How to stop your phone from location sharing!
How to Stop Your Phone from Location Tracking
In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of privacy, smartphones have become highly efficient tracking devices. They constantly collect location data for apps, services, and even advertisers. While location tracking can enhance functionality - like providing navigation or local weather - it can also compromise your privacy if left unchecked.
If you're concerned about your digital footprint, here’s how to stop your phone from tracking your location on both Android and iOS devices.
Why you might want to disable location tracking
How to turn off location tracking on Android
1. Disable location services completely
2. Manage App-Specific location access
How to turn off location tracking on iPhone (iOS)
1. Disable location services
2. Control location access per App
Other tips to limit location tracking
Final thoughts:
You don’t have to give up your smartphone to protect your privacy, but taking control of your location settings is a vital step. Review them regularly, especially after updates, and consider what apps genuinely need access to your whereabouts. Remember, your data is valuable - treat it like it is.
In a world where convenience often comes at the cost of privacy, smartphones have become highly efficient tracking devices. They constantly collect location data for apps, services, and even advertisers. While location tracking can enhance functionality - like providing navigation or local weather - it can also compromise your privacy if left unchecked.
If you're concerned about your digital footprint, here’s how to stop your phone from tracking your location on both Android and iOS devices.
Why you might want to disable location tracking
- Privacy: Prevent companies from building detailed profiles of your movements.
- Battery Life: Disabling GPS can extend battery life.
- Data Usage: Reducing background location activity may help save data.
- Security: Less location data stored means less risk if your device is hacked or lost.
How to turn off location tracking on Android
1. Disable location services completely
- Steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Location.
- Toggle the switch to turn it off.
2. Manage App-Specific location access
- Go to Settings > Location > App location permissions.
- Select each app and set its access to:
- Allow all the time
- Allow only while using the app
- Deny
- Open Settings > Google > Location > Google Location History.
- Choose your Google account and switch it off.
- Go to Settings > Location > Location services > Google Location Accuracy.
- Toggle the switch to off.
How to turn off location tracking on iPhone (iOS)
1. Disable location services
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Toggle the switch to turn off Location Services.
2. Control location access per App
- Still in Location Services, scroll down to see all apps.
- Tap an app and choose:
- Never
- Ask Next Time or When I Share
- While Using the App
- Always
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations.
- Authenticate if prompted.
- Toggle off.
- In System Services, disable:
- Location-Based Apple Ads
- Location-Based Suggestions
- Location-Based Alerts
Other tips to limit location tracking
- Use Airplane Mode: This disables GPS and other wireless signals.
- Avoid Social Media Geotags: Don’t allow social apps to tag your location.
- Clear Location History: Regularly delete location data stored by services like Google or Apple Maps.
- Use a VPN: While not a location blocker, it helps mask your IP-based location.
Final thoughts:
You don’t have to give up your smartphone to protect your privacy, but taking control of your location settings is a vital step. Review them regularly, especially after updates, and consider what apps genuinely need access to your whereabouts. Remember, your data is valuable - treat it like it is.
