How Do I Stop Someone From Tracking My Apple iPhone XS Max?

It has now become very easy to track a Smartphone using the GPS features of the phone. This can be done by tracking the phone number based on information derived from mobile carriers and also from the GPS chip on the phone which is used by certain apps in order to function well.

You may not want your GPS location tracked by anyone or by apps on your device. When playing games like Pokémon Go, the geo-location data on your device is used to pinpoint where you are for purposes of gameplay. In the same manner, malicious people can track you same way. Here you will learn how to stop someone from tracking your phone in simple and easy ways.

Part 1: How do people track your phone?

There are several ways in which people can track the location of your phone. This can be risky at times, especially if you have a stalker. These are the common ways in which people track phones:

GPS location: all Smartphones come with a GPS chip, which continually gives the GPS location of your device. This is great for several features to work on the phone, but it can also be exploited by malicious people. The GPS location is also used to find lost devices or persons who are challenged in finding directions and may get lost. Therefore the GPS chip function is a double-edged sword.

IMEI information: This is information that can be tracked using data that is found on your mobile provider’s servers. This is the information that law enforcers use to track crooks, and rescue teams use to track people lost in disaster zones. The IMEI gets recorded when your mobile device pings off mobile transmission towers that are nearby

The apps that are used by people to track mobile devices will track one of these two features. If you do not want to be tracked, then you have to find ways in which to disable these functions.

The sections below will show you how to stop someone from tracking your Apple iPhone XS Max with ease.

Part 2: How to stop my iPhone from being tracked?

If you have an iPhone, the following methods can be used to stop someone from tracking your device

1) Use Dr.Fone - Virtual Location(iOS/Android)

This is a tool that you can use to change the virtual location of your device(iOS or Android). The tool comes with powerful features that enable you to teleport to any part of the world within an instant, and even start to move around a map as if you were physically in the area.

Dr.Fone - Virtual Location

1-Click Location Changer for both iOS and Android

• Teleport from one location to another across the world from the comfort of your home.
• With just a few selections on your computer, you can make members of your circle believe you’re anywhere you want.
• Stimulate and imitate movement and set the speed and stops you take along the way.
• Compatible with both iOS and Android systems.
• Work with location-based apps, like Pokemon Go , Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook , etc.

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This could be especially useful when you want to trick the people tracking your device that you are actually in the teleport location. The beauty of the app is that you can permanently teleport to another place and stay there for as long as you like.

In order to see how to use dr. fone to teleport your device to another location, you can view the following video guide and click the button below to have a try, more user tutorials on this page .

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2) Disable Significant Locations on iPhone

• Start by launching “Settings” from your Home screen

• Next, tap on “Privacy”

• At the top of the screen, tap “Location Services”

• Now tap on “System Services” which is found at the bottom of the list

• After that, tap on “Significant Locations”

• Proceed and enter your Passcode, Touch ID or Face ID depending on the security settings on your Apple iPhone XS Max

• Finally, toggle the “Significant Locations” to the “OFF” position. The switch will turn grey, indicating that the service has been turned off.

3) Turn off location tracking of specific apps

You may turn off location tracking for specific apps that you feel might be used to track your position. This is how you go about turning them off.

• Start off by entering the “settings” app from your Home Screen
• Now go down and tap on “Privacy”
• From here select “Location services”
• Now go to the listing for the app and then select it. You will see three choices: “Never”, “While Using the App” and “Always”
• Make your choice and the Location Services for the app will be switched off.

4) Disable Share My Location service

• Access the “settings” app from your Home Screen
• Go down the list and then tap on “Privacy”
• Scroll down and go to the “Locations Services”
• Now choose the “Share My Location” option

• Now toggle the button to the right to turn it into the “OFF” position

5) Disable location-based notifications or alerts

Navigate to the “Settings” app on your Home screen

Scroll down the list until you get to the “Privacy” option; tap on it

At the top of the screen, tap on “Location Services” as you did before

Now scroll down the list and click on the “System services” option

Toggle the button on the right side of “Location-Based Alerts” into the “OFF” position

Part 3:How to stop my android from being tracked

You also need to know how to stop Google from tracking your Android phone. This feature can be used to track your device through other apps.

