How to Stop Google from Tracking Your Location (The Easy Way)

How to Stop Google from Tracking Your Location (The Easy Way)

Google tracks your location to power features like Maps, weather updates, travel suggestions, and targeted ads. While these tools can be useful, not everyone wants their movements saved and stored. The good news? You can stop Google from tracking your location with a few quick settings changes—no technical skills needed.

Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide you can follow on Android, iPhone, or a web browser.

1. Turn Off Google’s “Location History”

Location History saves a timeline of everywhere you go. To disable it:

On Your Phone (Android or iPhone)

1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Tap your profile picture.
3. Select Your data in Maps.
4. Scroll to Location History.
5. Tap Turn off.

Once disabled, Google will stop saving new location data to your timeline.

2. Stop Location Tracking Through “Web & App Activity”

Even if Location History is off, Google may still track your location through apps, searches, and other activity.

To fully stop this:

On Phone or Browser

1. Go to myactivity.google.com.
2. Select Web & App Activity.
3. Toggle it Off.
4. Confirm your choice.

This prevents Google from using location information tied to searches, Maps, and other Google services.

3. Disable Location Permission for Google Apps

You can prevent individual apps from accessing your location completely.

On Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Location.
3. Select App location permissions.
4. Choose Google, Maps, or any other app.
5. Select Deny or Allow only while using the app.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Select Location Services.
4. Choose Google or Maps.
5. Pick Never or While Using the App.

4. Turn Off Location Services Completely (Optional)

This is the most aggressive option. It shuts off location access for every app.

On Android:

• Go to Settings > Location > Off.

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Off.

Note: Some apps like ride-hailing and maps may not work correctly with this disabled.

5. Delete Your Location Data

If you want to wipe previously saved data:

1. Visit myactivity.google.com.
2. Select Location History.
3. Tap Manage history.
4. Choose Delete → All time.

This removes all stored location information from your Google account.

TechCity