How to Turn Off Google Location to Stop Tracking You

Part 1. Understanding How Google Uses Location Data

Location data generally helps us find reliable directions and pinpoint a particular place. But apart from that, this piece of information actually serves a bigger purpose. Google, in particular, employs location data to provide high-quality services tailored to specific preferences and necessities of the users. Each Google product relies heavily on location information and utilizes it for various reasons. To understand it better, check out the list below.

It is an essential component of most Google services.

Of course, Google Maps and Weather will not work without access to location data. It is the main component that allows this kind of application to function exactly as it should. That’s why you should think twice before you turn off Google location tracking. Keep it activated on your mobile device if you’re in need of real-time weather updates or reliable coordinates.

It is used for targeted advertisements.

The majority of online advertisements scattered all over the internet are run by Google. It uses location data to ensure the ads that appear on your web browser are relevant to your personal liking. For example, Google Ads will likely flash American products on your smartphones if you’re located in that particular region. Do you want to keep it that way? If so, you should not then turn off Google location tracking on your Android smartphone.

It is used by Google to provide accurate search results.

The same thing goes for Google search results. This query engine uses location data to provide information relevant to the specific needs of the user. Let’s say you’re currently residing in Japan and looking for nearby coffee shops. Of course, it will be unhelpful if Google dispenses a list of coffee shops that aren’t located in your country. That’s why you shouldn’t turn off Google location tracking on your smartphone if you’re looking for precise and pertinent answers.

It is used by Google to implement certain security protocols.

Google uses location data to keep your accounts safe from potential attacks and security breaches. How so? Well, Google immediately sends alerts whenever your account is used from an unusual location. Another thing is that strange activities on your account are promptly detected with the aid of location information. Simply put, allowing Google to access your whereabouts is the least you can do to protect your digital assets. Hence, don’t turn off Google location tracking on your Android smartphone if you need such assistance.

It is utilized for research and further improvements of Google services.

We all know that Google is committed to offering us new products and improving its existing services. That’s indeed beneficial to all of us, especially in today’s ever-changing world. But definitely, it’s not possible if Google doesn’t have adequate location information from the pool of its users. Why so? Simply because location data determines the latest community trends and helps specialists find the perfect basis for fresh developments. Do you want to contribute something to the advancement of Google products? If so, you can start by giving Google access to the location data on your Android smartphone.

Part 2. Top 4 Techniques to Turn Off Google Location Tracking on Android

There’s no denying that Google uses location information to give us the best experience possible. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is no risk at all. We cannot rule out the possibility of data breaches and disclosure of location information that is supposed to be private. If you’re worried about this kind of situation, you can prevent it from happening in a snap of a finger. Check out the four methods below on how to turn off Google location tracking on your Android smartphone.

Method 1: Turn off the location services on your Android mobile device.

“How to stop Google from tracking me?” Well, it’s actually very easy. You just need to deactivate the location service on your Android mobile device. After that, Google and other GPS-based applications on your smartphone will immediately lose access to your location data. Do you want to try it now? Check out the tutorial below on how to turn off Google location tracking by deactivating the location services on your phone.

Step 1: Unlock your Android mobile device.

Step 2: Hold the Status bar and then swipe it down to bring out the Device Control.

Step 3: Find and click Location.

Step 4: Lastly, click Close to confirm the changes.

Method 2: Deactivate the Google App’s location access on your Android mobile device.

Let’s say you don’t want to cut the entire location access across your smartphone because other apps might malfunction. That’s fine. There is a way to deactivate the Google app’s location permission while the other apps remain unaffected. Are you more inclined to implement this decentralized approach? Check out the tutorial provided below.

Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your Android smartphone.

Step 2: Click Apps.

Step 3: Find and click Google on the list.

Step 4: Click Permissions.

Step 5: Click Location.

Step 6: Lastly, click Don’t Allow. Alternatively, you may instead select Allow Only While Using the App or Ask Every Time if you wish to grant Google conditional access to your location data.

Method 3: Toggle off the Timeline feature on your Google Account.

Timeline is a special Google feature that keeps a record of your location check-ins and routes taken for future reference. You can review it on the Google Maps app in case you need to visit the same place again. On the other hand, you can easily toggle it off if you don’t want Google tracking down your specific whereabouts. Here’s the guide on how to do it in easy steps.

For mobile users

Step 1: Launch the Google mobile application on your Android smartphone.

Step 2: Click your Profile icon at the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Click Google Account.

Step 4: Click Data Privacy.

Step 5: Find and click Timeline.

Step 6: Scroll down and then tap the Turn Off button.

For web users

Step 1: Visit the official website of My Google Activity. Right after, log in to the Gmail account you particularly use on your Android mobile device.

Step 2: On the main dashboard, click Timeline.

Step 3: Scroll it down and then click the Turn Off button.

Method 4: Remove visits on Google Maps.

If Timeline is previously activated on your Android device, chances are Google Maps has recorded all your recent visits. Don’t worry. You can easily delete them and finally turn off Google location tracking once and for all. Here’s a short guide on how to do it in easy steps.

Step 1: Launch the Google Maps app on your Android smartphone.

Step 2: Click the Profile icon at the top-right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Then click Your Timeline.

Step 4: Click Places. Scroll down and then click Visited All Places just below the map.

Step 5: Pick a location and click the Three-dotted menu button next to it. From there, select Remove All Visits.

Conclusion

We cannot deny that Google location services make our lives a lot more convenient. Imagine you can easily locate a particular place and get directions by simply browsing Google Maps. No need to borrow an Atlas from the library just to find a location you want to visit. However, in exchange for this convenience, you have to share location access with Google. Some users are not confident to access this privilege at the expense of their privacy. Don’t worry. That’s totally fine. If you’re one of them, this article can help you turn off Google location tracking on your Android device.
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