1) Stop Google Tracking on Android device

• Access the “settings” app on your Home screen
• Now check your accounts until you find the “Google Account” option
• Tap on it and then scroll down to the “Manage Your Data & Personalization” option and tap on it
• You will find “Activity Controls” where you can pause or turn off the service altogether.
• If you want tighter control of the tracking features, You can also scroll down until you get to “Manage Your Activity Controls”
• Here you can delete all your past activity records so nobody can track you using your location history.

2) Turn off Android Location Tracking

Apart from stopping Google tracking on your device, you may also turn off Location tracking of other apps as shown below

• Start by going to your “Settings” app and then choosing “Security & Location”
• Scroll around and look for the “Use Location” option and then toggle it to the “OFF” position

Many people would stop at this time and think that their location is fully turned off, but this is not the case. The Android device could still be tracked using IMEI, Wi-Fi, and many other sensors. To disable these, go to the “advanced” option and then toggle off the following features:

Google Emergency Location Service. This is a service that tells emergency services where you are located when you dial the emergency service number.

Google Location Accuracy. This is a GPS feature that uses the Wi-Fi address and other services to show your location.

Google Location History. With this, you can switch off the collection of your location history.

Google Location Sharing. This will turn off location sharing if you use it to connect with friends and family.

3) Nord VPN

Nord VPN is a great tool to fake your GPS location and stop people from tracking your phone. It works by masking your true IP address and then using servers in another location to fake your position. This tool is great for stopping people from tracking you using browser-based apps. It also does affect the GPS chip and stop it from transmitting your true location. Nord VPN has servers in countries all over the world, which means you can move your location to another continent to fool those who may be tracking you.

4) Fake GPS Go

This is an app that you can download to your android device from Google Play Store. It is safe and will not affect the normal functioning of your device. Simply get it from Google Play Store, install it, and launch it. When it is up and running, you have to use the map interface to pin the new location that you want to teleport to. Anyone who may be tracking you will instantly be fooled that you are in the new location. You may also move around using the Joystick feature just as if you are on the ground in the teleport location.

How to use Fake GPS Go

• From the “Settings” app, navigate down to “About Phone” and then tap on “Build Number” seven times in order to enable the “Developer Options”.

• Launch Fake GPS go and the grant it the required access. Go back to “Developer Options” and then go down until you find Fake GPS Go. Toggle it to the “ON” position.
• Now go back to “Mock Location App” and then choose Fake GPS Go. You will now be able to fake your location and stop people from tracking your device.

• To actually change the virtual location of your device, launch Fake GPs Go once more and then access the map interface. Choose a location far from your actual location and then pin it as your “real” location. This will instantly show that you have moved to this new location and throw off people who are tracking your Android device.

5) Fake GPS Free

This is yet another tool that you can use to fake your GPS location and fool people who may be trying to track your Android device. The tool is quite light and does not use up system resources making it safe and easy to use.

• Begin by unlocking the developer options just like you did in the step above. Then proceed to Google Play Store and download and install Fake GPs free.
• Go to “Settings > Developer options > Mock Location App”. Here you will select Fake GPS Free and then grant it the necessary permissions on your device.

• Return to your Home screen and the Launch Fake GPS free. Access the map interface and then check for a location far from your actual position. You may even zoom in and better pinpoint a new location.
• You will get a notification once you have successfully spoofed your location. You may now close the app and it will still work in the background ensuring that your location stays permanent in the new area you selected.

In Conclusion

If you want to stop Google from tracking your location, these are the methods that you should use to turn off your GPS location on both iOS and Android. You need to know that you are safe all the time and this is a step that you should take when you feel like you are being tracked for nefarious reasons. However, you should do this with caution as the information can also be used in a beneficial manner. The best option is to turn on the GPS when you need it and then turn it off when you do not, or use an iOS spoofing tool.

How to Turn Off Google Location to Stop Tracking You on Apple iPhone XS Max

The location services that Google provides to Android smartphones are indeed useful in many ways. For instance, you can use Google Maps to check a particular place you want to visit and obtain reliable directions to help you get there. Another thing, Google can also give you the exact location of your Android device in case you lost it somewhere. Indeed, Google’s GPS tracking feature comes in very handy whenever you need such assistance.

