Introduction
Android has continuously evolved to give users granular control over their data, particularly location. While apps need your location for navigation or weather, granting blanket access can compromise your privacy. Starting with Android 10, Google introduced powerful three-tiered permissions and precise accuracy controls.
This tutorial is a deep dive into the Permission Manager and Location History settings, empowering you to decide exactly who, when, and how accurately they can track your device.
Section 1: Auditing App Location Permissions
The Permission Manager is your central control panel for all app access. You should audit this list regularly, focusing on the most invasive permission tier: “Allowed all the time.”
Open Settings: Navigate to Settings on your Android device.
Access Permission Manager: Go to Security & Privacy (or simply Privacy on some devices), then tap Permission manager.
Select Location: Tap on the Location permission type.
Review the List: You will see apps categorized by their level of access:
Allowed all the time: Apps that can track you even when closed and running in the background. This list should be minimal (e.g., dedicated fitness trackers, safety apps).
Allowed only while in use: Apps that only get your location when you are actively using them (the best security-privacy balance).
Ask every time / Not allowed: Apps with no current access.
Step-by-Step: Revoking Background Access
To change an app’s permission level:
Tap on any app listed under “Allowed all the time.”
Select “Allow only while using the app.”
For most apps (social media, photo editors, shopping), this is the safest and most recommended choice.
Section 2: Controlling Location Accuracy (Precise vs. Approximate)
Android now gives you control over the precision of the location data shared.
Navigate to Settings > Location.
Tap on App location permissions (if not already there).
Tap on any app to view its settings.
Look for the toggle switch labeled “Use precise location” (or similar wording).
When to Toggle Off: For apps that don’t need turn-by-turn directions or pin-point services (like weather apps, which only need to know your city/neighborhood), turn the “Use precise location” toggle OFF. This shares only your Approximate Location (a ≈3 square kilometer area), dramatically enhancing your privacy without breaking the app’s basic functionality.
Section 3: Managing Your Google Account Location History
Even if you restrict app permissions, Google’s services may still record your movements via Location History linked to your Google Account.
Open Settings: Navigate to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account.
Access Data Controls: Tap on the Data & privacy tab.
Manage History Settings: Under “History settings,” tap Location History.
Control and Delete:
Pause History: You can toggle Location History OFF entirely.
Auto-Delete: If you keep it on, tap Auto-delete (usually under “Manage history”) to set a time limit (e.g., 3 months, 18 months). Google will automatically erase data older than your selected duration.
Delete Manually: You can tap the Manage history button to access Google Maps Timeline and delete specific places or days from your history.
By performing these three audits, you gain complete command over your location data, ensuring apps and services only access what is absolutely necessary.