How Android location works
Approximate vs precise location on Android: what apps see
Since Android 12, when an app asks for location you can grant precise location, which can pinpoint you within meters, or approximate location, which only reveals your general area, roughly a few square kilometers. You can change it anytime in Settings › Location › App location permissions, and choose "Only while using the app" for most apps.
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Step by step: Audit app location permissions on Android
- Open location permissionsOpen Settings › Location › App location permissions.
- Review "Allowed all the time"Check the apps with background access first. Keep it only for apps that truly need it.
- Switch to "Only while using"For most apps, choose Allow only while using the app, or Ask every time.
- Turn off precise where it isn't neededTurn off Use precise location for apps like weather or news.
- Check the Privacy dashboardOpen Settings › Security & privacy › Privacy dashboard to see which apps used location recently.
The permission dialog, explained
When an app asks for location, Android 12 and later shows two choices side by side: Precise and Approximate. Then you pick how long the access lasts:
- While using the app: only when the app is on screen or running a visible task
- Only this time: until you close the app
- Don't allow
Background location is a separate step
"Allow all the time" is never offered in the first dialog. Apps must ask for it separately, and Android sends you a reminder when an app has used it. Keep it for apps that truly need it, such as a family locator you set up yourself.
The location indicator
A small icon in the status bar shows when an app is using location right now. Pull down Quick Settings to see which one.
What location permissions don't cover
- Your IP address, which reveals your general region
- Nearby Wi-Fi network names an app may scan with other permissions
- Location saved in photos (EXIF), unless you turn it off in the camera
For developers: test both modes
Request ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION together with ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION and handle the case where the user grants only approximate. A location simulator such as Golub – location simulator for Android helps you check both behaviours on a real device.
Official reference: Android location permissions.
Frequently asked questions
Which apps need precise location?
Navigation, delivery to your door and ride pickups. Weather, news and most shopping apps work fine with approximate location.
Does approximate location still allow local results?
Yes. It's enough for local weather, nearby stores and regional content.
How do I see which apps used my location?
Open the Privacy dashboard (Android 12+) in Settings. It lists the apps that accessed location in the last 24 hours, and on recent versions the last 7 days.
Does turning off Location stop all tracking?
It stops device location. Your IP address still reveals your general region to the sites and services you connect to.
For testing, development and personal use. Please respect the terms of the services you use.