How to Turn Off Google Location to Stop Tracking You on Apple iPhone 12 mini

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 12 mini 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.

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.

Top 9 Apple iPhone 12 mini Monitoring Apps for Parental Controls

The iPhone monitoring apps to control the phone of the children proliferate in these times of Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. Many parents are in favor of using spyware software to keep their children safe without them noticing. These monitoring apps are available in the Play Store, on iTunes, and also on the Internet. Some are free and others have to be paid monthly.

We will proceed to introduce and recommend you 9 iPhone Monitoring Software parents need to know:

Part 1: mSpy

Name: mSpy

Introduction: This is a paid iPhone monitoring software available for iOS devices, Android, Symbian, and other operating systems. It is a very powerful tool to have access to the desired mobile information and is undetectable. Is necessary that the target device is connected to an Internet network to receive the required data.

Features:

Can record conversations in audios.

It is a GPS Locator.

Check the Photos and Videos in the gallery.

Pros:

Get access to a Control Panel to monitor many options.

It is affordable.

It has a feature that allows you to remove any personal data in case you miss your device.

Cons:

Can get incomplete chat monitoring depending on the Apple iPhone 12 mini device you have.

URL: https://www.mspy.com/

Price:

Basic: U$ 39.99 per month

Premium: U$ 69.99 per month

Part 2: Qustodio

Name Qustodio.

Introduction: It is a free iPhone monitoring with advanced features available for Windows, Mac, and iOS and Android mobiles that includes a control portal. You can categorize and control visited web pages, and even block sites that are used to surf anonymously online.

Features:

Take screenshots.

Check social networks.

Can block websites.

Pros:

Offers a keyword-searchable database that makes finding technical help easy.

Cons:

It does not have the option to dens text alerts notifications.

URL: https://www.qustodio.com/en/

Price:

Free: 1 user, 1 device.

Premium 5: U$ 32 per year

Premium 10: U$ 55 per year

Part 3: Kidlogger

Name: Kidlogger

Introduction: This iPhone monitoring software is completely free, works on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. It shows the number of times kids are using the computer or mobile phone and the list of applications used. The phone also shows the most used contacts, calls, text messages, and chats.

Features:

Time spend playing games.

Block unwanted applications and websites.

Can block the mobile for playing games during school time.

Pros:

It offers all the common features that the parents need.

Cons:

The basic service does not offer too many features.

URL: http://kidlogger.net/

Price:

Free

Standard: U$ 29 per year

Professional: U$ 89 per year

Part 4: Norton Family

Name: Norton Family

Introduction: It is an iPhone monitoring software that keeps parents informed about the contents that their children download from the Internet and can receive a message alert each time children try to enter one of the prohibited sites. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Features:

Activity history.

Location track by GPS.

Block websites.

Pros:

It has many filtering and blocking features

Cons:

It does not allow you to take screenshots

URL: https://family.norton.com/web/

Price:

Free for 30 days

Premier: U$ 49.99

Premium: U$ 59.99

Part 5: Canary

Name: Canary

Introduction: It sends an alarm to parents whenever their teenagers use the mobile while they are driving. The app knows when the kids unlock the phone and warn the parents if they exceed the allowed speed limit. It’s a free iPhone monitoring for iOS and Android devices.

Features:

Notify parents when teenagers cross the speed limits when they drive.

Can connect and receive a video between your home and your device.

Can receive an alarm on your device in the emergency case.

Pros:

Live streaming.

Privacy mode.

Cons:

Can receive false alerts.

URL: http://www.thecanaryproject.com/

Price:

Free

Membership: U$ 49.99 per year

Part 6: Teen Safe

Name: Teen Safe

Introduction: It’s iPhone monitoring available for Android and iOS devices. It allows you to see what the child is doing with his device and is useful for identifying bullying situations, it also allows you to track the terminal without your teenager noticing it. It gives parents access to their children’s entire telephone details.

Features:

Check the delivered and received messages.

Can check deleted messages.

Check Social Media accounts.

Pros:

Is not necessary to jailbreak on iPhone or root the Android to install it.

Cons:

Do not get support 24/7

URL: https://www.teensafe.com/

Price:

Free for 7 days.

Pay U$ 14.95 per month

For iOS devices: U$ 9.95 per month.

Part 7: Footprints

Name: Footprints

Introduction: This is an iPhone monitoring app for tracking the children and showing their location. Parents can know where their children are, also where they have been and set geographic boundaries and the app will warn you when those barriers are crossed in real-time.

Features:

Can track GPS location.

Check messages and social media accounts

Real-time updates

Pros:

Get online support.

Cons:

It is available just for iOS devices.

URL: http://www.footprints.net/

Price: U$ 3.99 per year

Part 8: Ignore no More

Name: Ignore no More

Introduction: This iPhone monitoring app is available for iOS and Android devices. It allows you to lock a mobile in the distance and to regain control of the phone, the boy should call the contacts from a list previously created by his parents, only those people will be able to deactivate the code.

Features:

Lock your child’s device when they do not answer your call.

Just the parents can unlock the Apple iPhone 12 mini device.

Pros:

Your child cannot remove the app without the parent’s authorization.

Cons:

Inaccessibility to social media accounts

URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ignore-no-more-parent-app/id951931313?mt=8

Price:

iPhone device U$ 5.99

Android device U$ 1.99

Part 9: MamaBear

Name: MamaBear

Introduction: This is an iPhone monitoring software available for iOS and Android devices

Features:

Can get GPS location

Know what kids are texting

Check kids social media

Pros:

See how fast your kids are driving

You can send your location to your kids.

Cons:

Has ads.

Cannot refresh fast.

URL: http://mamabearapp.com/

Price:

Free

Premium 3 months: U$ 14.99

Premium 6 months: U$ 24.99

South Korea to regulate and safeguard teenage activities online have come up with an innovative law. It has made control of teenagers’ phones a law and has determined that children, under the age of 19 who purchases a mobile phone are required to install an app that monitors their Internet activity. A failure or “forgetfulness” in the installation of such a surveillance system means that the newly purchased device would not work. In case you do not live in this country but still, you need to track your kid’s device, do not doubt, use one of our iPhone monitoring apps for any emergency case and protect your kids from unwarranted exposure.

How Do I Stop Someone From Tracking My Apple iPhone 12 mini?

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 12 mini 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.

3981454 people have downloaded it

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 .

Try It Free Try It Free

4,039,074 people have downloaded it

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 12 mini

• 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.

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