Maybe you want to save battery, reduce background tracking, or increase your privacy. Turning off location services on your Android™ phone is easy and only takes a few steps.
Asurion Experts know Android inside and out. Whether you want to set up new privacy features or troubleshoot Android updates, we can help. Here’s how to disable location services on Android.
Turn off all location services on Android
- Open Settings.
- Tap Location.
- Turn off the switch at the top of the screen.
This disables location access for all apps and services on your phone.
Turn off location for specific apps
If you don’t want to disable everything, you can turn off location for individual apps.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Location > App permissions.
- Tap the app you want to change.
- Choose Don’t allow to block location access.
Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning
Even with location off, Android can still scan Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to improve accuracy. You can turn this off too:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Location > Location services.
- Tap Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.
- Turn both off.
Manage Google Location Accuracy
Android also includes Google Location Accuracy, which uses extra data sources to improve results. To turn it off:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Location > Location services.
- Tap Google Location Accuracy.
- Turn it off.
How turning off location affects your phone
Disabling location can impact apps and services that rely on it, including:
- Maps and navigation apps
- Ride-sharing apps
- Weather apps that show your current location
- Lost device recovery services like Find My Device
If you want privacy but still need location occasionally, you can turn it back on at any time.
FAQ
Will disabling location stop Google Maps from working?
Yes. If location is turned off, Google Maps and similar apps won’t be able to provide navigation or real-time directions.
Can I block only certain apps from using location?
Yes. In Settings > Location > App permissions, you can choose which apps can or cannot use location.
Does turning off location save battery?
Yes, disabling location prevents your phone from using GPS and background scanning, which can extend battery life.
Tried these steps and still need help? We got you. Get your tech problem solved when you call or chat with an expert now.
