It’s quite likely that Google knows your location when using any of its apps, be it on an Android device or an iPhone. Your Google account’s location history may well be turned off by default. However, there are still other apps that can track where you are. Some Google apps may use a timestamp to find your location.
In 2018, Google was sued by several states for how it had used location data. States alleged that preventing location tracking of users was made “nearly impossible” by Google. In its defense, Google said that the allegations were inaccurate, and they reflected a presentation of its settings that was outdated.
However, similar accusations over misleading patterns have popped up frequently over the years. Thus, to protect your privacy, you should put some effort into reinventing how you browse. In some cases, it might mean switching to different providers with better track records for handling users’ data.
On a browser
You’ll need to go to myaccount.google.com. Once there, you’ll need to click on activity controls in the left-hand column. Next, you are taken to a screen where you shall have to toggle off the Web and Activity buttons. After that, you’ll need to untick Include Chrome history and activity from sites, apps, and devices that use Google services.
You’ll find the Location History underneath, which, again, you’ll need to toggle off. You’ll be warned by Google saying that many features it offers won’t be able to work efficiently if the feature’s turned off. For example, if you want to know where the nearest coffee shop is on Google Assistant, you won’t be able to do so.
However, remember that web entities can still retrieve your location via IP address. And there are little to no built-in ways to prevent websites from learning this information.
On an iPhone or iPad
You’ll find it easy to locate the settings and navigate through them to stop Google tracking on Apple’s iOS. It gives you comprehensive control over how not just Google’s services but also the various apps track you.
First, you’ll need to go to the Settings app. Next, you’ll have to go to Privacy after scrolling down and tapping on it. You’ll find Location Services right at the top, on which you’ll need to tap. It’ll take you to a screen where you’ll be shown how each app tracks your location.
Google Maps offers three options—While Using, Never, and Always. You’ll find them in a column on the right, set by default. To make changes to it, you’ll need to tap on Google Maps so that you can change it on the next screen you are taken to.
From the Settings, you can check how other apps track your location. Once you turn off location tracking, Google Maps and many other apps will send a pop-up message seeking your permission to track your location since it would help their functioning. Whether or not you grant permission is your call.
On an Android Phone or Tablet
You’ll need to find app location permissions on your smartphone. Since the implementation differs depending on the manufacturer of the device and the Android version, the interface on various devices may vary.
You’ll find Location under Security when you open the Settings app on Pixel 2 XL. Tap on Location after you have scrolled down to Privacy once you’re on the next screen. You’ll see the Use Location button right at the top, which you’ll have to toggle off.
To turn off location tracking on individual apps, you’ll have to tap on Permissions, where you’ll just have to find the Location switch and toggle it off.
Do more to stop tracking
However, your location can still be tracked. Google History can create your Timeline. It can be accessed through Google Maps. It tells you where you’ve been every day accurately. Go to the Settings screen. You’ll again have to tap Security and Location.
Go to Location after scrolling down. You’ll need to tap on Advanced on the next screen to expand the menu. Switch off Use Location History by toggling it after tapping on Google Location History takes you to the next screen. You can also turn off Location History on any other Android device of yours on that screen.
Another effective way to prevent location tracking is to download VPN apps. A Virtual Private Network hides your IP address, which web entities retrieve to determine your location. Once you connect to VPN servers, your actual location will no longer be visible. Thus, this change stops IP-based tracking. And the best part is that you can pick either VPN servers in your country or a region across the world.
Conclusion
Your location being tracked can be a violation of privacy and, indeed, a matter of serious concern. You need to do everything possible to prevent it. We have shown you the steps you must go through on various devices and platforms to stop location tracking. Please bear in mind that location tracking also threatens your security. Follow our instructions to prevent it.