Disabling GPS on an Android device is a good way to increase battery life and a good safety measure. Mobile phones and tablets with Android operating system provide different ways to track the position in which they are, thus increasing the accuracy of location; however, if you don't want to let people know where you are, you need to turn them off.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Disable GPS
Step 1. Swipe your finger across the screen from top to bottom
This opens a grid menu or a list of settings that can be activated, such as monitor brightness, Wi-Fi connection or automatic screen rotation.
Step 2. Find and tap the GPS icon
In this way you deactivate the geolocation function.
Part 2 of 2: Customizing the GPS Options
Step 1. Tap the "app drawer" icon
Depending on your device, this icon looks like a table of 4x4 or 3x3 square boxes and is usually found at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2. Locate and select the "Settings" icon
It may look different depending on the device; however, it is always referred to as "Settings".
If you are having trouble finding this icon, do a search. Once the app drawer is open, tap the magnifying glass located in the upper right corner of the screen and type the word "settings"
Step 3. Scroll down the screen and tap the "Location" option
Once the settings application is open, move the screen up for a while and find the word "Position"; it should be in the "Other" section.
If you have trouble finding this setting, you can do a search through the magnifying glass located in the upper right corner of the screen
Step 4. Choose "Mode"
Tap this function to choose between the options: "High Accuracy", "Energy Saving" and "GPS Only".
- High accuracy: This mode uses GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular networks to determine your location. This option also requires the activation of the Wi-Fi connection, thanks to which the geographical position can be determined with great accuracy; also activating the cellular connection, the accuracy improves greatly, because it is possible to determine the distance between the nearest repeater and the device.
- Energy saving: take advantage of Wi-Fi and cellular connections. This mode does not require the use of GPS, which is the function that consumes the most battery power; the location is not very accurate if you are driving or if you are away from cell towers or a Wi-Fi network.
- GPS only: This mode uses only GPS to determine the location of the device. If you are going on a long trip, this is probably the function you should use. You don't need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network or even a cellular network.
Step 5. Understand Google's "Location History" feature
Near the bottom of the screen you can see a section marked with this writing; this is an option that allows Google to keep information about the places you've been and make predictions based on that data. Forecasts predict the fastest routes to places you go often, better search results, or restaurant recommendations.
If you are worried about your location being tracked, you shouldn't activate this feature, as it transfers a lot of personal information to this large multinational
Step 6. Get to know the E911 service
This is an option not present on mobile phones sold in Italy, but if you bought the device in the United States, the built-in ROM may include the emergency location service defined as E911. Although not usable in Italy, this function cannot be deactivated, as it is designed to help rescue personnel locate a person in difficulty.
Step 7. Take a few more preventative measures
If you don't want large corporations or authorities to know your location, it's not enough to turn off GPS. Currency of:
- Turn off your mobile phone when you are not using it; if you can, take out the battery as well.
- Go to the page: https://www.google.com/maps/timeline. Click on the trash can that says "Delete all history", which you find on the right side of the web page.
