we’ve outlined the best solutions to fix the underlying issue. Check and apply the solution you find best from the list below:

Method 1. Enable Location Services for Safari

To begin with, we suggest that you enable location services for Safari from the settings panel. This way, Safari can use your correct GPS data to source and print the appropriate result for your search. To enable location services for Safari, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings panel on your device.
2. Swipe down and hit the Privacy & Security button.
3. Click on Location Services.
4. Ensure the toggle beside Location Services is green.
5. Scroll down the same screen and select Safari Websites from the apps.
6. Now, select While Using the App.
7. Afterward, toggle the icon beside Precise Location to display green.

Safari should start using your precise location to generate results in no time.

Method 2. Check Network Service

Checking and addressing network issues is another effective solution to tackle the location issues on Safari. Here are a few handy tips you could use to get this done:

1. Change your current position, maybe you could consider moving outside your house to get a better network signal.
2. Switch between Cellular and WiFi networks.
3. Contact your Cellular network provider.

Method 3. Disable VPN

In case the wrong location issue displayed by Safari is attributed to VPN interference, then it’s time to disable the service from operation. You can do this by following the step-by-step guide down here:

1. Launch Settings on the iPhone you are experiencing the underlying issue.  
2. Select General > VPN & Device Management.



3. If you are connected to a VPN service, you will find the status Connected.
4. To deactivate the service, just toggle the icon beside the VPN to display white.  

Alternatively, if you use a VPN app, then you can follow these simple steps.

1. Launch the VPN app.
2. On the screen that appears, you will find the connection button.
3. Next, tap on it to turn the VPN off.

Method 4. Clear Safari Browsing Data

Since caches and cookies are among the reasons why your Safari location could be wrong, clearing your browsing data would be helpful to fix the issue. This solution is simple to implement and can be completed by following these steps:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Swipe through the options and select Safari.
3. Head down the subsequent screen to where you have Clear History and Website Data.
4. Click on Clear History to clear browsing data immediately.

Method 5. Update iOS

Ensuring that you have the most recent iOS version installed on your iPhone is another handy solution to resolve this issue. In case your iPhone is running on previous iOS versions, follow these steps to update it:  

1. Launch Settings on your phone.
2. Hit the General icon, then select Software Update on the next screen.
3. Wait for your iPhone to verify there’s an update. If there is, click on Download and Install when the corresponding interface appears.

Note: You must be connected to a reliable internet service to complete this technique.

Method 6. Turn Off the Private Relay

Private relay is a feature that comes with an iCloud+ subscription. The feature is designed to hide or conceal your real GPS data. If Safari location issues stem from this, then you have to turn off the private relay.

Here’s a quick guide to do this:

1. Head to the Settings panel on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your profile and select iCloud on the subsequent screen.
3. Swipe down and click on Private Relay to proceed.
4. On the subsequent screen, toggle the Private Relay icon to show white.
5. Once done, try surfing the internet with Safari again to confirm the issue is resolved.

Method 7. Allow Location Access on All Websites

Allowing location access to all websites in Safari should be helpful. Follow the steps below to do this:

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Choose Safari and tap Location.
3. Tap Edit in the top-right corner and make all sites chosen. Then tap Delete to remove all sites configurations.
4. You will get the Location Access on All Websites option and simply select Allow to allow Safari to access your location on all websites.

Method 8. Change Safari Location with iWhere

Perhaps the underlying problem persists or you want to change your location so that Safari can display content that’s outside your current location, location spoofing tools like iWhere iPhone Location Changer could come to your rescue. This software is one of the trusted GPS simulation tools available for iOS users to alter their GPS algorithm so it displays their preferred location.

With iWhere location spoofing software, you can effortlessly change your GPS location without moving your body. It’s a very flexible software with powerful GPS simulation features, such as speed customization, route design, import & export of location history, and more. Another quality feature of this software is the capability to change the GPS data of location-based apps, like Find My, Google Maps, Safari, and more.

Key Features

• Change your Safari location within 3 steps.
• Use the Joystick mode to establish different paths along which your Pokemon GO and other AR-game characters will navigate.
• Easily spoof your location on all iOS models and versions.
• Bookmark your favourite places for future use.

Steps to Change Safari Location Using iWhere

Step 1: Visit iWhere’s official website and click the right buttons to install the software on your PC/Mac. Launch the software, tick the terms and conditions box afterward, then click Start.

Step 2: Get the iPhone connected to your computer via a USB cord. If it’s your first time connecting your device, a prompt will appear on your phone screen. Click Trust.

Select Modify Location to change your GPS data.

Step 3: A map interface will then pop up. Navigate to the left-hand side of your screen and input the destination you would like to appear on your iPhone. Once done, hit Confirm Modify.

iWhere will automatically act on your request and simulate your GPS. Your Safari browser will start printing search results based on the new location.

FAQs

Why does Safari think I’m in another country?

There are several factors responsible for Safari thinking you are in a different country. Some of them include:

1. Disabled location services.
2. Poor internet services.
3. Obsolete or outdated iOS and apps.
4. VPN is enabled.
5. You didn’t permit Safari to use your GPS location.

How do I reset my Safari location?

Resetting the Safari location isn’t a tough task to complete. The procedure to follow is the same as when you want to clear your Safari browsing data.

Conclusion

Now you know why your Safari browser is showing the wrong location on your iPhone. In addition, we discussed how to fix the underlying issue without hassles. Choose and apply one or more of the solutions to a seamless browsing experience. In case, you want to access content or information from regions outside where you reside, then iWhere would help change your GPS location.