When you install any apps on your mobile phone, you are likely sending some form of data about your identity, preferences, or location to Google or some other tech companies without consciously being aware of it.
While it is not really surprising, it is still alarming that the Internet has a certain mechanism to track your location. According to an Oxford University study using nearly 1 million free Android apps in 2018, the majority of mobile apps contain utilities from companies, as per Internal Health Report. These utilities enable them to track and send data about users.
With the many apps that you've downloaded and installed on your mobile phone, how would you know which are the ones tracking your location? Continue reading to find the answer.
How to Know Which Apps Are Tracking You
- In order to see a list of apps that have requested access to your location data, go to the Settings app and click Privacy.
- Afterward, proceed to Location Services.
- Your phone will show you every app that can request access to your location data. You can check whether you've given permission to access your location. If you've granted permission, you will be able to see if the app can access your location at all times or only when you're using it.
- Simply tap the app to check the kind of permission you've granted. There are three different options. "Never" means the app will never be allowed to access your location data. "When Using the App" means whenever the app is open and active, it will be able to access your data. Lastly, "Always" means the app will be able to access your data whenever it requests it.
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How to Stop the Apps From Tracking Your Every Move
While some apps need to know your location in order to work correctly, many do not need this information, according to USA Today. To stop the apps from tracking your location on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
- First, go to Settings, then navigate down to Privacy. Afterward, tap Location Services.
- If the Location Service is on, it means that apps can track you.
- If you want to deny your device from using Location Services, simply slide it off.
- You'll find the list of apps under Location Services. Just tap on a specific app if you want to change the settings. Select from Never, Ask Next Time, While Using the App, or Always.
Meanwhile, on Android, check first to see which apps have access to your location. To check, simply follow these steps:
- Simply swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Location. If you cannot find it, search your Settings menu and find Location.
- Tap App permission. The list of apps that can access your location any time, only while it's in use, or when you give permission will be immediately shown to you.
From here, you can change app permissions. You can also try the following methods:
- Once you're on your home screen, find the app's icon. For the app that you want to adjust, touch, and hold the icon.
- Tap the Info icon, then proceed to Permissions. Next, tap Location.
- From there, choose from All the time, Only while using the app, Ask every time, or Deny.
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