Can You Really Be Tracked Through Your Phone?
You’ve probably heard someone say, “Your phone is tracking you.” Maybe it was a friend, a news story, or an ad warning about privacy. The idea that your phone might be spying on your every move can feel unsettling — but is it true? How much does your phone know about where you go? And more importantly, how much control do you have over it?
At TechPals, we believe understanding your technology is the first step to feeling safe and confident using it. This guide breaks down the facts about phone location tracking, explains how location services work, and walks you through how to check and adjust your settings so you stay in control of your privacy.
What Does It Mean That Your Phone Is “Tracking” You?
When people say your phone is tracking you, they usually mean one or both of the following:
Location Services: Your phone can use GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers to determine your approximate or exact location. This helps apps provide relevant info like maps, weather, or local business suggestions.
Data Sharing with Apps or Advertisers: Some apps collect location data and might share it with advertisers or other third parties to personalize ads or for analytics.
Both of these are true to some extent — but the reality is much more nuanced.
Why Does Your Phone Use Location Services?
Location services are essential for many features that make your phone useful:
Navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps need your location to give directions.
Weather apps use your location to show accurate forecasts.
Ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft use your location to find nearby drivers.
Find My Phone features rely on location tracking to help you recover a lost device.
Emergency services can use location info to send help if you call 911.
So location tracking isn’t inherently “bad” — it’s how your phone provides many important functions.
How Accurate Is Location Tracking?
Your phone’s location can be very precise — down to a few feet if GPS is active. However, when GPS is off, location can be estimated roughly based on Wi-Fi networks or cell towers. This means your location accuracy depends on your settings, the device, and network availability.
How to See Which Apps Are Using Your Location — And How to Control Them
Most smartphones give you granular control over which apps can access your location and when. It’s a good idea to review these settings regularly so you know who can see where you are.
For iPhone Users
Open Settings.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Tap Location Services.
Scroll through the list of apps.
Each app will show its current permission level. Tap an app to see these options:
Never — The app cannot access your location.
Ask Next Time Or When I Share — The app will ask for permission each time it needs location.
While Using the App — The app can access location only when it’s open and visible.
Always — The app can access location even when running in the background.
You can adjust any app’s permission here.
For Android Users
(Android settings can vary slightly by manufacturer, but this is the general method.)
Open Settings.
Tap Privacy or Apps & Notifications → App permissions.
Tap Location.
You’ll see a list of apps with location access.
Tap an app to choose permission options like:
Allow all the time
Allow only while using the app
Ask every time
Deny
Why Adjust These Permissions?
Some apps only need location while you’re actively using them. For example, a navigation app needs your location while you’re driving but not when it’s closed. Apps like weather or ride-share services often ask for “always” permission to update info in the background — but it’s good to verify if that’s necessary.
How to Turn Off Location Services Completely — And When It’s a Good Idea
If you want to be sure your phone is not tracking your location at all, you can turn off location services entirely.
iPhone
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.
Toggle Location Services off.
Android
Open Settings → Location.
Toggle location off.
Keep in mind:
Turning off location services disables many useful features, including maps, weather updates, Find My Phone, and some emergency functions.
Use Airplane Mode for Complete Disconnection
If you want to fully disconnect from wireless networks, including location tracking through Wi-Fi or cellular signals, turn on Airplane Mode. This disables all wireless communication on your phone.
On most phones, swipe down from the top and tap the airplane icon.
Remember this also disables calls, messages, and internet access.
What Is Ad Tracking and How to Limit It?
Many apps and websites use your location and other data to show you personalized ads. Your phone has settings to limit how much advertisers can track you.
On iPhone
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising.
Toggle Personalized Ads off.
You can also reset your advertising identifier to reduce tracking.
On Android
Open Settings → Google → Ads.
Enable Opt out of Ads Personalization.
What Does Google and Apple Collect?
Both Apple and Google collect some location data for improving services, but they give users transparency and control.
Apple states they use location data with anonymized identifiers and offer privacy features like on-device processing.
Google collects location data linked to your account but allows you to view, edit, or delete it in your Google Account settings.
Regularly reviewing your account privacy settings helps keep you in control.
How to Review and Delete Your Location History
If you use Google Maps or Apple Maps, your device might keep a timeline or history of your movements.
For Google Maps
Open Google Maps.
Tap your profile picture.
Tap Your Timeline.
You can view where you’ve been on specific days.
To delete history, tap the three dots → Settings and Privacy → Delete Location History.
For Apple Maps
Apple does not provide a timeline view but stores some recent locations for convenience.
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → System Services.
You can disable Significant Locations to stop Apple from logging frequent places.
Tips to Stay in Control and Protect Your Privacy
Review app permissions regularly: Remove location access for apps that don’t need it.
Turn off location for apps that request “Always” unless necessary.
Disable Location Services when not needed.
Use “Ask Next Time” option for apps that only occasionally need location.
Use Airplane Mode or turn off Wi-Fi and cellular when you want full privacy.
Limit ad tracking in your phone settings.
Check your Google or Apple account privacy settings and clear location history regularly.
What If You’re Worried About Being Tracked Without Permission?
