Location · Settings guide
How to turn location on or off on Android
Sources checked · how we check
Location lets apps with permission use where your phone is. Switching it off stops your location being shared with any app.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Google notes some of these steps work only on Android 12 and up.
- On a tablet or device shared by several people, each person can have different location settings.
Source: Google: manage your Android device's location settings
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Settings
Settings → Location → Use location
- Open Settings and tap Location.
- Turn Use location on or off.
Source: Google: manage your Android device's location settings
Add a Quick Settings tile
Swipe down twice → Edit → drag Location in
- Swipe down from the top of the screen twice.
- Tap Edit, then drag Location into your Quick Settings. Tap the tile to turn location on or off.
Source: Google: manage your Android device's location settings
If the setting doesn't change
With location off, Google says your device's location isn't shared with any apps, and features that use location may not work properly, including location sharing, earthquake alerts and Timeline.
Source: Google: manage your Android device's location settings
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I turn off location on Android?
Google says your location isn't shared with any apps, and features that use location, such as earthquake alerts and Timeline, may not work properly.
How do I add Location to Quick Settings?
Swipe down twice, tap Edit, and drag Location into your Quick Settings.