Troubleshooting

Before you contact support with a trouble report, please review this list of procedures. Let us know which ones you tried and the results in your trouble report to support@bad-elf.com.

  1. How can I tell if my Bad Elf GPS is working?
  2. The Maps app works, but other apps don’t work.
  3. When I plug in my Bad Elf GPS Receiver, I sometimes see a message saying, “device not supported” or “device not optimized”.
  4. When I push the “Update Satellite Data” button on the Bad Elf Utility App, it just hangs.

How can I tell if my Bad Elf GPS is working?

  • Stand outside.
  • Attach your Bad Elf GPS to your iOS device.
  • Open the default Maps app. (Note: this is NOT the Bad Elf Utility app, it’s the Maps app that came with your iOS device. It’s important that you use this standard app for testing.)
  • Touch the little arrow or compass button on the map that causes the map to center on your current location.
  • The LED on the Bad Elf GPS should start blinking. (Note: the LED only lights if there’s an app that’s using the current location.)
  • After about 40 seconds, depending on your view of the sky, the LED should stop blinking and turn solid on.
  • If this works as described, then you know your Bad Elf GPS is working.
  • If this does not work, please double-check: Are you sure you have a clear view of the sky? Are you sure you used the default Maps app? If so, please contact us at support@bad-elf.com. You may have a defective Bad Elf GPS Receiver.
The Maps app works, but other apps don’t work.

  • Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
  • Go to General Settings > Location Services.
  • Make sure Location Services at the top has ON next to it.
  • Make sure that all your apps in the list have ON next to them.
When I plug in my Bad Elf GPS Receiver, I sometimes see a message saying, “device not supported” or “device not optimized”.
You need to upgrade the firmware on your Bad Elf GPS. Here’s how:

  • Use the App Store to make sure you have the latest version of the Bad Elf Utility App. If there is a newer version available, you will see an update for it on your App Store app.
  • Plug your Bad Elf GPS Receiver into your iOS device.
  • Open the Bad Elf Utility app on your iOS device.
  • Press the button to update to the latest firmware.
  • If this does not solve your problem, please contact us at support@bad-elf.com. You may have either a damaged connector on your iOS device or else a defective Bad Elf GPS Receiver.
When I push the “Update Satellite Data” button on the Bad Elf Utility App, it just hangs.
It’s safe to unplug the Bad Elf GPS Receiver and reboot your iOS device. This usually takes care of the problem. If the problem persists, it’s not worth worrying about. Updating the satellite data is entirely optional and in practicality only shortens your satellite lock time by a few seconds at most.