Some people worry their phones might be spying on them without consent. Here’s what to know:
Apps can only access location if granted permission.
Malicious apps can sometimes misuse permissions, so only install trusted apps from official app stores.
Keep your phone’s software updated for the latest security patches.
Use security apps or antivirus if you suspect malware.
When to Ask for Help
Managing location and privacy settings can be confusing, especially if you’re new to smartphones or tech. If you want personalized help reviewing your settings or learning how to protect your privacy, TechPals is here.
Our friendly team can walk you through:
Checking and adjusting location permissions.
Turning off location services safely.
Managing ad tracking and data sharing.
Understanding your Google or Apple account privacy.
Using Airplane Mode and offline settings.
Visit techpals.org to schedule a session and take charge of your privacy with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Your Location, Your Choice
Yes, your phone can track your location — but only with your permission. This is a crucial distinction. Modern smartphones are designed with privacy controls that put you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to decide which apps can access your location, when they can access it, and for what purpose. By understanding how location services work and taking the time to regularly review and adjust your privacy settings, you gain full control over what your phone shares and when.
This control means you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for privacy. Technology should empower you, not worry you. It should make your life easier — whether that’s through getting accurate directions, receiving timely weather updates, or finding nearby services — without forcing you to give up your privacy or sense of security.
Location Services: A Tool, Not a Threat
Think of location services like a toolbox. It contains many helpful tools — GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, cellular triangulation — that your phone can use to understand where you are. When used thoughtfully and with your permission, these tools provide immense benefits. They help emergency responders locate you if needed, assist ride-share drivers in finding you quickly, and let you explore new neighborhoods with confidence.
However, like any tool, location services require responsible use. By setting clear boundaries on which apps have access and for how long, you ensure that location tracking serves you — not the other way around.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Privacy Without Losing Functionality
Here are a few simple, practical steps that anyone can take to strike the right balance:
Regularly review app permissions: Open your phone’s privacy settings and see which apps have access to your location. For any app you don’t recognize or rarely use, consider setting the permission to “Never” or “Ask Next Time.” For apps that genuinely need location — like navigation or weather apps — choosing “While Using the App” is a good middle ground that limits background tracking.
Turn off location services when not needed: If you’re at home or in a trusted environment and don’t need location-based features, toggling off location services completely can give you peace of mind. Remember that this will disable some app functions, but you can easily turn it back on when needed.
Limit ad tracking: Both Apple and Android phones provide options to limit how much advertisers can track you based on your location and other personal data. This reduces the chances of seeing ads that feel intrusive or oddly specific.
Clear your location history periodically: If your phone or apps keep a timeline of where you’ve been, it’s a good habit to review and delete this data regularly if you prefer not to keep a record of your movements.
Be cautious with new apps: Only install apps from trusted sources, and carefully read permission requests before granting location access. Many malicious apps seek to collect location data without a valid reason.
Your Privacy Is a Continuous Conversation
It’s important to remember that privacy isn’t a one-time setting — it’s a continuous conversation with yourself and your devices. As you download new apps, update your phone, or change how you use technology, revisiting your privacy settings helps keep your location information secure and your phone working the way you want.
Technology companies are also evolving, with new privacy features introduced regularly. For example, recent updates have brought options like approximate location (which shares only your general area rather than exact GPS coordinates) and clearer permission prompts that explain why an app wants your location. Staying informed about these changes lets you take advantage of new protections as they become available.
You’re Not Alone in Managing Privacy
Even the most tech-savvy people occasionally feel overwhelmed by privacy settings and data permissions. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this alone. At TechPals, we know that privacy and security can seem complicated at first, but with a little guidance, it becomes straightforward.
Our team is here to help you understand your device’s settings, walk you through privacy controls step-by-step, and answer any questions you have — no jargon, no rushing, just patient support. You deserve to feel confident that your phone respects your privacy and that you know exactly how to keep it that way.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
The best privacy tool you have is knowledge. When you understand what your phone does with your location data, why it does it, and how to control it, you gain peace of mind and a greater sense of digital freedom.
No matter your level of experience with technology, taking control of your privacy is possible. It just takes a few intentional steps, and the willingness to stay curious and ask for help when needed.
Your Location, Your Rules
Remember: your location information is personal and valuable — it’s yours to share, protect, or keep private as you see fit. Your phone’s location services are designed to work for you, but only if you set the boundaries.
Don’t let fear or confusion hold you back from enjoying the benefits of your smartphone’s powerful features. Instead, take the reins. Explore your settings, make choices that fit your comfort level, and adjust as you go.
If you ever feel unsure or want a hand setting up your privacy controls, know that TechPals is here for you. We’ll walk alongside you every step of the way — helping you take charge of your location settings, limit unwanted tracking, and enjoy your phone with confidence.
Need Help? TechPals Has Your Back
Want help reviewing your phone’s location settings or understanding privacy options? Ready to limit ad tracking, clear location history, or simply learn what your device is doing with your data? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Visit techpals.org and connect with a friendly TechPal who can guide you patiently through every step. With expert help and clear explanations, you’ll gain control over your privacy — and peace of mind.