It’s true to say that Google’s location monitoring services offer tons of benefits to us. But at some point, we cannot deny that activating this feature somehow entails a certain privacy and security risk. That’s why many users opt to turn off Google location tracking and keep their whereabouts private. Don’t worry. It’s totally fine. You can implement such measures, too, if you’re uncomfortable sharing your location details with Google. All it takes to turn off Google location tracking is just a few taps on your mobile device.

In this article, we will discuss how Google employs location access on your mobile device. We will also provide some quick tutorials on how to turn off Google location tracking in easy steps. Continue reading below to learn more.

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 Apple iPhone XS Max device Control.

Step 3: Find and click Location.

Click here

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.

Part 3. Keep Your Whereabouts Private With Wondershare Dr.Fone

Google surely understands that some users are uncomfortable sharing their whereabouts with the platform. That’s why you’re given the option to turn off Google location tracking on your Android smartphone. However, take note that doing so might gravely affect the functionality of some Google products. If you don’t want it to happen, there’s an alternative solution you can try. Rather than denying Google access to your location, why not change it instead and register a fake one? Yes. That can absolutely help you conceal your whereabouts without compromising the quality of Google services. Don’t worry. It’s a piece of cake. Wondershare Dr.Fone can help you a lot in this regard. It has a potent Virtual Location feature capable of modifying your whereabouts and simulating GPS movements. Do you want to try it now? Here’s a short guide for you.

Step 1: Download Wondershare Dr.Fone from its official website. Subsequently, install it on your computer.

Step 2: Launch the newly installed software on your desktop. Once it fully loads up, connect your Android smartphone using a data cable. Follow the on-screen instructions to make sure that the connection between the two devices is stable enough to handle the succeeding procedures.

Step 3: Go to the left-side panel and then click Toolbox. On the main dashboard, click Virtual Location. Is it your first time accessing this feature? If so, Wondershare Dr.Fone will then download additional resources from the server. Don’t worry. The downloading process will only take a few minutes.

Step 4: After completing the downloading process, Wondershare Dr.Fone - Virtual Location will open in a separate window. From there, navigate to the top-right menu bar and then click Teleport Mode.

Step 5: Head over to the search bar at the top-left corner of the screen and then enter your desired location. Choose one from the suggestions that Wondershare Dr.Fone displays on the screen. Right after, click the Enter icon.

Step 6: The description of your chosen location will be then flashed on the screen. Read the details and make sure they are accurate. After that, click Move Here to proceed.

Step 7: The location registered on your Android mobile device will now be replaced with your modified whereabouts. Verify the changes applied on your smartphone by checking Google Maps and searching for your current location. One way or another, it must show the altered result.

NOTE: If you want to restore your original location settings, simply disconnect your smartphone from the computer and restart it.

Conclusion

At some point, 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. Is there a more conservative approach to address this issue? Luckily, there is. Download Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer and take advantage of its Virtual Location feature. It can help modify your whereabouts and simulate GPS movements without going outdoors.

5 Ways to Track Apple iPhone XS Max without App

The Find My Apple iPhone XS Max app is a great addition to your Apple iPhone XS Max, and as the name suggests helps you to not only track your phone in the event it is stolen, but also lock it so that it cannot be misused. But what if you don’ have the app installed? Does that mean that you have to bid adieu to your Apple iPhone XS Max forever? Not really, because we are about to reveal to you 5 different ways to track your Apple iPhone XS Max without app, so you can hopefully find your phone in the condition it went astray.

Part 1: Solution 1 – Apple’s iCloud to the rescue

Take note that this solution will not work if you haven’t activated the Find My iPhone service when you set up your device. If you have, here’s how to go about it.

Step 1. Get started by heading over to iCloud, and logging in with your credentials.

If you are greeted with the two factor authentication process, which asks you to insert a code that was sent to your devices, you can simply skip it by heading to the quick access link at the bottom.

