# GPS 2 IP — Wireless NMEA Navigation Data

> iPhone/iPad GPS NMEA data server for external navigation software. (iPhone/iPad app by Angus Oliver.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-2-ip/id408625926 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Angus Oliver](https://appshunter.io/developer/388015604)
- Category: Navigation, Travel
- Price: $7.99
- Rating: 4.20/5 from 15 App Store ratings · 53 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 13 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-12-16
- Data updated: 2026-08-31
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-2-ip/id408625926/reviews.md

## What is GPS 2 IP?

Do you need GPS NMEA location data for your computer or other device - maybe to use some mapping or navigation software?
Until now, you couldn't get external access to the GPS inside your iPhone or iPad, but now with GPS2IP you can stream the information in realtime to solve your requirements.

BEWARE - GPS2IP is *not* able to be used for the Apple turn-by-turn navigation app, or Google Maps, or most car navigation programs.
It is designed for enthusiasts, or more sophisticated navigation software that can use an external wireless GPS unit. If you aren't sure what NMEA is, please check the website before buying.
This is a rather special piece of software, and must be used in the right system. PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE: www.capsicumdreams.com/iPhone/gps2ip/

We have a free version "GPS2IP Lite" that has most of the same features, so that you can try it out for free.
Have a look on our website: http://capsicumdreams.com/gps2ip/differences.php
Try it for free, and only buy this full-featured version if it does what you need!

The iPhone becomes a GPS server, and to get the information, you just connect to your iPhone using either wifi or Bluetooth LE.
Alternatively, you can also push the NMEA data to any online server, using either TCP or UDP and process the information however you want.The TAIP protocol is also supported.

Each device running GPS2IP can send a unique identifier, so that if you have multiple devices you can determine which device is sending what messages.

GPS2IP now can be configured to restart automatically after your iOS device restarts, so you'll always keep track of your position.

Apart from navigation software, other methods for connection include telnet or netcat, or many terminal programs.

Some navigation software such as MacEnc can read from an IP address natively.
Setting up a connection between MacEnc and GPS2IP is easy.
Just have a look at the capsicumDreams website!
http://capsicumdreams.com/gps2ip/

Different NMEA messages can be selected for transmission according to your requirements.
One non-standard message that GPS2IP transmits that is very useful for sailing is $PASHR.

GPS 2 IP can run when the iPhone sleeps to support constant location reporting, but be aware that continued use of the GPS when running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

If your device dies or you turn it off when it was running, GPS2IP now automatically resumes sending the location. Beware that this will decrease battery life - we recommend keeping it charging if possible.

GPS2IP can also be configured to output data at a selectable frequency (for example once every minute).

You can lock the settings, so that no unauthorised people can change the settings.

Lots more information and instructions on usage can be found on our website. Enjoy!

## Key features

- Stream NMEA GPS data wirelessly
- Connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE
- Push data to online servers (TCP/UDP)
- Supports TAIP protocol
- Unique device identifiers
- Automatic restart after device reboot
- Selectable NMEA messages

## Chart rankings

- #30 in Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 53)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-2-ip/id408625926/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Awesome way to get NMEA GPS on portable Linux setups!

*2026-02-09*

Using this to get GPS data to my Ubuntu server setup for kismet during prototyping. The lite version didn’t work but I took the leap and it was well worth it. Works perfectly with my IPhone 16 Pro Max, even in background mode. Exactly what I needed!! Keep up the great work!

### 5/5 — Works with OpenCPN!

*2025-07-23*

Works with OpenCPN, had to use AI to help me get it going, so far working good.

### 1/5 — Doesnt work

*2025-03-11*

Connected iPhone via  Bluetooth to Ubuntu and windows. But not nmea messages are sent.  Screen says "Bluetooth connections 0".
Wasted $7

**Developer response:** BLE. It is clearly documented on the website.
BLE. Not Bluetooth Classic.
BLE.

It works perfectly, if you checked the website for what it is in fact designed for.

### 5/5 — Saves the trip

*2024-12-31*

Some complain that this is expensive or does not work "as expected".
It does work...and allows to use a non mobile iPad for Navigation.
Thanks for making those available.

### 1/5 — TAIP giving an error, no reply from developer for help

*2024-07-07*

When using TAIP, I am getting an error. There is not mention in the documentation about this error and the developer has not returned my email.

### 5/5 — Sockets work with Python!

*2022-11-30*

Simple interface and broadcasts gps/heading data reliably. Tried the free version first to prototype, then committed to the full version.

Setup
- iPhone 11 with iOS 15.7.1 and hotspot wifi
- Dell XPS Laptop
- Python 3.8 (socket, pynmseagps)

Docs on their website are useful! Only downside is the tutorial links are broken.

### 1/5 — Für Strassennavigation nicht nutzbar !!

*2022-07-22*

Die Information,dass die App nicht mit entsprechenden Straßen Navigationssysteme  kommuniziert kommt erst nach suchen . Das ist einfach nicht richtig. Man bezahlt für etwas was nur wenige Verbraucher nutzen können z.b Boots Navigation. Für mich so einfach nutzlos .

