Google still tracks you even with ‘location history’ turned off

Google still tracks you even with ‘location history’ turned off — here’s how to disable that completely on iPhone and Android

Aug. 14, 2018, 12:16 PM

A recent Associated Press exclusive demonstrated that Google will track and store some of your location data, even if you have the ‘location history’ setting turned off.

Luckily, it’s relatively easy to completely disable location tracking on Google, whether you’re using an iOS or Android device.

Here’s how to do it:

On iPhone: Click the link below, which will open Google’s ‘Activity Controls’ page

Use this link to open the Activity Controls page, and then uncheck the ‘Web & App Activity’ button on that page.

Next, scroll down a bit and uncheck the ‘Location History’ button

After this step, you’re all set.

On Android: Start by opening the ‘Settings’ tab, then click on ‘Google.’

Next, click on ‘Google Account.’

Click the “Data & personalization” tab.

You’ll then see the buttons to open ‘Web & App Activity’ and ‘Location History.’ Open both of these, and turn them off.

Now you’re all set.