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How to Get GPS Functionality on an iPod Touch
Add a third-party GPS accessory to your device
By Sam Costello Sam Costello Writer Ithaca College Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 8, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email iPods & MP3 Players Eco Tech Electric Vehicles Working From Home Headphones & Ear Buds Smart Home Smart Watches & Wearables Travel Tech Connected Car Tech iPods & MP3 Players What to Know
Plug the Bad Elf GPS for Lightning dongle into the iPod touch for a stable, accurate GPS signal, or attach Emprum's UltiMate GPS device. The Dual XGPS series of Bluetooth GPS receivers has two compatible devices, or try the Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver. The Magellan Portable GPS Navigation and Battery ToughCase is another good option for older model iPhones as well as the iPod touch. This article explains five ways to add GPA functionality to the iPod Touch, even though the iPod it doesn't have a GPS chip. image credit: Stanislaw Pytel/Taxi/Getty Images Apple stopped production of the iPod Touch in May 2022, but these instructions still apply. iPod Touch GPS Accessories
Third-party devices with GPS chips provide true GPS functionality for the iPod Touch. These devices are all external hardware add-ons with varying features. Bad Elf GPS for Lightning
The Bad Elf GPS for Lightning dongle plugs into the Lightning connector at the bottom of the iPod Touch, adding GPS and GLONASS support for a stable and accurate GPS signal. A free app provides updates and configuration tools. There's also a version of the accessory for devices that use the old Dock Connector. This device is also great for giving iPads GPS functionality. The device runs about $100. Dual XGPS series
The Dual XGPS series of Bluetooth GPS receivers has two iPod Touch-compatible devices: the XGPS150A and XGPS160. Both are small boxes that connect to the iPod over Bluetooth. Both support GPS, while the XGPS160 adds GLONASS and allows you to connect up to five devices. Expect to spend between $75 to $135, depending on the model and features. Emprum UltiMate GPS
Emprum's UltiMate GPS device is a great option not only for the iPod, but also for older iPhones, due to its built-in Dock Connector plug. It's small, light, and portable, and can also work on your laptop or desktop computer. It offers GPS support, but not GLONASS, for around $100. Garmin GLO
The Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver provides your iPod Touch with GPS and GLONASS via a wireless Bluetooth connection. It has a 12-hour battery life, weighs just over two ounces, and promises speedy location readings. Expect to spend around $100. Magellan ToughCase
The Magellan Portable GPS Navigation and Battery ToughCase is another good option for older model iPhones as well as the iPod Touch. In addition to providing GPS functionality, the ToughCase is also a rugged, waterproof case, incorporating protection, additional battery life, and more. Expect to spend around $30. Both the iPhone and the iPod Touch have Wi-Fi positioning, allowing the iPod Touch some limited location features. Without a Wi-Fi network, however, the iPod Touch has no locational awareness. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get a Great Deal on the iPod touch How to Use the Garmin Connect Course Creator Tool The 7 Best Handheld GPS Trackers of 2022 How to Restore Your iPod Touch to Factory Settings How to Reset the iPod Touch Without Losing Your Music Overview of Bad Elf GPS Upgrade for iOS Devices The History of the iPod Touch Everything You Need to Know About the iPod Touch How to Turn Your iPod Touch Into a Phone How to Set up an iPhone or iPod Touch for Kids How to Control GPS Settings on the iPhone What Every Port and Button on 4th Gen. iPod Touch Does How to Dry and Fix a Wet iPhone or iPod What Every Port and Button on 5th Gen. iPod Touch Does How to Listen to an iPod in a Car How to Get a Good Deal on a Used iPod Touch Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies