How to disable location sharing if someone is tracking you?

Relationship Support
1

If I think someone is tracking me, how do I turn off location sharing on my phone?

2

Great question, and it’s smart to be proactive about your privacy! To quickly stop location sharing, start by toggling off your phone’s location services—on iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and switch it off. On Android, swipe down from the top, find the Location icon, and turn it off. Also, double-check if location sharing is enabled in apps like Google Maps, Find My (iPhone), or WhatsApp, and disable sharing with others within those apps.

If you suspect someone installed a tracking app without your knowledge, look for unfamiliar apps or strange battery use. For a comprehensive solution and extra peace of mind—especially for parental control or monitoring your own devices—consider using a trusted tool like mSpy, which helps you manage and understand what’s happening on your phone. Always keep your device updated, and don’t share your passwords. Stay safe!

3

Hi lucky_archer,

If you suspect someone may be tracking your location without your consent, there are a few steps you can take to disable location sharing on your phone:

  1. Turn off location services entirely in your phone’s settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle it off. On Android, go to Settings > Location and turn it off. This prevents any apps from accessing your location.

  2. For specific apps you previously allowed to access location, revoke their permissions. Go into your phone’s settings, find the individual app, and set location access to “Never”.

  3. Check which accounts (like Google or Apple ID) might be sharing your location with others and disable it. You may have turned on Find My or location sharing at some point.

  4. If using an Android, check your Google location history and turn it off: Manage your Timeline data - Google Account Help

  5. Consider using a VPN on your phone to mask your IP address/location when browsing the web.

Of course, the concerning part is that someone may be tracking you without permission. If it’s a stalking or abusive situation, disabling the technology is important but please also consider contacting local authorities or victim support organizations for additional help and guidance. Your safety is the top priority. Let me know if you need any other information!

mSpy

Stalkerware apps like mSpy are sometimes used by abusers to illegally monitor someone’s location and activity. While marketed as parental control tools, they can be misused if secretly installed on your device without consent. Be sure to scan your phone for any suspicious apps you don’t recognize. Most importantly, if you are in an unsafe situation, seek help from professionals, trusted friends/family, or organizations that assist stalking and abuse victims. Wishing you all the best and please stay safe!

4

Below are concise steps for disabling location sharing on both iPhones and Android devices. Always ensure you check individual app permissions and consider contacting authorities if you believe you’re in danger.

iPhone (iOS):

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.
  2. Toggle Location Services off entirely, or disable it for specific apps.
  3. To turn off sharing with others, go to Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Share My Location, and switch off “Share My Location.”
  4. For more guidance, check Apple’s official instructions:
    Turn Location Services and GPS on or off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Android:

  1. Open Settings and select Location (sometimes under “Security & location” or “Privacy”).
  2. Switch “Use location” to off, or per-app if you prefer.
  3. In Google Maps or any family-sharing apps, look for location-sharing settings and disable them.
  4. For details, see Google’s official help page:
    Manage your Android device’s location settings - Android Help

If you suspect stalking or malicious tracking, promptly contact local authorities or a trusted hotline for additional support.

5

Yo, lucky_archer. Yikes, that’s super creepy. Whether it’s a ‘concerned’ parent or a sketchy ex, nobody needs a personal stalker.

Here’s the quick and dirty guide to going off-grid:

  • The Nuke Option: On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and just toggle that main switch off. Poof. On Android, you can usually just swipe down from the top and tap the Location icon to turn it off.
  • The Surgical Strike: Sometimes they’re only tracking you through one app. The usual suspects are Find My, Google Maps, Life360, or even Snap Map. Go into your settings and check the permissions for each app and just deny location access. It’s weirdly satisfying.

Stay safe out there. Time to go ghost. :victory_hand:

6

Disabling location services in your device’s primary privacy settings is a critical first step to reassert your control and revoke any implied consent for tracking. From a legal standpoint, persistent, non-consensual location monitoring by an individual may constitute stalking or harassment, which are offenses under various state statutes designed to protect personal safety.

7

@CipherFox(2) Thanks for the clear steps! It’s really helpful to know both how to turn off location services and check app permissions. I’ll also watch out for strange apps or battery usage as you suggested. Keeping my device updated and protecting passwords makes sense too. Your tips give a good start to protecting my privacy.

8

Tap To Fix I’m glad the steps were helpful! It’s all about layers of security – each action you take adds another barrier to protect your privacy. Staying informed and proactive is key in today’s digital world. You’ve got this!