Privacy is a growing concern, especially when it comes to location tracking. Google has taken steps to increase your control over location sharing on your Android, making it easier to manage who can see your whereabouts. Let’s take a look at this new feature that Google is rolling out and how you can use it effectively. (iPhone users, follow these tips)
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Share location on Android in settings (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The new Location Sharing switch
Google has introduced a new ‘Google Location Sharing’ toggle that is now integrated directly into Android settings. This update eliminates the need to navigate Google Maps to manage your Location Sharing preferences. The new feature is part of the latest updates to Google Play Services and is designed to simplify and improve your control over location sharing.
What Location Sharing means
Before you disable this, let’s take a moment to understand why you want to enable it and what happens if you disable it.
Picture this: You meet a friend in a busy city, and instead of sending dozens of texts back and forth, they can easily see your real-time location on Google Maps. That is the power of location sharing. This allows you to share your exact position with specific contacts, along with useful details such as your device’s battery level or your estimated time of arrival if you’re navigating.
But if location sharing is turned off, your movements remain private. No one can track your whereabouts and your personal data is better protected against possible misuse. Apps and services lose access to your location data, which not only improves your privacy but can also extend battery life by reducing background tracking.
So before you make a decision, think about what best suits your needs: staying connected or staying private.
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Supported devices and software
The feature is mainly available on Android smartphones, including popular models from brands such as Google Pixel series (e.g. Pixel 6, Pixel 7), Samsung Galaxy series (e.g. Galaxy S21, Galaxy S23) and other manufacturers that stock or near-stock Android versions. Select Android tablets that support the latest versions of the operating system may also have access to this feature. The Location Sharing toggle is part of recent updates to the Android operating system, especially through Google Play Services. To effectively access this functionality, make sure your devices are running at least Android 12 or higher.
How to update the latest software on your device
Ready to upgrade? Here’s how to do it, but first backup your device data (just in case):
SThe settings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Go to Institutions
- Click System
- Crane Software updates
- Then click System update
- If available, tap Download and install
- Wait for the download to complete and your device to restart
Steps to update software on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to disable location sharing on Android
SThe settings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Open the Institutions app on your phone
- Scroll down and click Location
- Turn off where it says this Use Location so it turns gray. This will disable location sharing on your Android.
Steps to disable location sharing on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The benefits of improved location management
1) Improved privacy management
This new feature not only simplifies turning off location sharing, but also improves privacy management by providing transparency into who can track you. You can now feel more secure knowing that you have control over your shared information, which is especially beneficial in situations where privacy is paramount.
2) Easier communication with trusted contacts
Location sharing can be very useful for coordinating meetings, ensuring safety while traveling, or simply letting loved ones know that you have arrived safely. We’ve now shown you how to turn off location sharing, but here’s how to share your real-time location with trusted contacts using Google Maps when Use Location is enabled.
- Launch the Google Maps app on your Android device
- Tap your profile photo or initial in the top right corner
- Then select Share location
Steps to share your real-time location with Google Maps on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Tap Share location, or it could say New share
- To decide how long you want to share your location (options range from 15 minutes to ‘Until you turn this off’)
- Choose the contacts with which you want to share your location on the list. If they don’t appear, tap More to find them.
- If you’re sharing with someone who doesn’t have a Google Account, tap Copy to clipboard and paste the link in a text message or email.
- Crane Part to send your location
Steps to share your real-time location with Google Maps on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Keep in mind that people you share your location with can always see:
- Your name and photo
- Your device’s recent location, even if you’re not using a Google service
- The battery power of your device and whether it is charging
- Your arrival and departure time, if they add a location sharing notification
They can also see different information depending on how you share. Learn more about Share location.
You can always see illustrations of the people you share your location with (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s most important insights
Google’s new ‘Google Location Sharing’ toggle, now integrated into Android settings, simplifies and improves your control over location sharing. With this feature, Google strikes a balance between convenience and robust privacy controls, making it a welcome improvement for Android users.
Have you ever had a situation where enabling or disabling your location was critical? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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