Our phones have a knack for sharing more about our lives even when we think we’ve asked them not to — especially tracking your exact location. There’s a lot to consider when sharing your location, and even more to think about when you want to turn off this feature.
It’s common for people to think they’ve turned off and blocked location sharing only to find they’re still being tracked somehow. That’s why we’re going to great lengths to make sure you’re not accidentally sharing information you don’t want to.
However, before you turn off location sharing for everything on your devices, you need to know the consequences of doing so. This is because many applications use your location services, such as location-based apps, including your map, navigation, photo, weather, and fitness apps.
Also, your browser uses your location to provide relevant search results. Additionally, emergency services may be affected if you turn off location sharing. In fact, your location may not be automatically shared with emergency services, which may delay response times or make it difficult for emergency personnel to find you.
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How is my location being tracked?
Even if you think you’ve turned off your location-sharing settings, there’s still a chance you’re being tracked.
This is because you are not only tracked by your devices. It is also possible for you to be tracked by the apps you use and the websites you visit.
You can still be tracked if you turned off location sharing on your smartphone but forgot to disable it on your iPad. You need to consider all the different ways your devices keep tabs on where you are.
Where do I start?
You can get started if you have a Google account. This account may contain a history of devices that are tracking you.
To check your location history through your Google Account, follow these steps on your Mac or PC.
Here’s how to check your location history using your Google Account. (CyberGuy.com)
Google account
- How to check your location history in your Google account on Mac or PC
- log in In your Google account
- Click on Profile picture icon In the upper right corner
- click Manage your Google account
- click Data and privacy In the menu bar on the left
- Scroll down and select Location history
Any devices you track will be listed. If you don’t want it, choose turn it off
Note: Your location may still be logged Your mobile devices Through the Find My Device service that helps you recover lost hardware and when you’re navigating or searching the area you’re in.
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How to turn off location data in Google Maps and other apps And websites on Mac or PC
You can still navigate to other places where your location is logged and shared with Google as well. To turn off location data Saved by Google Maps and other apps and websites:
- log in For your Google account on your Mac or PC
- Click on Profile picture icon In the upper right corner
- click Manage your Google account
- click Data and privacy In the menu bar on the left
- Scroll down and select Web and app activity
- choose turn it off
And if you want Stop sharing your location with any contact Yours via Google:
- log in For your Google account on your Mac or PC
- Click on Profile picture icon In the upper right corner
- click Manage your Google account
- click Data and privacy In the menu bar on the left
- Scroll down and select Information you can share with others
- Tap Location sharing Turn off the feature to see if you are sharing your location with anyone and if you want to stop
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How to check your location history in your Google account on iPhone or Android
Once you see how Google tracks your every move and location, you might want to consider turning off this feature. If you have an iPhone or Android and want to Check your location history Through your Google Account:
- log in For your Google account on Chrome (Android) or the Google app (iPhone).
- Click on Profile picture icon In the top corner
- Tap your email (on Android)
- click Manage your Google account Or simply Google account
- click Data and privacy In the menu bar at the top
- Scroll down and select Location history
- Any devices you track will be listed. If you don’t want it, choose turn it off
To turn off location data You are protected by Google Maps and other apps and websites iPhone or Android:
- log in In your Google account
- Click on Profile picture icon In the upper right corner
- click Manage your Google account
- click Data and privacy In the menu bar at the top
- Scroll down and select Web and app activity
- choose turn it off
And if you want Stop sharing your location with any contact Of you by Google on you iPhone or Android:
- log in In your Google account
- Click on Profile picture icon In the upper right corner
- click Manage your Google account
- click Data and privacy In the menu bar at the top
- Scroll down and select Information you can share with others
Tap Location sharing Turn off the feature to see if you are sharing your location with anyone and if you want to stop
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What to know about location settings on your iPhone. (CyberGuy.com)
What about other location settings on my iPhone?
There are several ways for you to stop your iPhone from tracking your location.
Start with these steps:
- Go on your own Settings app
- Scroll down and click Privacy and security
- choose Location Services
- Toggle off Location Services
- Then press and go back back button at the top left and then tap Location Services And choose Share my location
- turn it off Share my location Toggle off if you no longer want to share with contacts
You will also notice that a List of apps Under the Share My Location option. Each app will tell you how often it tracks your location, along with options Never ask that next time I share, or while using the app. Click on each app and select Never If you don’t want the app to track you. Also, make sure that Exact location Each is within the app Closed
You can also control which apps track you using your iPhone.
- Go on your own Settings app
- Scroll down and click Privacy and security
- choose tracking
A List of apps What you have allowed to track your activity will appear here. You can turn off those that have no use tracking you by toggling, eg Twitter or Instagram. However, apps that actively use location services eg Uber and Door Dash should be left on so you can detect when using them.
Read on to learn about location settings on a Mac computer. (CyberGuy.com)
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How to turn off location settings on Mac
- Click on the apple in the upper right corner of your computer
- Scroll down and click System settings
- Scroll down and click Privacy and security
- click Location Services
- Toggle off Top location services and Type your passwordTo confirm
Here’s how you turn off your Android location settings. (CyberGuy.com)
How do I turn off location settings on my Android?
- Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to reveal quick settings
- Touch and hold location
- Tap App permission
- Find the following apps that use your phone’s location (like Facebook or Instagram):
- Allowed at all times
- Allowed only while in use
- Ask every time
- Tap on the corresponding app to change the permissions
If you want to turn off location tracking completely, do this:
- click Settings
- Then, click location
- On the next screen, click Toggle location off.
Follow these steps to turn off location settings on your Windows PC. (CyberGuy.com)
How to turn off location settings on PC
- go to start> Settings> Privacy and security
- Taplocation
- closingAllow apps to access your location
- go toLocation historyAnd chooseclearTo clear the location history on that device
Why would you? No Do you want to turn off location services on your devices?
If you disable location services, be aware of some limitations:
- You won’t be able to use navigation apps like Waze, Apple, and Google Maps.
- Your device’s location cannot be used to help locate you in an emergency.
- If you use social media, you won’t be able to tag your location when you share a post.
- Many apps use your location to provide you with personalized content, so your device won’t be able to complete recommendations like nearby restaurants, local news, weather updates, etc.
What is your decision about turning off location sharing? Tell us your thoughts. We would love to hear from you.
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