Your phone constantly sends and receives signals unless you tell it not to. Reducing location tracking is about limiting signals you don’t actually need all the time. You are not “hiding.” You are choosing when your phone should talk, and when it should be quiet.
Step 1 - Use Location Services Intentionally
The fastest way to stop location data is to turn OFF Location Services. When that’s not practical, reducing location access app by app still makes a meaningful difference.
🍎: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → OFF or select apps from list
Use “Never” or “Ask Next Time Or When I Share” for most apps. Use “While Using the App” only for apps that truly need location to function. Avoid “Always” if possible.
👉 Watch: How to Do This
🤖: Settings → Location → App location permissions → OFF or select apps from list
Use “Don’t allow” or “Ask” every time for most apps. Use “Allow only while using the app” only when needed. Avoid “Allow all the time.”
Why this matters:
Location Services are the main control of your location data. They determine if GPS is used, if photos/videos get location tags, and if apps can log your location.
Step 2 - Turn on Airplane Mode
🍎🤖: Swipe down (or up) and tap airplane mode ✈️
Why this matters:
Turns off cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth so your phone is not broadcasting location signals or collecting data in real time. Prevents background tracking when you don’t need connectivity.
Important note: Android usually shuts everything off in Airplane Mode. iPhones may keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on for convenience (so your headphones and watch work). It’s important to check that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have been turned off, and if not, do so.
Step 3 - Turn Off Wi-Fi
🍎: Settings → Wi-Fi → tap ‘>’ → Toggle Wi-Fi ON or OFF
👉 Watch: How to Do This
🤖: Settings -> Network & internet -> Internet -> Toggle Wi-Fi ON or OFF
Why this matters:
Stops your phone from scanning for nearby Wi-Fi networks and revealing your presence (even if you don’t connect!).
Step 4 - Turn Off Bluetooth
🍎: Settings → Bluetooth → tap ‘>’ → Slide OFF
👉 Watch: How to Do This
🤖: Settings -> Connected Devices -> Connection Preferences -> Bluetooth -> Toggle ON or OFF
Why this matters:
Stops your phone from broadcasting its presence and avoids proximity tracking.
Step 5 - Avoid Livestreaming
🍎 🤖: Record Locally
Why this matters:
Livestreaming immediately links video to an account, time, and location and creates permanent platform records. Recording locally lets you decide later if, when, and how to share.
Part 1: How to Protect Your Location on Your Phone - WHY It Matters
These steps focus on immediate location safety. For everyday phone privacy tips, visit Shield Up! Stop the Snoop. To learn more about why privacy matters and how to take control, check out the Initiative.