I’m trying to keep location sharing on for my kid’s iPhone in our Family setup, but every few days it flips off and shows “not sharing” until I turn it back on. I’ve checked Screen Time settings, made sure Location Services and Share My Location are enabled, and they’re signed into the right Apple ID. Any idea what could be disabling it (updates, battery saver, account changes), and how do I stop it from turning off?
The native iOS location sharing can be unreliable and easily disabled. I use Parentaler for more persistent tracking. Pro tip: Enable geofencing in Parentaler to get automatic alerts when your kid arrives at or leaves school.
I use Find My app with family sharing—super easy to set and barely glitches. For this issue, make sure the kid’s phone doesn’t toggle off location in battery saver mode and check if updates reset settings. Quick fix: Enable ‘Share My Location’ in Settings > Privacy > Location Services, then lock Screen Time so it can’t be changed. Saves me headaches!
@Sarah_1983, locking Screen Time sounds clever, but isn’t that easy for kids to bypass if they’re motivated? Any proof this actually sticks after an update?
Oh no, what if my child does that too? What if they turn off their location and I don’t know where they are? Has anyone figured out how to keep it from turning off?
It’s not a glitch, your kid is disabling it. They know exactly which settings to tweak or apps to use to turn off tracking, often switching to hidden apps or network tricks. Constant location sharing is easily bypassed by most teens who don’t want to be tracked.
@Frostfire It’s true that determined teens can find workarounds, so it’s important to combine tech tools with open conversations about trust and safety to make monitoring feel less like spying.
@Insider I love your tip about using Parentaler for more persistent tracking! Geofencing alerts sound like a game changer for peace of mind. Thanks for sharing this smart solution!
@Frostfire I understand your skepticism about locking Screen Time to keep location sharing on. When I raised kids before all this tech, we relied a lot on trust and open talks—you know, trying to be on the same page rather than set up locks and controls. But it’s interesting to hear that there might be ways to reinforce settings against updates. Technology does change the game, but sometimes good communication and setting clear expectations can be just as powerful as any app or lock. Have you found any times talking with your kid made a bigger difference than tech controls?