Which phone apps are tracking your location? How to check in 30 seconds

Most of us have a wide selection of apps installed on our phones, many of which can access our location. While that can be useful for maps and weather apps, you might find that other apps are requesting more than they need.

On the plus side, checking which apps can track your whereabouts takes less than a minute. Both iPhone and Android have built-in controls that let you review permissions and block location access. Below, we explain how to take control of your location privacy and what to look out for.

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Check app permissions on Android

Settings LocationRecent accessApp location permissionsApp location permissionsAllowed all the timeUse precise location 

Check app permissions on Samsung

Settings Location App permissionsAllowed all the timeAllowed only while in useNot allowedUse precise location

Check app permissions on iOS (iPhone)

Settings  Privacy & Security Location ServicesAlwaysNeverAsk Next Time Or When I ShareWhile Using the AppAlwaysWhile Using the App Precise location

Some apps need your location to work properly

'It's always healthy to question why an app is asking for your location. The best approach is to look at context and whether tracking makes sense for what the app actually does.

'Map apps, taxi and food delivery services are obvious examples where location can be important. For other apps, you might find that limiting access to when you're using the app is enough. Apps that frequently check your location in the background can also use additional battery power.

'If you're unsure, you can always restrict an app's location access and see whether the features you use still work as expected. You can change the permission again later if you need to.'

Adam Speight, Which? smartphones expert

Other app permissions worth checking

Camera Microphone Photos Contacts 

While reviewing permissions, look through your installed apps for anything unfamiliar. An app you don't recognise isn't necessarily suspicious, but it's worth checking what it is.

For more details on how to keep your personal information hidden from prying eyes, see our guide to .

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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/which-phone-apps-are-tracking-your-location-aVEyM1D318wW