Not many people are aware of the fact that Google has access to a lot of information about their current and past whereabouts. This is particularly true for Android users because Google’s Timeline feature keeps track of every action you do, down to the minute it occurs.
The majority of Android device users inadvertently use this feature because Android phones tend to do so by default. However, there is a straightforward way to disable location services, make some changes to it, or delete it entirely depending on your preferences.
We’ve provided helpful instructions in this guide that will show you how to activate or disable location tracking on your Android smartphone. Feel free to follow these instructions if you’re unsure about the information you’re giving or simply want to remain anonymous.
Does Google Really Track My Location?
There are several ways by which Google functions on Android smartphones to keep track of its users’ locations. For instance, even though they function just fine without it, apps routinely ask for permission to access your location.
Your location services are used by many businesses, like Google, to give timely traffic occurrences and accurate weather forecasts. In other situations, apps could even ask for your location information just for market research.
Note that this is not necessarily a bad thing in itself, but sometimes, it just seems like too much and some people might get worried about how safe it is to have their location tracked all the time. If you also feel this way, pay attention to the instructions in the next sections to alter the location tracking settings on your Android smartphone.
Changing Location-tracking Access on your Android Phone or Tablet
Whether you prefer your location services to be enabled or disabled on your device, there is a way to get it done. The following instructions will help you change your location access on Android smartphones.
Enabling Location Services
Location Services are usually already enabled when your Android device is first set up. If, however, they’re turned off, you can enable them at a later time by carrying out the following actions:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- The “Connections” or “Privacy” tabs should be selected at this point (the label will typically be different on different Android devices, for some devices you’ll need to just skip to the next step.)
- Click on “Location.”
- Toggle the switch to turn location ON.
Disabling Location Services
Due to the nature of Android versions and the range of interfaces that manufacturers layer over the software, the subsequent steps for disabling location tracking may vary depending on the smartphone you own. However, the process ought to be close enough to be followed.
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- The “Connections” or “Privacy” tabs should be chosen (the label is different on different devices, some devices just skip to the next step.)
- Choosing “Location.”
- Turn the switch from ON to OFF
Disabling Android Tracker for Specific Android Apps
You might not want to turn off location services if you frequently use Google Maps or another GPS-based app because doing so will make them less functional. Fortunately, it’s just as easy to disable a single app as it is to do it for all of them.
- Your location settings should have an App Permissions button, click on it.
- Pick the application you wish to prevent from seeing your location.
- Verify that the Deny option is activated. This will prevent the app from using your location services even if your location access is activated.
Turning Off Google Location Sharing
Google-specific location tracking will also typically be active in the background on any Android smartphone you own. You’ll also need to turn this off, so we’ve provided the instructions you’ll need to achieve this below:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- The “Connections” or “Privacy” tabs should be selected here (the label will appear different on different Android device types, for some devices you’ll just need to skip to the next step.)
- Locate Emergency Location Service, Google Location History, Google Location Accuracy, Google Location Sharing, and Location in Search by selecting Location settings.
- If the service’s status is listed as ON, touch on it to toggle it OFF.
Summarily, whether you decide to allow Google to track your location or not, it’s all in your control. The instructions we’ve provided in this guide will help you achieve alter location-tracking services as you please, so that you can control how much your information can be accessed.
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