How do I turn off location on Android?
To turn location off for the whole phone, open Settings → Location and turn off Use location. You can also swipe down twice and tap the Location tile in Quick Settings. If you only want to stop one app, leave location on and change that app's location permission to Don't allow. Emergency services can still get your location when you call or text an emergency number.
Steps to check
Turn location off for the whole phone
Open Settings and tap Location. At the top, turn Use location off. When location is off, apps and services cannot get your device's location. Maps, local weather, Find Hub (Find My Device), and similar features may not work until you turn it back on. Google notes you can still see some local search results or ads based on your IP address.
- Samsung Settings → Location, then turn Location off. On some One UI versions the path is Settings → Location → Location services, with the main switch at the top.
- Pixel Settings → Location, then turn Use location off. If you use a work profile, you may need to tap Advanced first.
- Motorola Settings → Location, then turn Use location off. Names can match stock Android closely.
Use Quick Settings for a faster toggle
From the top of the screen, swipe down twice to open Quick Settings. Tap the Location tile to turn it off or on. If you do not see Location, tap Edit (pencil) and drag Location into your Quick Settings tiles, then tap the tile when you need it.
Limit location for one app instead
You do not have to turn location off for everything. To stop one app: touch and hold the app icon → App info → Permissions → Location, then choose Don't allow. Or open Settings → Location → App location permissions, pick the app, and choose Don't allow. Other options include Allow only while using the app, or Ask every time. On Android 12 and higher you can also turn Use precise location off so an allowed app only gets an approximate area.
Optional: turn down Location Accuracy
Location Accuracy (also called Google Location Services) helps your phone estimate where it is using Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and sensors in addition to GPS. To change it: Settings → Location → Location services → Location Accuracy, then turn Improve Location Accuracy off or on. On older Android versions look under Location → Advanced → Location Accuracy. Turning it off can make maps and Find My Device less accurate indoors, but it is separate from the main Use location switch.
- Samsung Settings → Location → Location services, then look for Google Location Accuracy or Improve accuracy. Names can differ by One UI version.
Know what still works when location is off
Android Help says emergency location services or your mobile carrier can still send your device's location to emergency responders when you call or text an emergency number. Apps with the nearby devices permission can still sense nearby gadgets. Find Hub / Find My Device may not locate the phone while location is off, so turn location back on if you rely on that to find a lost phone.
Normal vs. not
Usually normal
Maps asking you to turn location on again, or weather and ride apps working less well while Use location is off. That is expected.
Worth a closer look
An app that still seems to track you after you set its location permission to Don't allow and turned Use location off. Double-check that app's permissions, clear its cache, or uninstall it. If you did not install the app, remove it and change your Google Account password.
Common questions
- Will turning off location save battery?
- It can help a little if apps were using location in the background a lot. For overnight drain, also check battery usage and which apps run when the screen is off. Location Accuracy uses extra signals when it is on, so turning that down is another optional step.
- Is this the same as turning off GPS?
- People often say "GPS" to mean all location. The Use location switch covers GPS plus other location sources on the phone. Location Accuracy is a separate option that blends Wi-Fi and network signals for a better estimate.
- Can I find my phone if location is off?
- Often no, or not as well. Google's Find Hub (Find My Device) needs location and an internet connection on the lost phone. If you use that feature, leave location on, or turn it on again when you travel.
Related questions
Sources we checked
- Manage your Android device's location settings (Android Help (Google))
- Manage location permissions for apps (Android Help (Google))
- Manage your Pixel phone's location settings (Pixel Phone Help (Google))
Menu names can differ by phone brand and Android version. See our editorial policy for how we check steps.