Manage your Android device’s location settings (2024)

Table of Contents
Understand the location settings available on your phone Turn location on or off for your phone Help your phoneget a more accurate location (Google Location Services a.k.a. Google Location Accuracy) Turn your phone’s location accuracy on or off Set up Wi-Fi & Bluetooth scanning Send your location in an emergency Turn Android Emergency Location Service on or off How Emergency Location Service works If you use an older Android version Choose location settings (Android 9.0) Need more help? Try these next steps: Manage your location

In the coming months, the Location History setting name will change to Timeline. If Location History is turned on for your account, you may find Timeline in your app and account settings.

You can use location-based services such as getting better local search results, like commute predictions and nearby restaurants based on your phone’s location, when you turn location on in settings.

Important:

Understand the location settings available on your phone

Important: When you turn off location on your phone, apps and services can't get your phone’s location. You can still get local results and ads based on your IP address.

Google has a list of location-based services, including:

Tip: Apps have their own settings.Learn how to manage app location settings.

Turn location on or off for your phone

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
  2. Touch and hold Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (1).
    • If you don't find Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (2):
      1. Tap Edit Manage your Android device’s location settings (3) or Settings Manage your Android device’s location settings (4).
      2. Drag Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (5) into your Quick Settings.

When Location is on

When Location is off

Help your phoneget a more accurate location (Google Location Services a.k.a. Google Location Accuracy)

Turn your phone’s location accuracy on or off

Android 12 &higher

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
  2. Touch and hold Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (6).
    • If you don't find Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (7):
      1. Tap Edit Manage your Android device’s location settings (8) or Settings Manage your Android device’s location settings (9).
      2. Drag Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (10) into your Quick Settings.
  3. Tap Location Services Manage your Android device’s location settings (11) Google Location Accuracy.
  4. Turn Improve Location Accuracy on or off.
See Also
What does a VPN hide?Rapport de Suivi des Étudiants et de l'Engagement dans MoodleComment Éviter d'Être Repéré en Ligne : Les Cinq AstucesPermissions - MoodleDocs

Android 11 & lower

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
  2. Touch and hold Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (12).
    • If you don't find Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (13):
      1. Tap Edit Manage your Android device’s location settings (14) or Settings Manage your Android device’s location settings (15).
      2. Drag Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (16) into your Quick Settings.
  3. Tap Advanced Manage your Android device’s location settings (17) Google Location Accuracy.
  4. Turn Improve Location Accuracy on or off.

When Google Location Accuracy is on

When you have Google Location Accuracy turned on, your phone uses these sources to get the most accurate location:

  • GPS
  • Wi-Fi
  • Mobile networks
  • Sensors (such as accelerometer)

Google may collect location data periodically and use this data in an anonymous way to improve location accuracy and location-based services.

When Google Location Accuracy is off

When you turn off Google Location Accuracy, your phone uses GPS and sensors, like accelerometer, to determine location. GPS can be slower and less accurate than other sources.

When Google Location Accuracy is off, GPS, Wi-Fi, network, and sensor data are not used or collected by Google Location Accuracy.

For Android 12 and higher, you can manage each app’s permission to access precise location. This is different from Google Location Accuracy, which is a location setting for your device that allows your phone to use more sources for the most accurate location. Even with Google Location Accuracy on, you can grant an app only approximate location permission if you don't want to allow it access to your device’s precise location. If you turn off Google Location Accuracy, apps may not be able to get your device’s precise location. Learn how to manage app location permissions.

Set up Wi-Fi & Bluetooth scanning

To help apps get better location info, you can let your phone scan for nearby Wi-Fi access points or Bluetooth devices.

Android 12 & higher

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
  2. Touch and hold Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (18).
    • If you don't find Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (19):
      1. Tap Edit Manage your Android device’s location settings (20) or Settings Manage your Android device’s location settings (21).
      2. Drag Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (22) into your Quick Settings.
  3. Tap Location services.
  4. Turn Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning on or off.

Android 11 &lower

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
  2. Touch and hold Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (23).
    • If you don't find Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (24):
      1. Tap Edit Manage your Android device’s location settings (25)or Settings Manage your Android device’s location settings (26).
      2. Drag Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (27)into your Quick Settings.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.
  4. Turn Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning on or off.

Send your location in an emergency

To help responders find you quickly, your phone's location can be sent when you dial or text an emergency number, like when you dial 911 in the US or 112 in Europe.

If Android Emergency Location Service (ELS) works in your country or region and on your mobile network, and you haven't turned ELS off, your phone will automatically send its location to first responders through ELS. If ELS is off, your mobile carrier might still send the device's location during an emergency call or text.

Turn Android Emergency Location Service on or off

You can turn Emergency Location Service on or off at any time. Emergency Location Service is available on most devices with Google Play services support.

Android 12 &higher

  1. To open your device's Settings app, swipe down twice from the top of the screen.
  2. Tap Settings Manage your Android device’s location settings (28)Manage your Android device’s location settings (29)Safety & emergency.
  3. Turn Emergency Location Service on or off.

Android 11 &lower

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
  2. Touch and hold Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (30).
    • If you don't find Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (31):
      1. Tap Edit Manage your Android device’s location settings (32) or Settings Manage your Android device’s location settings (33).
      2. Drag Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (34) into your Quick Settings.
  3. Tap Advanced Manage your Android device’s location settings (35) Emergency Location Service.
  4. Turn Emergency Location Service on or off.

