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How does Google’s location tracking work?

Nowadays we control our daily lives using various Google services like email, maps, cloud storage, smart devices and AI tools. Google comes pre-installed in many gadgets like smartphones, TVs, speakers and laptops. These devices are always connected to the Internet and share your information, including your location. Even if you turn off your phone’s GPS, Google still finds a way to guess your location. Let us know in which ways Google finds your location.

In what ways does Google know your location?

WiFi और Bluetooth

The biggest signals Google gets about your location are from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Your phone detects nearby Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth beacons, even if you’re not using them. Google has a detailed database of these, from which it can estimate the area around you.

mobile tower

Another important method is that of mobile towers. When your phone is on the network, it is constantly sending signals to nearby mobile towers. By measuring the transmission speed of these signals, Google figures out how far away you are from each tower, a process that helps pinpoint your location.

IP address

Your IP address is also an important indication of location. Every Internet-connected device gets a unique IP address, which often provides information about your city or region. This is not always accurate, but when combined with other signals, the location estimate becomes more accurate.

How to stop Google from tracking location?

You can turn off Location History by going to your Google Account, so Google will not be able to collect information about your location changes. You can also turn off Google Location Accuracy on Android phones, which will prevent Google from tracking your location accurately from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the phone’s sensors, especially when GPS is off.

You should also check the location permission settings of the apps present in your phone. Many apps, like weather or fitness apps, can use your location. Set their permission to ‘Only while using the app’ or turn it off if not needed.