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To turn off location for the whole Android device, open Settings > Location and switch off Use location. If you only want to block one app or reduce location precision, use that app’s permission or the separate Location Accuracy control instead.
Menu names and paths can vary by Android version and device maker. If you cannot find a setting, search Settings for “Location.”
Turn off location for the whole device
- Open Settings.
- Tap Location.
- Turn off Use location.
Google says apps and services cannot get the device’s location through this setting while device Location is off. Location-dependent features may stop working, including finding a lost device, location sharing, nearby earthquake alerts, and location-based time-zone updates. Search results or ads may still be based on other information, such as the device’s IP address. Google Android Help explains the device Location setting and its effects.
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Emergency location is an exception: emergency location services or a mobile carrier may still send the device’s location to responders during an emergency call or text.
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Block location for selected apps
If you want some apps to retain location access, leave device Location on and change permissions for the apps you choose. Android 12 and later also let you control whether an app gets precise or approximate location.
- Open Settings and find the app’s location permission. Depending on the device, you can do this from the app’s settings or the app permissions screen.
- Choose whether the app may use location.
- Where available, choose precise or approximate access.
This lets you preserve location for an app that needs it, such as navigation, while restricting access for another app. Android’s Privacy Dashboard can show which apps accessed a permission and when: Google documents a seven-day lookback on Android 13 and a 24-hour lookback on Android 12. See Google’s instructions for managing app location permissions and its Privacy Dashboard guide.
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Reduce location accuracy without switching location off
Location Accuracy is separate from the device-wide Location switch and individual app permissions. Turning it off changes the sources used for location estimates; it does not disable Location for the whole device.
- Android 12 and later: Open Settings > Location > Location Services > Location Accuracy, then turn off Improve Location Accuracy.
- Android 11 and earlier: Open Settings > Location > Advanced > Location Accuracy, then turn off Improve Location Accuracy.
With Location Accuracy off, the service uses available GPS and device sensors rather than wireless signals such as nearby Wi-Fi access points and cellular towers. Location estimates may be less accurate or available in services such as Maps and lost-device finding. Google says the Location Accuracy service stops sending its wireless-signal and sensor data to Google servers. Emergency location services or a carrier may still provide enhanced location during an emergency call or text. Google’s Location Accuracy guide describes the setting and its effects.
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- 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.
Review Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning separately
Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning are distinct Location Services controls. On Android 12 and later, look under Settings > Location > Location Services; on Android 11 and earlier, look under Settings > Location. Review these controls if you want to limit location-related scanning while retaining other location features. Google’s location settings guide covers these controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Stop sharing location with one person
If your goal is to stop sharing with a particular person, use Location Sharing settings and stop sharing with that person. Turning off device Location stops all location sharing, but also affects other location-based features. Google Maps Help explains how to manage Location Sharing.
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Which setting should you change?
- Stop location access across the device: Turn off Use location.
- Restrict one or more apps: Change those apps’ location permissions; on Android 12 and later, choose precise or approximate access where available.
- Use fewer sources for location estimates: Turn off Improve Location Accuracy.
- Stop sharing with one person: End sharing with that person in Location Sharing settings.
- Limit location-related scanning: Review Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning under Location Services or Location, depending on Android version.
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