Turning off GPS or the Global Positioning System on Android is a great way to increase battery life and is also useful as a safety measure. Android has several ways to track location, these ways work together to improve the accuracy of your location. However, if you don't want to be tracked, you should turn off these methods.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Turning off GPS
Step 1. Swipe down from the top of the screen
This will open a box or a list of preferences that can be changed such as Brightness (Brightness), WiFi, Auto Rotate (Auto Rotate), and others.
Step 2. Find and tap on the GPS icon
This will turn off all GPS services on your device.
Method 2 of 2: Customize GPS Options
Step 1. Click on the "apps drawer" icon (menu of all apps on the device)
This icon is a square with a 3x3 or 4x4 square dot. Usually this icon is found at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2. Find and click on the "Settings" icon
The appearance of this icon varies according to the device you are using. However, the name of this icon is the same on all devices, namely “Settings”.
If you're having trouble finding “Settings”, search for it. In the apps drawer, click the magnifying glass icon in the upper-right corner of the screen and type "Settings."
Step 3. Scroll down and tap on “Location”
On the “settings” screen, scroll slowly to find the words “Location”. Usually this option is under “Personal header”.
If you're having trouble finding this option, browse through the magnifying glass icon in the upper-right corner of the screen
Step 4. Choose the “Mode” as per your wish
Tap “Mode” to choose between “High accuracy”, “Battery saving”, or “Device only”.
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High accuracy:
Uses GPS, WiFi and cellular networks to determine your location. This “mode” requires you to also turn on WiFi. By detecting WiFi networks, your location can be determined with a high degree of accuracy. By enabling mobile network detection, location accuracy will be improved by determining your distance from the nearest cell tower.
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Battery Saving:
Using WiFi and cellular networks. This “mode” does not use the most battery-draining GPS tracking feature. The location will not be very accurate when you are driving or away from a cellular network or a WiFi network.
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Device Only:
It only uses GPS to determine your location. If you are going on a long trip, this “mode” is perfect for you. This “mode” doesn't require you to be connected to a WiFi or cellular network.
Step 5. Get to know “Google Location History”
Near the bottom of the screen, you will see an icon named “Google Location History”. This app allows Google to store information about places you've visited, and make predictions based on that information. These predictions include quick routes in traffic, better search results, or restaurant recommendations.
If you don't want to be tracked, it is recommended not to enable this feature as it will provide large amounts of personal information to large companies
Step 6. Identify “E911”
At the top of the “Location” menu, you will find the “E911” option. This option cannot be turned off as it will help emergency services to find you.
Step 7. Perform additional steps
If you don't want companies or authorities to track you, simply turning off GPS is not enough, do the following:
- Turn off your phone when not in use. If possible, remove the battery.
- Visit this link: https://maps.google.com/locationhistory/. Click "Delete all history" on the left side of the page.
