How to control which apps can track location on Android
Android offers a number of options to control which apps can track your whereabouts. We will discuss them below!
How to see which apps have location access
Granting permissions to an Android app is simple and can sometimes be done quickly when using the app for the first time. Luckily, Android displays which apps can access your location data in a central menu in the Settings app. Here's how to access it:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down to tap Location .
- Select App location permissions to see a list of apps sorted based on their location permissions. In the "Not allowed" section, you'll see a list of apps that don't have access to location.
How to change location permissions for Android apps
You can easily adjust the location settings for your app from the same App location permissions menu . Just select the app for which you want to change location permissions and choose one of the following options: Allow all the time , Allow only while using the app , Ask every time or Don't allow .
Note that the options available in the location permissions menu may vary for each app. When granting location permissions to an app, you can also turn on the Use precise location toggle if needed. This setting helps apps like Uber and Google Maps detect locations as accurately as possible.
How to check which apps have recently requested location information
In addition to seeing which apps have location permissions, Android also keeps a record of when apps access your location, along with other important permissions on your smartphone. You will need to use Android's Privacy Dashboard feature to view this content. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and go to Security & privacy .
- Click Privacy and select Privacy Dashboard from the drop-down menu.
- On the next page, select Location to go to the Location usage page .
On the next page, you'll see a 24-hour timeline showing which apps have recently accessed location data along with the exact time they did so. By default, Android doesn't show location usage by apps and system services. To bring them to the timeline, tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and select Show system .
You can also quickly see which apps have recently accessed your location data by going to Settings > Location .
If you don't find the Privacy Dashboard feature on your Android device, you can use a dedicated app to manage Android app permissions, providing a similar experience.
Managing location permissions on Android isn't too complicated. Following the steps above will help you restrict third-party apps' location access and take back control of your privacy.
You should read it
May be interested
- Some apps will still know your real location even if you use a VPNone benefit of using a virtual private network (vpn) is that it masks your real location. but if that's your main goal, you might be surprised to learn that some apps can still see your real location.
- 3 ways to prevent websites from tracking your location on Google Chromeif you're worried about security, or if you don't want any site to track your location, it's best to disable the location tracking of users on websites.
- How to Block Apps on Androidthis tipsmake page will show you how to control android by blocking certain app downloads (including automatic updates), as well as how to stop apps from sending you notifications.
- How to Uninstall Any Android App Using ADB (Including System Apps and Bloatware)adb is a powerful set of tools that give you more control over your android device. although adb is intended for android developers, you don't need any programming knowledge to uninstall android apps with it.
- Why are Android tablet apps so bad?android tablets are finally getting the attention they've always lacked, and this is changing things for good.
- How to turn an Android phone into a universal controller for every home applianceyou want to watch your favorite tv program but can't find the tv controller to turn on? are you sleeping and suddenly feel hot but don't want to wake up to reach for the air conditioner controller on the far table? follow the article below to turn your android phone into a universal controller for every home appliance.
- How to text send emergency location on Androidon android phones, you can create an emergency button that sends your current location to a selected contact. this allows us to get the necessary help in an emergency situation.
- How to track the amount of data used on Androidas smartphones became ubiquitous, mobile data became a necessity. a lot of people are always careful to avoid exceeding their phone bill because of the data. here is how to control the amount of data used on android with tools built into the operating system.
- 10 Open Source Android Apps You Can't Live Withoutafter years of using android phones, many people have become familiar with a number of open source android apps. these apps are better than their closed source counterparts.
- How to Change Location Settings in Windows 8windows 8 includes a built-in location platform that informs apps, web pages, and networks of your regional location. while this service tailors ads and content to best suit your needs, location services can also be invasive. you can...