How To Stop Apps From Tracking Your Location In Ios And Android

In today’s digital age, convenience often comes at the cost of privacy. Many mobile apps request access to your location — sometimes justifiably, such as ride-sharing or navigation tools, but often unnecessarily, like social media or flashlight apps. This constant tracking can expose your movements, habits, and even personal relationships. The good news is that both iOS and Android offer robust controls to limit or completely block location access. Understanding how to use these settings empowers you to reclaim control over your data and protect your digital footprint.

Why App Location Tracking Is a Concern

Location data is among the most sensitive information your smartphone collects. It reveals where you live, work, worship, shop, and socialize. When apps collect this data — especially in the background — they can build detailed profiles about your life. These profiles are frequently sold to advertisers, data brokers, or used for targeted marketing without your explicit consent.

A 2022 report by *The Markup* found that hundreds of popular apps continue to transmit precise location data to third parties, even when users have denied permission. Some apps infer location through Wi-Fi networks, IP addresses, or nearby Bluetooth beacons, making it harder to fully disconnect.

“Your location history is more revealing than your search history. It shows not just what you’re interested in, but who you are and how you live.” — Dr. Renee DiResta, Stanford Internet Observatory Researcher

Unrestricted location access also increases vulnerability to stalking, identity theft, and surveillance. For journalists, activists, or individuals in abusive situations, this risk is particularly acute. Taking deliberate steps to manage app permissions isn’t just about privacy — it’s about safety.

iOS: How to Control Location Access on iPhone

Apple has long emphasized user privacy, and iOS offers granular controls for managing location services. You can choose exactly which apps get access, under what conditions, and for how long.

Step-by-Step: Adjust Location Permissions on iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Privacy & Security, then select Location Services.
3. Ensure Location Services is toggled on if you want selective access (turning it off disables all location features).
4. Scroll through the list of apps to adjust individual permissions.
5. For each app, choose one of the following options:
   • Never: Blocks all location access.
   • Ask Next Time or When I Share: Prompts you each time the app requests location.
   • While Using the App: Allows access only when the app is open.
   • Always: Grants continuous background access (use sparingly).

Tip: Regularly review apps with “Always” access. Few apps genuinely need constant location tracking. Revert them to “While Using the App” unless absolutely necessary.

Additionally, iOS includes system-level protections:

• Precise Location Toggle: Even if an app has permission, you can disable precise location. Tap an app in Location Services and toggle off “Precise Location” to share only approximate coordinates.
• Location Indicator: A small arrow icon appears in the status bar when an app uses your location. Grey means recent use; purple indicates active tracking. Tap the arrow in Notification Center to see which app accessed your location.
• Significant Locations: Found under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations. This feature learns places you frequent. To enhance privacy, disable it or clear the history monthly.

Android: Managing Location Settings on Your Device

Android provides similar, though sometimes more complex, controls across different device manufacturers. Google has improved location transparency in recent versions, but default settings may still allow broad access.

Step-by-Step: Secure Location Access on Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Location (may be under “Security & Location” or “Privacy” depending on brand).
3. Toggle off “Use location” to disable entirely, or keep it on for selective management.
4. Tap App Permissions or Permission Manager.
5. Select Location to view all apps with access.
6. Tap individual apps and choose:
   • Allow all the time
   • Allow only while in use
   • Ask every time
   • Deny

On Samsung, Pixel, and other major brands, you’ll also find additional layers:

• One-Time Permission: Available on Android 11+, this lets you grant access just once. Ideal for maps or weather checks.
• Location History: Managed via your Google Account. Go to My Activity > Location History to pause or delete past data.
• Ad Personalization: Disable personalized ads in Google Settings to reduce tracking based on location behavior.

Tip: Use “Approximate Location” on Android 12+. When prompted, choose approximate instead of precise location to limit data exposure.

Comparing iOS and Android Location Controls

Feature	iOS	Android
Granular per-app permissions	Yes, with four options including \"While Using\"	Yes, starting Android 6+, refined in Android 10+
One-time location access	No native option (must use \"Ask Next Time\")	Yes, introduced in Android 11
Precise vs. Approximate toggle	Yes, per app	Yes, per app (Android 12+)
System-wide location off switch	Yes, disables GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular location	Yes, but some sensors may still operate
Background tracking indicators	Purple/grey arrow in status bar	Location icon + notification log
Automatic permission resets	Yes, after months of non-use	Yes, optional in Android 11+

While both platforms now offer strong privacy safeguards, Android leads slightly in flexibility with one-time permissions, whereas iOS excels in visual feedback and consistency across devices.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Experience with Location Leaks

Maria, a freelance journalist based in Chicago, noticed that after searching for reproductive health clinics online, she began seeing targeted ads for related services — even though she hadn’t shared her search with anyone. Suspicious, she reviewed her phone’s location history and discovered that a weather app she installed months ago had “Always” access enabled and was transmitting data to an analytics company.

She revoked the app’s permission, cleared her Google Location History, and switched several social media apps to “While Using” mode. Within days, the intrusive ads disappeared. More importantly, she felt a renewed sense of control over her digital presence.

“I didn’t realize how much passive tracking was happening,” Maria said. “Now I audit my permissions every few weeks. It takes five minutes, but it makes a huge difference.”

Best Practices Checklist to Stop Location Tracking

✅ Conduct a monthly app permission audit ✅ Set most apps to “While Using” or “Deny” ✅ Disable “Always” access except for essential apps (e.g., fitness trackers) ✅ Turn off Precise Location where possible ✅ Clear Google Location History or Significant Locations regularly ✅ Use airplane mode or disable location during sensitive activities ✅ Avoid granting location access during initial app setup — tap “Not Now” or “Deny”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can apps track me even if I deny location access?

Yes, indirectly. Apps may infer location using IP address, Wi-Fi networks, cell towers, or Bluetooth signals. While less accurate, this data can still approximate your whereabouts. Using a trusted VPN and disabling Wi-Fi scanning can help reduce this risk.

Does turning off location services affect navigation apps?

If you turn off Location Services entirely, maps and GPS-based apps won’t function. However, you can safely restrict background access. For example, set Google Maps or Apple Maps to “While Using the App” — they’ll still provide turn-by-turn directions when open.

Do system apps track location even if I disable permissions?

Some system services, like emergency alerts or network optimization, may require minimal location access. However, you can disable most under Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services (iOS) or Settings > Location > Google Location Accuracy (Android). Review these periodically.

Take Control of Your Digital Privacy Today

Your location is not public domain. Every check-in, route, and nearby search contributes to a growing profile that can be exploited — whether for advertising, manipulation, or worse. Both iOS and Android give you the tools to push back. The key is awareness and consistency. A quick monthly review of app permissions, combined with smart defaults, can dramatically reduce unwanted tracking.

Privacy isn’t about hiding — it’s about choice. You should decide who gets to know where you are, when, and why. Start today. Open your settings, scroll through your apps, and ask: Does this app really need to know where I am? If the answer is no, take back control.

🚀 Ready to tighten your privacy? Audit your top five apps right now and revoke unnecessary location access. Share this guide with someone who values their digital freedom.