### 5/5 — Fantastic budget chart plotting

*2022-07-04*

GPS2IP allows the very accurate GPS from an iPhone to be transferred to a Wi-Fi only iPad running Navionics. 
The iPad and the iPhone must be on the same network but do not require to be connected to the internet. To create a network on my boat I am using an old BT home hub so the iPhone and iPad are quite happily thinking they are on a network. 
To get up and running make the router the Wi-Fi device in settings on both devices. Run GPS2IP on the phone and you will see displayed iPhone server ip. In Navionics on the iPad use this ip as the Host for the device pairing option. 
You will be up and running and see your position, heading etc on the iPad. 
I boat on Loch Lomond so a word of warning for those in reach of a cellular signal. Do not let the iPad use the phone as a hotspot as Navionics can use up a lot of your data plan syncing and downloading. 
To quickly acquire the satellites I also use a satellite antenna and signal booster. 

GPS2IP is very robust, does not crash, loose satellites, or suddenly drop out. 

It means I can safely follow a previously set up route in pitch darkness navigating safely amongst the islands. 

The very modest price of GPS2IP and an old iPad gets you an excellent chart plotter for vastly less than Garmin.  

I would recommend this product to anyone who wants affordable chart plotting navigation. 

If you are having any issues getting set up the developer will give you plenty of help. 

This will revolutionise low cost navigation.

### 5/5 — Fantastic app!

*2021-04-26*

Does exactly what I need reporting gps, heading, roll and pitch. Great documentation.  Easily connects to Python for scripting.

### 5/5 — Great app - buy it

*2021-01-03*

I am using Rose Point Coastal Explorer v4 on my boat to augment a Garmin Nav system. I can pull GPS data from the Garmin system, but I wanted to have a backup source. Along came GPS 2 IP, where I can use my iPhone as that GPS source. 

 I’m running Win 10 on a parallels VM on my Mac, and I installed HW VSP3 to create a virtual port on that OS. Once the port is created, it appears on CE4 as a new NMEA 0183 serial device. Just click it, and the connection is made. 

Not just a great product though. I tried to share the app, with my full-version purchase, on my wife’s iPhone. The app shared, but it stayed in the demo mode. I wrote to Angus, and he is working this issue for me. Angus replied quickly, and he was able to explain why this happened. A fix is in work, and I am very happy with all of these results.

## Frequently asked questions about GPS 2 IP

### What does GPS 2 IP do?

GPS 2 IP allows your iPhone or iPad to act as a GPS server, streaming NMEA location data wirelessly to other devices. This data can then be used by compatible mapping or navigation software that requires an external GPS unit.

### What are the key features of GPS 2 IP?

Key features include wireless streaming of NMEA data via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth LE, the ability to push data to online servers using TCP or UDP, support for the TAIP protocol, unique device identifiers, and automatic restart functionality after device reboots.

### How much does GPS 2 IP cost?

This is a paid application. A free version, GPS2IP Lite, is available with most of the same features, allowing users to try it out before purchasing the full-featured version.

### What devices is GPS 2 IP compatible with?

The app is designed for iPhone and iPad devices. The streamed NMEA data can be received by computers or other devices running compatible mapping or navigation software.

### What kind of navigation software can I use with GPS 2 IP?

GPS 2 IP is designed for enthusiasts and more sophisticated navigation software that can utilize an external wireless GPS unit. It is not compatible with Apple's turn-by-turn navigation, Google Maps, or most car navigation programs. Examples of compatible software include MacEnc.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.11 — 2026-08-28

» Fixed a catastrophic layout issue!

### 5.10 — 2026-08-24

» "Heartbeat" feature. When the device is not moving, a GPTXT message can be sent every 30m to provide a keep-alive notification to any listeners
» 3s before this 'heartbeat' is sent, an empty packet is transmitted to re-establish any NAT or closed paths

### 5.8 — 2026-02-01

» Fixed scaling when "Display Zoom" enabled

### 5.7 — 2025-12-07

» Changed location display choice to Decimals Minutes from Decimal Degrees

### 5.6 — 2025-08-25

» Added "High Contrast" mode for UI. See https://capsicumdreams.com/gps2ip/docs/settings/#high-contrast

## Apps similar to GPS 2 IP

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [NMEA Send Location](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nmea-send-location/id6749798097) | — | Free | Navigation |
| [Boat Beacon](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boat-beacon/id494877039) | 4.6 (854) | $14.99 | Navigation |
| [NMEAremote](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nmearemote/id412806204) | 4.6 (8) | $23.99 | Navigation |
| [Coastal Explorer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-explorer/id1452017231) | 2.8 (16) | Free | Navigation |
| [SeaNav](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seanav/id857841271) | 4.4 (245) | Free | Navigation |
| [qtVlm](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qtvlm/id999110023) | 3.5 (8) | Free | Navigation |

## More apps by Angus Oliver

- [GPS2IP Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps2ip-lite/id1562823492)

All apps by Angus Oliver: https://appshunter.io/developer/388015604

## Related topics

[nmea gps](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nmea-gps) · [nmeasail](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nmeasail) · [nmea gps tether](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nmea-gps-tether)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-31.*