iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To turn off Android’s device-wide location access, open Settings > Location and switch off Use location. Google says that when Location is off, the device’s location is not shared with apps through this setting. This quick action does not erase saved location records or turn off every Google Account control that can store location-related information.
Turn off location on an Android phone
- Open the phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Location.
- Turn off Use location.
Google documents this device-wide switch in Manage your Android device’s location settings. Menu labels and paths can vary by Android version and manufacturer; if you do not see Location, search Settings for “Location” and look for the main Use location switch.
Google’s stated effect is: “When Location is off, your device’s location isn’t shared with any apps.” That describes app access through Android’s Location setting; it is not a promise that no service can infer your location or that previously saved data is erased.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What changes when the main Location switch is off?
Apps cannot receive the device’s location through the Android Location setting while it is off. Location-dependent features may therefore stop working correctly. Google notes that the phone may not be locatable through Find Hub and cannot share its location through Google Maps with this switch off.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Emergency handling is different: emergency location services or the mobile carrier may still automatically send location to emergency responders when you call or text an emergency number. Search results and ads may also be based on other information, such as your IP address.
Choose the control that matches what you mean by “tracking”
Android’s device switch, individual app permissions, and Google Account history settings affect different things. Use the narrower control if you want to keep location features available while limiting a particular app or stopping a particular kind of saved activity.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
| Control | What it affects | Where to manage it | Key trade-off or limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device-wide Location | Apps’ access to the device’s location through Android’s Location setting | Settings > Location > Use location | Location-dependent functions, including some device recovery and Maps features, may not work as expected. |
| App location permission | Location access for a selected app | Android app permission settings | On Android 12 and later, you can manage precise location per app; an app may instead receive approximate location. |
| Location Accuracy | Google’s Location Accuracy service, which helps determine device location | Settings > Location > Location Services > Location Accuracy on Android 12 and later; Settings > Location > Advanced > Location Accuracy on Android 11 and earlier | Turning it off means only GPS and device sensors are used when available, which can reduce accuracy and affect location-based services. |
| Google Maps Timeline | Saved visits and routes in the Google Account’s Timeline | Google Account > Timeline | Turning Timeline off stops its future saving but does not automatically delete existing Timeline data or change other location services. |
| Web & App Activity or Search Services History | Saved activity across Google services, which can include location-related information | On Android: Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Data & privacy > History settings | Account controls are rolling out gradually, so the label and available options may differ. |
Limit location for a specific app instead
If you want navigation or weather apps to keep working but do not want another app to access location, change that app’s location permission rather than switching off Location for the whole phone. Android 12 and later also let you choose whether an app receives precise location; some apps can work with approximate location. Google explains the controls in Manage your Android device’s location settings.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchTurn off Location Accuracy without disabling device location
Location Accuracy is a separate service, not the main device-wide Location switch. On Android 12 and later, open Settings > Location > Location Services > Location Accuracy. On Android 11 and earlier, open Settings > Location > Advanced > Location Accuracy.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
When Location Accuracy is off, Google says the phone uses GPS and device sensors when available. Location can become less accurate, and location-based services may be impaired. Google also says wireless signals and sensor data are not sent to its servers while this feature is off; emergency location handling may still use enhanced location. See Google’s Location Accuracy guidance.
Stop Google Maps Timeline from saving visits and routes
Timeline is a Google Account history control, separate from the phone’s main Location switch. Open the Timeline section in your Google Account and turn Timeline off to stop saving future visits and routes. To remove records already saved, use Timeline’s deletion controls separately. Google describes the settings in Manage your Google Maps Timeline.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Turning Timeline off does not change Google Location Services, Location Sharing, or Find Hub. Nor does it guarantee that all location-related information held by Google is removed: other account controls can save information when you use Google services.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Review Web & App Activity or Search Services History
On Android, the documented route is Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Data & privacy > History settings > Web & App Activity. Turn the control off, or choose the option to turn it off and delete activity if that is your goal. Google says Web & App Activity can include searches and activity from Google services, as well as location-related details such as general area and IP address.
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Google is gradually updating these account controls, so some accounts may show newer Search Services History options instead of the older Web & App Activity setup. Check the labels presented in your account. Google explains the activity controls and their rollout in Manage your Google Account activity.
Deletion starts a removal process; Google says some data may be retained longer for limited legal or business purposes. Location may also be included in photos depending on the camera’s settings. See Delete your activity for Google’s account-activity deletion information.
Does turning off Android Location delete location history?
No. The device-wide switch stops apps from receiving location through Android’s Location setting, but it does not itself delete saved Google Account Timeline data or other activity. Turn off the relevant account history control to stop future saving, then use that control’s deletion option to remove existing records where available.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
