How to turn off location settings

Apple iOS Devices (iPhone & iPad)

Disable Location Services for the Entire Device

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security.
3. Select Location Services.
4. Toggle Location Services OFF (this will disable all location tracking for all apps).
5. Confirm by selecting Turn Off in the pop-up window.

Disable Location Services for Specific Apps

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
2. Scroll down to view the list of installed apps.
3. Tap the app you want to modify.
4. Choose one of the following options:
   • Never – The app will never access your location.
   • Ask Next Time Or When I Share – The app will ask before accessing your location.
   • While Using the App – The app can access location only when open.
   • Always – The app can track location at all times (not recommended for privacy).

Disable Location Tracking for System Services

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
2. Scroll down and tap System Services.
3. Toggle OFF any of the following services you wish to disable:
   • Find My iPhone
   • Emergency Calls & SOS
   • Location-Based Ads
   • Location-Based Suggestions
   • Significant Locations
   • Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Location Tracking

Android Devices (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.)

Disable Location Services for the Entire Device

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Location or Security & Privacy > Location (varies by device).
3. Toggle Use Location OFF to disable all location tracking.

Disable Location Services for Specific Apps

1. Go to Settings > Location > App Permissions.
2. Scroll down to view the list of installed apps.
3. Tap the app you want to modify.
4. Choose one of the following options:
   • Allow all the time – The app can always access location (not recommended).
   • Allow only while using the app – The app can track location only when open.
   • Ask every time – The app will request permission each time it needs location access.
   • Deny – The app will not have any access to location data.

Disable Google Location History

Google may still track your location history even if general location services are disabled. To stop this:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Google > Manage Your Google Account.
3. Select the Data & Privacy tab.
4. Scroll down to Location History and tap it.
5. Toggle OFF to disable location history tracking.

Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Scanning

Some Android devices continue scanning for nearby Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to improve location accuracy even if Location Services are turned off. To disable:

1. Go to Settings > Location.
2. Tap Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Scanning (varies by device).
3. Toggle OFF both options.

Additional Privacy Tips

• Disable Precise Location – In both iOS and Android, some apps can track your exact location. Disabling Precise Location allows apps to only detect a general area rather than an exact pinpoint location.
• Use a VPN – A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help mask your IP address, reducing tracking from websites and apps.
• Turn Off Location Services When Not Needed – If you don’t need GPS or location tracking, it’s best to disable it when not in use to improve privacy and save battery life.

By following these steps, Apple iOS and Android users can regain control over their location data, enhance privacy, and reduce unnecessary tracking from apps and services.