How to stop sharing location on Android

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To stop sharing your location on Android, you can disable location sharing through your device settings or specific app settings. This can be done by navigating to the Location settings and adjusting permissions for individual apps or turning off location services entirely.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
  • •An Android device running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later.
  • •Access to the device settings.
  • •Knowledge of your Google account credentials if you're managing location sharing through Google services.
  • •Important data to backup first: Ensure that you have backed up any important data, as changing settings may affect app functionalities.

Method 1: Disable Location Services

This method is useful when you want to stop all location sharing across your device.
  • •Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your Android device. You can find this in your app drawer or by swiping down the notification shade and tapping the gear icon.
  • •Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'Location'. This will take you to the location settings.
  • •Step 3: Toggle the switch at the top of the screen to 'Off'. This will disable location services entirely.
  • •Step 4: To verify it worked, check that the location icon in the status bar is no longer visible. If it is still visible, repeat the steps to ensure the toggle is off.

For Android 11 and later

In Android 11 and later, you may find additional options for location permissions.
  • •Step 1: After tapping 'Location', look for 'App permissions' to see which apps have access to your location.
  • •Step 2: Tap on each app to adjust its location access to 'Deny' or 'Allow only while using the app'.

For Android 10 and earlier

The steps are similar, but the interface may vary slightly.
  • •Step 1: After tapping 'Location', you may see a list of apps with location access. Tap on 'App permissions'.
  • •Step 2: Change the permissions for each app as needed.

Method 2: Manage Location Sharing in Google Maps

Use this method if you specifically want to stop sharing your location through Google Maps.
  • •Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your Android device.
  • •Step 2: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Location sharing'.
  • •Step 4: Tap on 'Stop' next to the people you are sharing your location with or toggle 'Share your real-time location' to 'Off'.
  • •Step 5: Confirm the action if prompted. You should see a message indicating that location sharing has been stopped.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to stop location sharing, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Location services are required' - Solution: Ensure that location services are turned off in the main settings.
  • •Issue: 'App still shows location sharing' - Fix: Check individual app settings to ensure location access is denied.
  • •Problem: 'Location icon still appears' - Workaround: Restart your device to refresh the settings.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: No specific keyboard shortcuts available on Android devices.
  • •Command line: Not applicable for Android devices.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'Location History' in your Google account settings to manage past location data.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

It's essential to regularly review your location settings to maintain your privacy.