Location recognition in apps is an important permission and has many benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, it is important to be careful when agreeing to it, as this allows apps to know all the information about you. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the security of the location, network, and many other matters. We explained this in detail in the following article, so stay tuned.
What is location access and why do apps grant it?
Location access is a permission that an app requests from the user so that it can determine their location using GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks.
Why give it to apps?
- Some apps offer location-based services, such as weather, restaurant, and navigation, so it's important to give them permission to help you find the best service and help you reach your destination.
- To ensure security and prevent fraud: Bank applications and device verification must be site specific to prevent fraud and ensure that devices are secure and not hacked.
- Paid ads: Some free apps require location services in order to display their ads or nearby offers.
- Ensure the highest quality for users by providing them with offers and advertisements relevant to places near them.
Why should you prevent apps from accessing your location?
There are a number of reasons why it's important to prevent apps from accessing your location, including:
- Respect your privacy because the site details all the locations around you, your home location, and the places you visit frequently.
- Some apps require you to build robust profiles about yourself, including location, habits, and information about you and your family. This information can be sold to data brokers or targeted advertising users.
- To raise the level of protection so that you do not fall into the hands of ruthless people or expose you to harm, evil, fraud or theft.
- To save energy and protect the battery, because the site system runs on energy, which drains a lot of battery and Internet power.
How to prevent apps from accessing location on Android devices
Privacy settings steps on Android
- Open Settings on your device, go to Location.
- Tap on the app's location permissions.
- You will see a list divided into four categories such as:
- Allowed all the time.
- Allowed when in use only.
- not allowed.
- Ask permission every time.
- You can select an app in the list to change your location settings and protect yourself and your data.
Manage individual app permissions
- Long press on the app, then tap App info.
- Click on Permissions and change the permission for the site.
How to prevent apps from accessing location on iOS devices
Privacy settings on iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Privacy or Security.
- Click on Site Services and you can change them as you wish.
Control location permissions for apps
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Privacy or Security.
- Click on Site Services.
- Find the app and tap Never. This will help you prevent the app from accessing your location in any way.
- Next time you can choose (Ask Next Time or When I Share) and this will help you maintain your privacy even more.
Additional tips to maintain your privacy and protect your site
There are a number of tips you can follow to ensure you are maintaining your privacy and protecting your site:
- Make sure to connect to a known, virtual network and do not log in to any network you do not know, to protect your information.
- Make sure not to use unsecured public networks as they are often unsafe.
- Disable the location service if you don't need it to ensure maximum security and protection.
- Delete unused apps and update your software regularly to enhance app protection.
- Be aware when using social media to avoid being monitored and only share your location when necessary.
What to do if apps keep tracking your location?
There are a number of steps you can take if apps are tracking your location, even if you have taken all the steps to prevent this:
On Android and iOS devices
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth network failure.
- Turn off Google Location History.
- Check which apps you have given permissions to in Google and others if needed.
- Review your access permissions.
- Control ad tracking.
- Delete suspicious apps.
- Use a secure browser that offers high protection.
Frequently asked questions about preventing apps from accessing your location
Does blocking apps from accessing location affect the app's performance?
Yes, it may sometimes affect the operation of programs, for example:
- Navigation applications (Google Maps) It does not work properly because its operating system is site specific.
- Travel apps Like Uber, it can only work with your geographic location so the driver can know where you are.
- Delivery Apps Like (ready): It can only be used if you specify your location.
- Weather apps: Accurate information cannot be provided without specifying your location.
- Banking applications: In some cases, banking apps may stop working permanently once the site is not registered.
Can location permission for a specific app be restored later?
Yes, location permissions can be restored for a specific app later, as granting or revoking permissions requires the user's phone.
So it's easy to get location and app permission later or when you no longer need the app.
Are there any apps that can help me better manage privacy permissions?
Yes, there are some apps that help you obtain better privacy permissions to keep your information safe and confidential. They are:
- Permissions Manager for Android.
- iOS App Privacy Report
- Bouncer
