TL;DR
Turning off location services makes it much harder for someone to find your precise location, but it doesn’t make you invisible. They might still be able to estimate where you are using Wi-Fi networks, mobile network towers, or information you’ve shared previously. Taking extra steps like disabling Wi-Fi when not needed and being careful about app permissions is important.
How Location Services Work
Location services use several technologies:
- GPS: The most accurate, but requires a clear view of the sky.
- Wi-Fi: Uses nearby Wi-Fi networks to estimate location even without connecting.
- Mobile Network Towers: Less accurate than GPS or Wi-Fi, but works almost anywhere with mobile signal.
Can Someone Find You With Location Services Off?
Yes, potentially. Here’s how:
Step 1: Understanding the Risks
- Wi-Fi Positioning: Even with location services off, your device might still scan for Wi-Fi networks. This data can be used to approximate your location.
- Mobile Network Triangulation: Your mobile provider knows which cell towers your phone connects to, giving a rough idea of your area.
- Previously Shared Location Data: If you’ve shared your location with someone before (e.g., through Google Maps Timeline or Find My), they might still have access to past locations.
- Account-Based Tracking: Services like Google and Apple track your activity across devices when you’re logged in, even if precise location is off.
Step 2: Turning Off Location Services Properly
On most smartphones:
- Android: Go to Settings > Location and toggle it off. Check app permissions individually (Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Location) and set them to ‘Deny’ or ‘Ask every time’.
- iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and toggle it off. Review app permissions individually and choose ‘Never’ or ‘While Using the App’.
Step 3: Disabling Wi-Fi When Not Needed
Wi-Fi scanning can reveal your location even with location services disabled.
- Turn off Wi-Fi when you don’t need it.
- On Android, you might find an option to disable Wi-Fi scanning for location under Settings > Location > Wi-Fi Scanning (the exact wording varies by device).
Step 4: Review App Permissions
Apps often request location access. Be cautious about granting permissions.
- Only grant location access to apps that genuinely need it for their core functionality. For example, a maps app needs location, but a simple calculator probably doesn’t.
- Choose ‘While Using the App’ instead of ‘Always’. This limits tracking when you’re not actively using the app.
Step 5: Check Your Google/Apple Account Activity
These accounts store location history and other data.
- Google Timeline: Review and delete your Location History if you’re concerned about privacy.
- Apple Account Privacy: Check Sign in with Apple settings to manage data sharing.
Step 6: Consider Using a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it harder to track your approximate location based on your connection.
Step 7: Be Mindful of Bluetooth
Bluetooth can also be used for tracking in some cases. Turn off Bluetooth when not needed.