Smartphones have become indispensable tools, but they often know far more than most users realize—especially about their location. From ordering a ride to finding a nearby café, mobile devices constantly collect and transmit location data using cell towers, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. While this data can enable helpful features, it can also expose users to privacy risks.
In some cases, sharing a location is essential, like guiding emergency responders or coordinating with friends. But many apps and services track location even when it’s unnecessary—often for targeted advertising or analytics. This data could fall into the hands of advertisers, hackers, or even individuals misusing it for personal control.
Taming App Permissions
Both iPhones and Android devices allow users to control app access to location data. iPhone users can go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services to manage each app’s permissions. It’s wise to restrict apps to use location only while in use, or deny access entirely when possible. Indicators—like purple or gray arrows—show recent or past usage of location data.
For Android devices, though settings may vary by manufacturer, users can typically navigate to Settings > Location, then App location permissions to set app-specific rules. Turning off background location access for most apps significantly reduces exposure.
Enhancing iPhone Privacy
Apple includes additional tools to curb third-party tracking. Under Privacy & Security > Tracking, disabling the “Allow Apps to Request to Track” setting ensures that new apps are automatically blocked from using the device’s advertising identifier, limiting their ability to build behavior profiles.
Disabling Ad Identifiers
Location data is often linked to advertising profiles. On iPhones, users can navigate to Privacy > Apple Advertising and switch off Personalized Ads. Android users can go to Privacy > Ads and choose to delete the advertising ID, reducing the effectiveness of location-based ad tracking.
Controlling Precision
Modern phones can determine a user’s location with remarkable accuracy by combining GPS with data from internal sensors. This feature is useful indoors where satellite signals are weak, but it also raises privacy concerns.
Android users can reduce this accuracy by turning off the Location Accuracy setting. On iPhones, it’s possible to toggle between precise and approximate location for individual apps, allowing general area access without disclosing exact whereabouts.
Checking Your Google Account
In addition to phone settings, Google account data should be reviewed. Users can visit myaccount.google.com > Data & Privacy to manage Location History. Although Google now deletes this history after three months by default, users can adjust that timeframe or disable it completely.
Choosing a Private Browser
Web browsers can also reveal location data. Privacy-conscious users may opt for browsers like DuckDuckGo, Firefox Focus, or Ecosia, which limit data collection and allow quick deletion of cookies and browsing history. These browsers generally ask before accessing location information via IP address.
Managing “Find My” Features
Services like Find My iPhone or Find My Device help locate lost devices but can be misused if unauthorized individuals gain access. If privacy is a concern, users can disable these features or unlink devices from accounts they suspect may be compromised.
Blocking Signals Entirely
While switching to airplane mode may seem like a good idea, it doesn’t always block all signals. A more reliable approach is placing the device in a Faraday pouch, which prevents all wireless communication. However, usability is limited while the device remains in the pouch.
Also read: How Wireless Standards Drive Global Tech Innovation
Striking a Balance
Managing location tracking requires deliberate effort. Smartphones and even wearables are designed to share data by default, making it essential to review each app’s settings manually. Completely disabling location services can maximize privacy, but it may come with trade-offs—like needing to enter addresses manually in ride-sharing apps or missing out on real-time navigation.
Ultimately, protecting location data involves navigating a balance between convenience and control. With the right settings and tools, users can significantly reduce how much of their movement is being monitored.