Step 2. From the dashboard, locate the Find iPhone icon on the second row and click on it.

Step 3. Hover over to the All Devices dropdown menu and choose your Apple iPhone XS Max.

Step 4. The tracking process will now begin, and you should be able to see it displayed on an interactive map if successful.

Step 5. Once you know the exact location of your device, you can do one of three things—activate lost mode, trigger an acoustic signal or erase all data.

Part 2: Solution 2 - Google to the Rescue

Note that this solution will only work if you have Location Services enabled on your Apple iPhone XS Max.

It’s no surprise that both Apple and the search giant are fond of gathering information on all sorts of things, most notably your location. Google stores this information on its Timeline, so without ado, head to the Google Timeline.

Step 2. Select the present date from the left hand panel.

Step 3. Scroll to the bottom of the timeline, and select the latest location update.

Step 4. If your location is the same as your previous updates, your phone hasn’t moved so you go and get it from that location. Contrarily, if your phone has moved, you should contact authorities, and not go after the thief alone because you never know the type of person they are.

Part 3: Solution 3 - Using Google Photos to Track your Apple iPhone XS Max

If the above Google features do not work for you, the search giant has one more service that can help aka Google Photos.

This option is somewhat complex, and requires that you have the Google Photos app installed with automatic upload turned on. Further, someone will have to take photos with your Apple iPhone XS Max, and in the event it is actually stolen, this is highly unlikely.

Well, if you have the aforementioned prerequisites, head over to photos.google.com to visit your most recently uploaded photos. If you happen to notice any recent photos, click on them and check their location by clicking on the right sidebar. Again, if you do find the location using this method, it is best to contact your local authorities.

Part 4: Solution 4. Have another iPhone? Use it to Track one that’s gone missing

This method requires that you have Find My Friend enabled on both your missing iPhone and the one you’re going to use to track it. Good news is that starting from iOS 9, this feature is stock and will already be installed on the Apple iPhone XS Max device.

Step 1. Open the Find My Friends app on the iPhone that you will use for the tracking, and then enable Share My Location by tapping on their contact picture located at the bottom.

Ensure that the location is being Shared From This Device as there may be other devices connected with the same iCloud account.

Step 2. Next enable AirDrop from the control center of your Apple iPhone XS Max and make yourself discoverable to everyone. Further hit Add on the tracking iPhone, choose your contact icon and select Share Indefinitely.

Step 3. Once the tracking iPhone’s location is shared with your device, a popup will appear asking you how long you would like to share your location for, which is where you select Share Indefinitely.

Step 4. When you’re ready to begin tracking, open up the Find My Friends app, click on their contact (your contact in this case) to see its exact location in real time.

Part 5: Solution 5. Using mSpy to track an iPhone

One of the biggest reasons of using mSpy is that you can do much more than just track your Apple iPhone XS Max. With 25 features on tap, mSpy is geared towards keeping track of your Apple iPhone XS Max as well as those using it. This remotely managed software is compatible with iOS, Windows and Mac OS, and can be easily accessed from any browser.

It is designed for both home and commercial use, so whether you’d like to keep track of your kid’s text messages employee emails, mSpy can truly be your best friend. Things you can keep tabs on include instant messages such as from WhatsApp, emails, multimedia messages, incoming and outgoing calls and GPS locations.

Speaking of GPS locations, here’s how to get started with tracking your Apple iPhone XS Max using mSpy.

Step 1. You first need to choose between one of three plans, and your login credentials will be emailed to you upon successful completion of purchase.

Step 2. Next open the confirmation email from your computer and click the link to go to the mSpy control panel aka dashboard.

Step 3. Simply follow the onscreen instructions to install mSpy on the Apple iPhone XS Max device you wish to monitor.

Step 4. The interface is highly intuitive, so all the information you need is featured on as single screen. To track your Apple iPhone XS Max using mSpy, simply open up the dashboard, click on the top left hand corner to select the Apple iPhone XS Max device you’d like information on and then click on locations tab to view its exact whereabouts in real time.

There you go! Lost your Apple iPhone XS Max? We’ve provided you with 5 different ways to locate it, and we hope that one of them could help you recover your device.

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