Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Turn off GPS
• Method 2 of 2: Configuring GPS Settings
• Warnings

By disabling GPS on your Android device, you can slow down battery drain and increase security. Android has several ways to track your location, but if you don't want to be tracked, turn off each one.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Turn off GPS

1. 1 Swipe down from the top of the screen. A table or list will open where you can turn Wi-Fi, auto rotate, and other features on or off.
2. 2 Find and click on the GPS icon to turn off GPS.

Method 2 of 2: Configuring GPS Settings

1. 1 Open the list of installed applications. To do this, click on the icon in the form of a table with dots (table size - 3x3 or 4x4). This icon is most likely located at the bottom of the screen.
2. 2 Open the Settings app. The icon for this app depends on your device model (but all devices call this app "Settings").
   • If you cannot find the Settings app, in the window with the list of installed applications, click on the magnifying glass icon (in the upper right corner) and enter “settings” (without the quotes).
3. 3 Scroll down and under Personal, click Location.
   • If you cannot find this option, look for it by clicking on the magnifying glass icon (in the upper right corner of the screen).
4. 4 Select a mode. Press "Mode" and select "High Accuracy" or "Power Saving" or "Device".
   • "High accuracy".This mode uses GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks to determine your location. In this mode, you need to turn on Wi-Fi. The accuracy of determining your location will increase through the detection of Wi-Fi networks and through determining the distance to the nearest cell tower.
   • "Energy saving". In this mode, Wi-Fi and mobile networks are used to determine your location, that is, GPS is not used, which saves battery power. In this mode, location determination will not be very accurate if you are driving or are far from mobile or Wi-Fi networks.
   • "Device". In this mode, only GPS is used to determine your location. If you are going to travel, turn on this particular mode, since it does not require a connection to a mobile network or to Wi-Fi.
5. 5 Definition of Google Location History. At the bottom of the screen, you will probably see the "Google Location History" feature. It stores information about your previous locations and, based on this information, makes predictions about the shortest routes, suitable restaurants and other things.
   • If you do not want your location to be tracked, turn off this feature, as it exposes a large amount of personal information to an outside company.
6. 6 Definition of E911. At the top of the Location menu, you will find the E911 option. You cannot disable this option as it helps users find emergency services.
7. 7 Additional measures. If you don't want your location to be tracked by corporations or authorities, turning off GPS alone is not enough. Do the following:
   • If you are not using your phone, turn it off and remove the battery (if possible).
   • Go to https://maps.google.com/locationhistory/ and click “Clear History” (left).

Warnings

• Do not disable GPS when this system is required for applications such as Google Navigate.