I'm trying to hide my location from a family member for a few days to avoid ruining a surprise. She checks my location often since we're connected through iMessage. I've read that it's possible to change the device from which you're sharing your location, but I can't seem to make it work. I have an old iPhone 5s running iOS 12.5, a MacBook with iOS 15.5, and an Apple Watch without cellular capability.
I managed to switch to my old iPhone, but when I tested it, my live location updated as I walked away from my apartment, indicating it's still linked to my current phone. The old iPhone doesn't have the latest Find My app, just the old Find My iPhone. I've changed the default device in the location services settings, but it's not giving me the results I need.
Also, I can't find an option to share my location from my MacBook; it displays which device is sharing my location but doesn't let me change it. I only have a couple of days to figure this out since she will definitely notice if I stop sharing or turn off my location. Help would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If all else fails, you could consider just stopping location sharing for a few days. Sometimes technology just acts up, and it might be your easiest out right now.
Have you tried putting your current phone in Airplane Mode? It might help hide your location for a bit!
I wish! I need to fake my location for about a day and a half while I'm flying to where she lives, so that won't really work.
Unfortunately, you can't share your location from a MacBook. It has to be done from another iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Sounds like you might need to rely on your old iPhone for this, but be aware its limitations with iOS might mess things up.
I’ve seen posts where people say they manage to share their location from their Mac, though! Is there a trick to it? Also, I noticed the same issue with my location updating live from my current phone. It’s super confusing!
That might be the only option if I can’t figure this out.