Learn how to disable geolocation on iPhone and Android devices to protect your privacy, security, and battery life. Take control of your location settings now!Modern smartphones actively use location data to personalize services, but this creates risks of leaking confidential information. Research shows that 75% of applications request access to geodata, even when it is not required for their functionality. However, each device allows you to disable geolocation services. In this article, we will tell you how to do this.
What is geolocation
Geolocation (or location services) is a key aspect of modern smartphones, allowing devices to determine their physical location using a combination of technologies such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower triangulation. In Russia, it is actively used in services such as Yandex.Maps, 2GIS, and Yandex.Navigator, helping users find routes, nearby stores, or get local recommendations. However, this feature also collects data that can be used to analyze behavior.
Why disable geolocation.
The main motivation is privacy protection. Studies such as Privacy International reports or the European Digital Rights Centre (EDRi) have shown that location data is often collected and shared with third parties (such as advertising networks) without the explicit consent of users.
Another important aspect is battery saving. Constant location tracking, especially using GPS, can significantly reduce the battery life of your device.
How Geolocation Works
Geolocation on smartphones is based on a combination of technologies, each of which has its own advantages and limitations:
GPS (Global Positioning System)
This technology uses signals from a network of Earth satellites to determine precise location. The device calculates the distance to each satellite based on the time delay between sending and receiving the signal, using trilateration for precise positioning. GPS is most accurate in open space, but requires a clear line of sight to the satellites, which can be a challenge in buildings or densely populated areas.
Wi-Fi Positioning
This method uses known Wi-Fi hotspot locations to estimate the device’s position. The smartphone scans for nearby Wi-Fi networks and analyzes the signal strength, comparing this data with a database of known locations. It is less accurate than GPS, but it is energy efficient and works well in urban areas with high Wi-Fi network density.
Cell tower triangulation
This approach uses signals from multiple cell towers to approximate a location. The device measures the signal strength from each tower, and the location is estimated based on the overlap of coverage areas. This method is less accurate, with errors ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometers, but is useful in areas with limited GPS or Wi-Fi coverage.
These technologies are often combined to balance accuracy and power consumption. For example, a device might use GPS for navigation outdoors and switch to Wi-Fi or cellular triangulation indoors to save power.
How to Disable Location Services on iPhone
Disabling geolocation on an iPhone is done through the device settings.
- Open Settings from the Home screen;
- Go to “Privacy & Security”;
- Select Location Services;
- Toggle Location Services to Off.
You can set up access for applications like Yandex.Maps or State Services by selecting Never or While in Use.
How to Disable Geolocation on Android
The process for disabling location services on Android is similar, but may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and Android version.
You can set up access for applications like Yandex.Maps or State Services by selecting Never or While in Use.
- Open “Settings”;
Find “Location” (sometimes under “Security”);
- Turn off “Use Location”.
For fine-grained settings, go to “Application Permissions” and restrict access for “Yandex.Food” or “Sberbank Online”.
Features of manufacturers’ shells
Samsung One UI
- Power saving mode automatically limits background geolocation;
- Secure Folder creates an isolated space with separate privacy settings.
Xiaomi MIUI
- Dual apps can duplicate location services;
- Autocleanup deletes the location cache every 24 hours.
Additional tips for managing location privacy
To manage privacy more effectively, users can follow the following recommendations:
- Regularly review which apps have access to your location and revoke access for those that don’t need it;
- Some devices offer modes such as High Accuracy, Battery Saver, or Device Only. Selecting the appropriate mode can help balance accuracy and power consumption;
- Only download apps from trusted sources and read their privacy policies to understand how they use location data;
- If you don’t use location-based features, turn them off to save battery life and improve privacy.
Legal and regulatory aspects
The collection of location data in Russia is regulated by Federal Law No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data”. According to it, companies are required to obtain user consent to process data, including geolocation, and store it in the Russian Federation (Law “On Data Localization”, No. 242-FZ). Violation may result in fines, as was the case with some foreign services in the 2020s. Users have the right to request information from companies (for example, Yandex or Mail.ru) about the data collected and demand its deletion.
Answers to popular questions about geolocation
Does turning off location services affect my ability to make calls or send messages?
No, location services are separate from basic communication features. You can continue to make calls and send messages even when location services are turned off.
Can I use maps or navigation apps without location services?
Some basic maps features may be available, but features that require real-time location data, such as turn-by-turn navigation, will not work without services enabled.
Does turning off location services stop all tracking?
This prevents apps and services from accessing location data, but other methods such as IP address or device identifier tracking can still be used. However, the accuracy and frequency of tracking is significantly reduced.
