There have been mounting user concerns about apps tracking their whereabouts using the location service of their smartphones in the past. These concerns had risen in the past, with cases like Uber coming to the fore where the app was tracking user location data even when it was not in use.
Both iPhone and Android devices are equipped to help you avoid any app with permission to access your location from eavesdropping on your location activity, especially when it’s not even in use.
Now, turning your location on and off manually each time you need to use an app might initially seem tedious. Still, paying for your privacy is only a small price until better security infrastructure is provided on consumer devices.
How to turn off Location on iPhone?
Go to your iPhone’s Settings and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Scroll down and tap on Privacy.
- On the next page, select Location Services.
- Then look for the app to which you wish to revoke location access and pick Never. You can alternatively allow location access While Using the App.
You can do the same for any other app requesting permission to access services like cameras, microphones, photo galleries and more.
What do the different location icons mean on iPhone?
You’ll see three types of arrows if an app has requested to access your location:
- A hollow arrow with a purple outline indicates that an app may receive your location under certain conditions.
- A purple arrow indicates that an app has recently used your location.
- A grey arrow indicates that an app has used your location in the last 24 hours.
Read More: iPhone’s Bluetooth and WiFi don’t turn off via control centre of iOS 11
How to turn off the Location on Android?
Go to Settings on your Android and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Select Apps and look for the app you wish to revoke location access to.
- Next, tap on Permissions, and you’ll be redirected to a window with toggle switches for different permissions.
- Find the permission for location and toggle it off.
Keeping your location turned off whilst the feature isn’t being used will not only help you avoid unwanted eavesdropping via apps on your smartphone but also help save some battery juice and gear your phone for a long day.
Also read: Check out the features of Android 9 Pie