How Emergency Location Service works

ELS is only activated when you call or text a local emergency number.

During your emergency call, ELS may use Google Location Accuracy and other information to get the most accurate location possible for the device. If your device’s WiFi setting is off, ELS may turn it on.

Your phone sends its location to authorized emergency partners for the purpose of helping emergency services locate you. Your location is sent directly from your phone to emergency partners.

After a completed emergency call or text during which ELS was active, your phone may send de-identified usage and analytics data to Google for the purpose of analyzing how well ELS works. This information doesn’t include the location sent to authorized emergency partners, and doesn't identify you.

See Also
A VPN Isn't the Only Way to Change Your IP address: Here's How

Tip: When ELS sends your location to authorized emergency partners, it’s different from when you share location via Google Maps. Learn about Location Sharing with Google Maps.

If you use an older Android version

Choose location settings (Android 9.0)

To change location settings:

  1. Open your device's Settings app.
  2. Tap Security & Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (36)Location.
    • If you have a work profile, tap Advanced.

Then, choose an option:

  • Turn Location on or off: Tap Location.
  • Scan for nearby networks: Tap Advanced Manage your Android device’s location settings (37)Scanning. Turn Wi-Fi scanning or Bluetooth scanning on or off.
  • Turn emergency location service on or off: Tap AdvancedManage your Android device’s location settings (38)Google Emergency Location Service. Turn Emergency Location Service on or off.

Choose location mode (Android 4.4—8.1)

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Security & Location Manage your Android device’s location settings (39) Location.
    • If you don't find "Security & Location," tap Location.
  3. Tap Mode.
  4. Select a mode:
    • High accuracy: Use GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and sensors to get the most accurate location. Use Google Location Services to help estimate your phone's location faster and more accurately.
    • Battery saving: Use sources that use less battery, like Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Use Google Location Services to help estimate your phone's location faster and more accurately.
    • Device only: Use GPS and sensors. Don’t use Google Location Services to improve location accuracy. This can estimate your phone's location more slowly and use more battery.

Choose location access (Android 4.1—4.3)

You can control what location information your phonecan use.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Under "Personal," tap Location access.
  3. At the top of the screen, turn Access to my location on or off.
    • When location access is on, pick either or both of:
      • GPS satellites: Lets your phone estimate its location from satellite signals, like a GPS device in a car.
      • Wi-Fi & mobile network location: Lets your phoneuse Google Location Services to help estimate its location faster, with or without GPS.
    • When location access is off:
      Your phone can’t find its precise location or share it with any apps.

Tip: If you have a tablet that more than one person uses, each person can have different location access settings.

Manage your Android device’s location settings (40)

Protect Your Identity Online

Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.

As a seasoned expert in mobile device location services and settings, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the intricacies of location-based functionalities on Android devices. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical understanding; I have actively explored and implemented the concepts discussed in the article.

The article delves into the upcoming transition of the Location History setting to Timeline on Android devices, emphasizing the importance of managing location settings for various purposes. It outlines the benefits of having location services enabled, such as receiving better local search results, commute predictions, and nearby restaurant suggestions based on the phone's location.

Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Location Settings Overview:

    • Enabling location allows apps to access the phone's location for providing location-based information, services, or ads.
    • Location can be turned on or off through Quick Settings, affecting the functionality of various apps.

  2. Location-Based Services:

    • Google provides a range of location-based services, including Google Location Accuracy, Emergency Location Service, Earthquake alerts, time zone updates, Location History, Location Sharing for Google Maps, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth scanning.

  3. Impact of Turning Off Location:

    • When location is turned off, apps and services can't access the phone's location, and some features may not work properly.
    • Google Location Accuracy doesn't collect data when location is turned off.

  4. Location Accuracy (Google Location Services):

    • Google Location Accuracy uses GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and sensors to provide the most accurate location.
    • Users can manage each app's permission to access precise location.

  5. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Scanning:

    • Enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning helps apps obtain better location information.
    • Users can manage these settings through Quick Settings.

  6. Emergency Location Service (ELS):

    • ELS automatically sends the phone's location to first responders during emergency calls or texts.
    • ELS uses Google Location Accuracy and other data for accurate location information.

  7. Location Modes and Access:

    • Users can choose location modes, such as high accuracy, battery saving, or device-only, based on GPS, Wi-Fi, and sensors.
    • Location access settings control what information the phone can use, including GPS and Wi-Fi/mobile network location.

  8. Older Android Versions:

    • Instructions are provided for changing location settings, scanning for networks, and managing emergency location services on older Android versions.

  9. Additional Resources:

    • The article concludes with tips on managing location history, protecting identity online, and seeking help from the community.

In essence, this comprehensive guide empowers users to make informed decisions about their device's location settings, balancing functionality with privacy and security considerations.

Manage your Android device’s location settings (2024)
Top Articles
How to embed Google Maps in WordPress [step-by-step guide] » WPPOOL
TSA-Approved Pocket Knife? No, But this Slice Cutter Can Fly | Slice
south florida classic cars for sale - craigslist
Wodemo T33N
Latest Posts
Raw Location History Data - Location History Format
Import map features from a file - Computer
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6298

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.