Why You Should Block GPS Tracking on Your Smartphone

In today’s world, mobile devices are a part of our lives. We use them for work, socializing, and even dating. With the rise of online dating apps and GPS tracking devices that can track location with a phone number, safety and privacy are more important than ever.

There are many reasons someone would want to block their GPS location from being tracked by someone else; it could be related to your job or personal life. Some people may want to avoid being tracked by their spouse or significant other, who may not trust them and want to know where they are at all times. Others may have an ex-partner who has been abusive in the past and doesn’t want that person to know where they are living or working.

Fortunately, there are ways you can learn how to block GPS signals and minimize this attack on your privacy. This article will provide you with some tips on how to block GPS tracking on phones and other electronic devices.

3 Ways to Disable Tracking on Your GPS Device:

1. Disable Location Services

This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the simple things.

On iPhones, you can either turn off location services entirely or select your preference for individual apps.

To review or change an app’s location permission on iPhone, follow these steps:

1) Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

2) Tap the app you want to manage.

3) Choose a location access option, such as Never, Ask Next Time Or When I Share, While Using the App, or Always (when offered).

To turn off location services completely, which is your best option for preventing hidden tracking systems from accessing your app activity, follow these steps:

1) Go into Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

2) Turn Location Services off by tapping on the toggle button and selecting "Turn Off" when prompted. This will disable all GPS tracker permissions.

It's important to note that turning off all location settings may prevent some apps from functioning properly. And instructions may vary with earlier operating systems.

To disable location tracking on an Android phone, complete the following steps:

1) Open Settings > Location.

2) To turn location off for your device, turn off Use location.

3) To control individual apps instead, open App location permissions and choose an app.

You can also review Google Location Sharing separately if you have shared your location with other people.

Note that various Android devices handle app-specific location sharing in different ways, so whether you have a Samsung Galaxy, a Pixel phone, or a Huawei phone, refer to your device's user manual for specific instructions.

2. Turn Off GPS and Cell Radio Signals

Airplane Mode turns off cellular connections, but it does not necessarily turn off GPS, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. To limit app access to your location, review Location Services or Location settings as described above.

Airplane Mode may reduce wireless connections, but it is not a complete tracking blocker. If you want to disconnect for a while, check out the SLNT Phone Detox Program.

On many newer phones, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can stay on in Airplane Mode.

3. Disable GPS Location Tracking

Your phone's location settings control which apps can see where you are. Your carrier can still see roughly where your phone is from the cell towers it connects to. The only way to stop both is to block all signals.

You can disable Precise Location on your Apple devices by completing these steps:

1) Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

2) Once Location Services is switched on, select your desired app from the list below and toggle "Precise Location" to off.

3) You must repeat this process for each app you wish to disable.

On Android phones, the wording may vary from device to device. Generally, you'll complete the following steps:

1) Open Settings > Location > App location permissions.

2) Select the app you want to manage.

3) If location access is allowed, turn off Use precise location to share only an approximate location (on supported Android versions).

4) Repeat for other apps you want to manage.

The Best Way to Block GPS Tracking

While doing these three things will minimize your risk of cell phone location tracking, none of them actually prevent it completely. The only way to actually stop all GPS tracking once and for all is to use Faraday bags for your phone.

SLNT phone bags block all signals, cellular, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, EMR, EMP, EMF, and radiation, allowing you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your phone is 100% protected.

And no aluminum foil, GPS jamming, or GPS tracker blocker apps are required!

Check out our phone bags that have built in Faraday cage to ensure your personal location information is protected.

Privacy is a fundamental right, and blocking GPS tracking serves as a proactive measure to uphold this right in the digital realm. Digital privacy empowers individuals to exercise control over their personal information and ensures that their whereabouts remain private unless they choose to disclose it.

Furthermore, blocking GPS tracking helps prevent the potential misuse of location data by unauthorized entities. Taking measures to block GPS tracking reduces the risk of such unauthorized access and protects digital privacy.

Blocking GPS tracking is essential for safeguarding digital privacy. By preventing the collection and misuse of location data, individuals can maintain control over their personal information.

This article was updated & reviewed by SLNT's Privacy Experts on 5/16/2023.