Thanks to location tracking, we can track phone location, follow deliveries, share our whereabouts with loved ones, and more! But at what point does it become too invasive? And, where should you draw the line? In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to turn off share my location, when it’s best to opt out, and how to control when and where your device shares your location.
What is ‘Share My Location’
‘Share My Location’ is a device’s ability to broadcast its real-time location to apps, services, or trusted contacts for navigation, safety, and convenience. It works by using a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and Bluetooth to pinpoint a devices location. Wondering how to let your apps track your location? Keep reading to find out!
How to turn off ‘Share My Location’
Although location sharing can be super handy, you don’t need it on 24/7! So, if you want more privacy with your applications from time to time, you’ll want to know how to turn off share my location! Here’s how!
On iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down and tap Privacy and Security, tap Location Services then toggle Location Services off. On Android, go to Settings, scroll down and tap Location then slide the toggle to off.
Using this same step by step, you can also share my location again. Just slide the toggle back to on for iPhone and Android!
When to opt out of location tracking?
‘Share My Location’ can be useful, but it’s not always necessary—and it comes with risks. Data brokers can sell your information, leaving you with no control over who gets it or how it’s used. Location tracking can also feel invasive. Without strong and up-to-date security, your data could be vulnerable to cyber criminals and hackers. Turning it off when you don’t need it helps protect your privacy and keep your information secure.
Limit location access to apps that truly need it. Such as navigation, delivery and ride-sharing apps. Social media for example, on the other hand, uses your location to geotag posts and target ads—something that’s rarely necessary. Consider turning it off when it’s not essential.
Now that you know which apps really need location access, you can customise how each one tracks you. Choose to allow location access always, only when in use, or never—some apps may even offer additional options, so take a moment to review what works best for you.
To control how to share location iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, then select an app to adjust its settings.
To control location tracking on Android, go to Settings > Location > App Permissions, then choose an app to customise.
Both Apple and Android also let you decide whether to share your precise location or just an approximate one—giving you even more control over your privacy.
Now that you’ve learned how to enable location tracking for your apps, how to turn off share my location, and which apps truly need location tracking, it’s a great time to review your settings and customise them to your preferences. Need a hand making sure your device and data stay secure? Book a Geek! We’ll fine-tune your privacy settings, scan your device for malware, and set you up with reliable antivirus protection!
